History of the Young Years Program at the CMS
Kindermusik® class with Donna Evans
The Community Music School (CMS) of Webster University’s Young Years Program, now known as the Early Childhood Program, has been dedicated to nurturing a love of music in young children for over three decades.
The journey of this impactful initiative began in 1992 with its founding by Donna Evans, a licensed Kindermusik® teacher, who brought her passion for music education to what was then known as CASA (the Conservatory and School for the Arts).
The Young Years Program quickly proved its value and potential, fueled by emerging research that highlighted the critical link between early music education and brain development in children. Parents recognized the benefits of engaging their children in music at an early age. The Young Years Program met this demand with creative, research-based instruction that blended musical play with essential skill development.
In addition to the internationally recognized Kindermusik program, the Young Years Program included:
- Group Keyboard Classes: Innovative courses such as "Music Makers at the Keyboard" by Musikgarten and "Music for Little Mozarts" by Alfred Publishing introduced children to the fundamentals of keyboard skills in a fun, collaborative environment.
- Family Music Saturdays: These events invited families to immerse themselves in themed music and movement activities, such as exploring American and Irish folk music, dance and orchestral instruments. This approach fostered a community of learners and made music a shared family experience.
In 2013, CMS took a significant step by acquiring the Kindermusik® Academy from retiring director Jan Fishman. This merger brought together the two largest music and movement programs for children in the St. Louis region, creating a robust and dynamic program that served children from newborns up to age 7 at five locations across the area. This strategic acquisition not only expanded CMS’s reach but also enriched the quality of offerings available to families in the St. Louis region.
In 2020, the Young Years Program was rebranded as the Early Childhood Program, marking the next chapter in its long and rich history. While the name changed, the program’s mission remained steadfast: to instill in children a love of music that lasts a lifetime. Today, the Early Childhood Program continues to provide high-quality music education through its signature classes:
- Kindermusik Classes: Continuing to build on a strong foundation of research-based learning, Kindermusik classes, playdates and summer camps engage children in age-appropriate music and movement activities that foster creativity, social interaction and early musical literacy. Kindermusik classes are offered in three locations, Chesterfield, Des Peres and Webster Groves.
- Piano Carnival: This sequential program introduces children to piano through interactive and imaginative lessons that spark a love of music and help develop foundational keyboard skills.
- Group Piano for Elementary Students: Designed for slightly older children, these classes offer a supportive environment to build piano technique, music theory knowledge and performance confidence in a group setting.
From its beginnings under the leadership of Donna Evans, the Young Years Program has grown to become a cherished part of CMS’s educational offerings. Generations of children have started their musical journeys through its classes, often continuing on to private lessons, children’s choirs, school music programs and other musical pursuits. Throughout the years, the mission has always been to inspire and nurture a lifelong love of music — a mission that remains at the heart of the Community Music School of Webster University today.
Research by Linda Chickos; Draft by China Thomas