Recitals Build Confidence, Celebrate Progress, and Strengthen Community

A unique advantage of being a Community Music School student is the chance to perform in a formal recital setting in the 470-seat Concert Hall. During the 2024-2025 academic year, CMS hosted 74 recitals including CMS school recitals, Suzuki recitals and privately coordinated studio recitals resulting in a total of 792 solo performances.

Twenty-seven of these presentations are official CMS School Recitals — three programs offered on each recital date. Four dates are scheduled during the fall semester, September through December, and five are offered in the spring, January through May. New this year, CMS is piloting an adult-only recital on Friday, Jan. 24, at 2 p.m. in the Thompson House, providing a supportive performance environment specifically for adult learners.

Participation in recitals is not only celebratory — it is educationally meaningful. Research consistently demonstrates that formal performance opportunities reinforce practice habits, goal-setting and resilience, while improving memory recall, stage comfort and musicianship skills.

Performing in a recital, whether it is the student's very first or one of many, builds confidence, develops professionalism at any age and provides a meaningful milestone to celebrate progress.

CMS encourages students to work with their teacher to select a recital date and make recital participation part of their musical journey this year. Each program brings together students, faculty, friends and families to share artistry in an encouraging environment. Recitals remain one of the most rewarding parts of studying music — and one of the most memorable.