Get Started at CMS

Getting started at the Community Music School is easy. Our dedicated staff makes sure that students are involved in appropriate programs and works hard to pair musicians with a faculty member that is a good fit. We want these relationships to last a lifetime!

 

Not sure where to start? Complete the CMS Inquiry form and one of our staff members will contact you. Additional steps vary depending on the program, but staff will guide you through the process.

CMS registers students for individual lessons on a continuous basis, but the bulk of registration happens the week before each 18-week semester. 

Step 1: Complete the CMS Inquiry Form.

Step 2: The primary adult contact (or student if over 18) will receive an email containing links to required documents including a registration form, policies and procedures consent form, and the student handbook

Step 3:  CMS has a registration period at the beginning of every semester (Fall, Spring, Summer). During the registration period, students/parents can set up a one-on-one registration session to speak with one of our specialists (Ken, Rebecca or Justin). This is where we learn more about the student, their interests, their goals in taking lessons, and their availability so that we can place you with the instructor that best fits your needs. CMS continues to register throughout the entire semester - so don't worry if you miss the registration period. Just complete the Inquiry Form and one of our staff will contact you.

Step 4: The student is registered with CMS and begins lessons with their instructor. Bills will be sent to the student or adult bill payer once the student has been registered for lessons.

2023-2024 Lesson Registration Dates:

Summer 2023 (6-week semester) June 10 - 15, 2023
Fall 2023 (18-week semester) August 5 - 9, 2023
Spring 2024 (18-week semester) January 6 - 10, 2024
Summer 2024 (6-week semester) June 8 - 12, 2024

 

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

CMS registers for Kindermusik and Music for Little Mozarts classes prior to the Fall and Spring Semesters. Registration is now OPEN for the Fall 2023 semester.

Step 1:  Complete the Kindermusik® and Music for Little Mozarts Registration Form

Step 2: Once CMS receives a registration form, the primary adult contact for NEW students will receive an email with a student ID number and other important information about how to make payment and complete registration. Please note that registration is not complete and the class time and location will not be reserved until payment is made.

Step 5: Additional information including your Webster University email address (currently needed to access buildings) will be sent to the primary adult contact a week before classes begin.

Open Registration for Kindermusik and Music for Little Mozarts classes:

Fall 2023 (14-week semester)

September 5 - December 16, 2023

Spring 2024 (16-week semester) January 29 – May 25, 2024

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

CMS only registers new students for the Suzuki Strings program in September and in January.

Step 1: Complete the CMS Inquiry Form and indicate your interest in the Suzuki String Program

Step 2: The primary adult contact will receive an email with a link to sign up for Suzuki Parent Orientation (there is a $40 fee for Orientation). The Suzuki Parent Orientation Program consists of three sessions, usually on consecutive Saturdays, and is held at the beginning of both the Fall and Spring semesters.

  • Session one includes a description of the CMS Suzuki Program, a discussion of the Suzuki philosophy, and demonstration performances by our current Suzuki students.
  • Session two includes an observation of group lessons and a discussion about the parents’ role as the home teacher.
  • Session three focuses on what to expect at lessons, followed by registration in the Suzuki program.

All three sessions are for parents only and should be attended by the parent who will be the Suzuki practice partner at home. Students are encouraged to attend the group lesson observation during the second session, but childcare will need to be arranged during the parent session. Also during the three-week program, parents and their future Suzuki students are expected to observe at least one individual lesson, which gives our CMS instructors an opportunity to meet prospective students and assess their readiness to begin.

Step 3: Students are registered and begin weekly lessons with their instructor. Bills will be sent after they are registered for lessons.

 

Suzuki Strings program Orientation Dates:

Fall 2023 Semester September 16, 2023 September 23, 2023 September 30, 2023
Spring 2024 Semester January 20, 2024 January 27, 2024 February 3, 2024

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

Applications to audition are now OPEN for String Ensemble, String Orchestra, YPCO, YPSO, and YPOP. Please check minimum audition requirements at Orchestras & Ensembles.

Step 1: Complete the Audition Application. The application period runs May 1 – June 30.

Step 2: Prepare for the audition. Click here for audition requirements for each orchestra/ensemble level. Audition excerpts required for each orchestra/ensemble will be posted to the website in July.

Step 3: Look for an email from the CMS which will contain your audition date and time slot in early August.

Step 4: Attend your audition. All auditions will be held at the CMS Center at 535 Garden Avenue in Webster Groves.

Step 5: Audition results are sent out in early September.

  Applications Open Audition Dates
String Ensemble April 1 - June 30, 2023 August 26 - 27, 2023
String Orchestra April 1 - June 30, 2023 August 26 - 27, 2023
Young People's Concert Orchestra (YPCO) April 1 - June 30, 2023

Wind, Brass, Percussion: August 13, 2023
Strings: August 19 - 20, 2023

Young People's Symphonic Orchestra (YPSO) April 1 - June 30, 2023 Wind, Brass, Percussion: August 13, 2023
Strings: August 19 - 20, 2023
Young People's Orchestra Percussion (YPOP) April 1 - June 30, 2023 UPDATED: August 13, 2023
Webster University High School Jazz Ensemble April 1 - June 30, 2023 Auditions are by appointment

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

The CMS Preparatory Program requires an audition. Please check minimum audition requirements at Preparatory Program.

Step 1: Complete the Audition Application. Applications for in-person auditions are accepted until September 1st.  Applications for video auditions will be accepted throughout the academic year.

Step 2: The primary adult contact will receive an email that includes specific audition instructions.

Step 3: Once auditions are complete, students will be notified and registered. The program begins in late September. Bills will be sent to the adult contact once a student has been registered.

  Application Deadline Auditions Session Dates
2023-2024 Preparatory Program September 1, 2023 September 9 & 10, 2023

Fall Rotation: October 2 - November 17, 2023
Winter Rotation: January 2 - February 21, 2024
Spring Rotation: March 4 - April 21, 2024

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

 

Step 1:  Complete the CMS Inquiry Form.

Step 2:  You will receive notification through Constant Contact when registration opens for Summer 2023 (usually starting in late January/early February)

Step 3:  Complete the Summer Programs Registration Form.

Step 4:  The student/primary adult will receive an email with payment instructions.

Step 5:  Once payment has been received, the student will be registered.

Step 6:  Additional information specific to individual summer programs will be sent closer to program dates.