I'm so happy to have discovered CSMA! When my child started private lessons in elementary school, she was rather tentative about the idea. Through gentle and consistent teaching, her instructor helped her blossom as a musician, such that now she is a CSMA merit scholar. Beyond the fulfillment she gets from making beautiful music, the whole process has immensely helped her with nervousness in front of groups, and has developed her poise. When I began to learn more about CSMA I was amazed to find the extent of art and music instruction they provide in schools here in the bay area- thousands and thousands of children get instruction in arts and in music through them. In ancient times.... when Prop 13 first passed, I gathered over 800 signatures to (successfully) petition the Saratoga school board to keep school music programs alive- it's been an important issue for me throughout my whole life. I'm so grateful that CSMA is here to provide this important service!
I have been with CSMA for almost four years now, and have worked as a teacher for both the in-school and on-site programs, as well as in an administrative capacity. Prior to working here, I had attended several concerts through CSMA's Community Concert Series, and my husband and his brother had even taken drum lessons there with Jim Kassis in their youth! It has been so rewarding to work at CSMA and be surrounded by passionate, driven coworkers, and to have the opportunity to bring music into our students' lives. Although I am now working full-time as an administrator, I will always cherish and value my time teaching in CSMA's programs. Getting to spend my time teaching music to kids who otherwise wouldn't be receiving music education in their elementary schools was incredibly special. It has been a delight to teach in CSMA's programs, and a privilege to work as an administrator as well.
I have been associated with CSMA since 2002. My children took music lessons and also did summer art camps at CSMA. We really liked that the school offered variety of music and art classes for all skill levels and age groups. The staff is very supportive and encouraging. I also appreciated that CSMA offered art and music lessons at local public schools where the funding for arts and music has been dwindling over the past decade or so. I am really glad to be associated with CSMA as a board member. The all volunteer board members are passionate about CSMA and it's goal to ensure that all children in the community have access to an arts/music program.
My daughter started her piano studies at the Community School of Music and Arts a few years ago after we worked with a number of piano teachers around the peninsula. I found that the high standards as well as the countless opportunities to perform in lots of settings makes this an incredible space for learning and discovery. We have seen countless performances by students and by professionals in the Tateuchi Hall. My sons are now also taking piano and guitar at the school and each teacher is able to meet the needs and curiosity of my children. I recommend them to anyone who is looking for a space to learn about and enjoy art and music!
CSMA is an amazing institution that provides wonderful opportunities for people of all ages to discover talents they didn't know they had!
The preschool art classes are wonderful. My timid daughter has come out of her shell through their process-oriented classes and gentle, patient teachers. She is able to get messy, have fun and show off her artwork. These classes create a great space for her to explore without making a mess at home. I have recommended preschool classes to lots of friends.
I’ve been with CSMA for three years. I have worked in the Art4Schools program, summer camp, and corporate arts program. What keeps me coming back to work every day is knowing that this is a place where I belong. I am surrounded by a group of amazing artists, musicians, and staff that help create an environment where students as well as teachers feel they can express themselves.
My boys are students of a Mountain View elementary school, where CSMA provides Music and Arts instruction during the school time. My younger boy has been enjoying the art lessons all the times. The artwork they brought home sometimes really impressed me--- kids learned certain concept/topic, used interesting lines/colors/tools, then created very unique art! My older boy has learned how to play recorder and now learning trumpet (his own choice from multiple orchestra instruments) at school thru CSMA's music class. I am very impressed with the patience and skills of the teachers. They keep the 25-30+ kids per class kids in order. I was also surprised with the year-end recorder performance-- the whole grade was really playing in harmony. My boy has been diligently practicing the trumpet and I can see he is having fun. I look forward to the orchestra performance year-end!
My daughter started and continued her music education till now as her freshman year in High school. She loves music and enjoy playing on stage. CSMA not only provide lessons to students, it also host countless concerts to enrich and outreach our communities. It provides complete music lessons to educate future musicians. My daughter is so proud of being part of it. We feel grateful having this music school nearby our neighborhood, and will continue to recommend it to everyone we know.
Many parents always ask me where do you find such great music teacher for your daughter? I always recommend CSMA where is the best one in SF bay area.
Hello, I am a mother of CSMA student. My son is taking piano lesson for almost 10 years! The experience is amazing! He enjoys his piano lessons. He received an excellent music education. During those years my son took also all music theory classes( 8 levels) and music history class. We love student recitals, we enjoy how beautiful students are playing! I will recommend CSMA to every age through K till 12 grade & adults too.The experience with this music school is excellent!
great school and music programs! My daughter started private lesson at CSMA 3 year ago, she had enjoyed her every class since then. Not only the technical skills she has improved , but she also developed performance skills from the recitals CSMA provides thought out the year. The summer camps at CSMA are kids' favorite! Both of my kids went to the verity activities offered at CSMA last summer, from drawing, singing, dancing, to digital photographer, etc... they are super fun!
My grand daughters have taken piano lessons at CSMA for several years. I appreciate the thorough and inspirational teaching at the school. Also I love the experience for them AND for us - of attending their recitals several times a year. ! Indeed CSMA teaches many instruments as well as art lessons at the Finn Center. In our local schools - from San Mateo down to Las Gatos, CSMA has a wonderful curricululm in both music and art that progresses through the grades in many of our elementary school districts. It was a treat for me to visit a Mountain View school last May to see an amazing display of their art work - from K to 6th grade!
I first learned about the CSMA when my daughter was asked to be in a free strings program in the summer before middle school. That was great as it really inspired all of the kids chosen (often needy children) to continue with music in middle school. My daughter's major in music in college was in jeopardy until the CSMA worked with her one on one during the summer so that she would be proficient in music theory. Our area is extremely fortunate to have the CSMA which provides to everyone (whether they can pay or not) a variety of music and art classes for both those wanting to excel in art or music or for those who just enjoy them
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My daughter is a music major in college. she loves music but couldn't stay in the major unless she passed music theory classes, for which she was ill prepared. she was devasted that she might have to change majors. I called the CSMA and they put together a rigorous one on one program to teach my daughter the basics of music theory so she do well in the college courses. It worked and she is getting a B+ in music theory and can remain a music major.
Both my daughters had music and art education for over 10 years at CSMA. All of the teachers are highly qualified and wonderful. This is the best school of its kind in the Bay Area.
I believe in the work of CSMA! It shows up in so many places in our community. Music and visual art education are underfunded in our schools and may not be offered at all in schools,. CSMA offers music and art docent programs in many of our local schools giving our children an outlet for creative expression. They also are know for offering high quality, sequential private lessons and guide many excellent junior musicians. These are only a couple of CSMA's programs. If you want to see for yourself please come to one of their frequent community concerns. Most are offered free to the public.
Experience it yourself. You too will be a believer!
CSMA is a great addition to our community. They have a great variety of classes for children and adults to learn skills in the arts. My niece has taken several art classes there, and she has thoroughly enjoyed each one.
I moved to Mountain View with my 7 year old daughter a little over a year ago from Los Angeles. I was so excited to find CSMA for her. My daughter has taken 3 art classes already and loves the teacher and projects. CSMA has really helped me support her love for creativity.
Over the last eight years, my children took a variety of music lessons (piano, violin, viola, music theories) from CSMA. Many teachers are very kind, nurturing and encouraging. For example, Mr. Anthony Doheny has been my son's viola teacher for years. He is extremely good at fostering a relaxing and fun atmosphere. No matter how challenging my son's academics and other extracurricular activities are, my son always loves learning from Mr. Doheny. Without Mr. Doheny, I doubt that my son would still play the viola during his busiest high school years.
Both my children started taking art classes at CSMA during preschool. It was a wonderful experience. I liked that the instructors exposed them to different artists and styles. It's an experience I wish I had as a child, and I'm thankful my children had this opportunity at CSMA. I made my first donation years ago with the hope that an underprivileged child might have a similar opportunity, and I continue to give today knowing that CSMA's mission is to bring arts to all. What a valuable community resource!
I have been with CSMA since 1997 and have taught onsite classes ranging from preschool music (then called Adventures in Music), Group singing classes, and summer camps. In addition, I taught in the Music4Schools program from 1997-2015 and again from 2017-18. During my tenure in the M4S program, I taught TK - 3rd grade general music, 4th grade recorder, and after-school chorus. I also taught in special day classes in K-5th grade. Currently, I teach the Special Needs music classes onsite at CSMA.
CSMA is a great place to teach both onsite and off. I have always felt supported and valued by my supervisors. CSMA has so much to offer for students of all ages. Whether you're interested in art or music in private lessons or groups, I highly recommend coming to CSMA. The building is clean and modern with friendly staff at the front desk who are willing to help anytime.
Long ago my mom took art classes and I took music lessons from CSMA. Over the years I heard about educational benefits from parents of children who receive art and/or music education provided by CSMA at 58 public schools from San Jose to San Francisco. CSMA also provides financial aid to those in need, and merit scholarships to those who excel. For these reasons and more I joined the board to help CSMA make a positive impact in our community.
We tried out CSMA based on a friend's referral a few years ago and have been loving it. Both of our kids take lessons from Mrs. Dobrish who is very excellent in teaching piano. CSMA staff members are supportive, encouraging, and caring. The facility is well organized and welcoming.
Both of my children grew up with CSMA. My daughter is now 22, and my son 19. They attended music and me classes having fun with egg shakers and different instruments, group intro to piano classes with kind and interested teachers when they were toddlers. In elementary school years, they went to summer camps, made African masks, drew comic books, built bird houses, constructed pianos out of granite, painted self portraits, sang songs from Broadway and learned to play classical guitar and percussion. They were overjoyed when their art pieces were displayed in Mountain View City Hall, and even won an award. In middle school, their music education, theory classes allowed they to play with confidence and competence with their selected instrument.
As a Merit scholar in percussion and learning jazz combo really added to my son's confidence. I am glad to report that they have matured into interesting adults with healthy sense of curiosity and appreciation of the arts. As an adult, I have taken jewelry making classes with my daughter, digital photography, voice lessons, piano lessons and attended World Harmony Chorus. Music theory was challenging for me since i had no music background. Not only was I able to learn to read music, but develop long-term friendships along the way. We grew up with CSMA. It's a fabulous school that supports the community. We could be the school mascots!
I sent my kid to two of the summer camps CSMA offered and I was VERY impressed by the high quality of instruction. The Broadway Bound Camp really blew us away: 1. Kaye DeVries is the top voice teacher in this field; 2. They had a live piano accompanist throughout the camp, rehearsals, and performance; 3. Kids got to perform at the beautiful Tateuchi Hall. My kid was shy in the beginning but they really encouraged her--she ended up having a solo part and enjoyed the experience very much.
My kid is a real music lover. While we move back to Bay Area we were a little concern of how continuing of his music education, although we were accepted by the pre-college of SF conservatory of music, but choose to give a CSMA a try since it’s really very close to our home. It turns out being a very successful decision. Teachers in private lesson, composition and theory class are all super professional, it make a solid foundation and help to preparing for the exam and stage performance of my kid very well.
My kid and his friends also took some music camp during holidays, and they enjoyed a lot.
We also benefit a lot by their frequent listed concerts and events in Tateuchi Hall where artists from around the world!
CSMA is a great asset to the the whole community. We felt so lucky that we live so close to it.
Our children have been attending CSMA for private music lessons for 17 years now. CSMA has grown a lot during those years but still provides consistent, high quality music education for our family(We learn a lot from sitting in children's lessons). The atmosphere of the school is great. We enjoy seeing and hearing other people engaged in learning music and arts. We feel very lucky to have access to such high quality music education nearby.
I've taken a few different art classes at CSMA as an adult just for fun. Every class I took was really enjoyable and encouraged me to be more expressive. Meeting in person with other students and great teachers really makes a difference in my creative pursuits.
I love this school. I have a full time job but I love to explore my interest in drawing and music. I have been taking drawing class about a year. My level has improved tremendously thanks to great teachers. Their schedule is very flexible and cost is reasonable. I'm also taking my kid here to learn and he had a great fun. I highly recommend this school to everyone.
I am a teacher at CSMA and have had an amazing experience here. The range of activities is huge with very talented and passionate instructors and teachers. The administrative staff is very professional. The grounds are lovely and well kept. So grateful to have a space like this, fostering creativity in the community, and giving a platform to children and adults alike!
It is a delight to teach music at CSMA! The school provides a creative and supportive environment for both faculty and students. CSMA is unique in providing quality music and art classes for all ages, from preschoolers to advanced students and adults. Growing up in the Bay Area, I only wish I had known about CSMA before going to study music in college (San Francisco Conservatory). I would have taken theory classes and studied privately with recital opportunities. Please avail yourself of this wonderful resource in our community!
CSMA has provided wonderful experiences for everyone in my family--music lessons plus music and art classes for me; music lessons and art summer camps for my kids; volunteer leadership and employment opportunities for my kids; and free concerts and art exhibits that our family had experienced for years. My kids also both had the music and art curriculum in their elementary school provided by CSMA. It's good to know also that CSMA makes its services available to people of all ages and abilities, regardless of ability to pay. It's a valuable community resource.
l have taken both art and music classes for adults at CSMA over the last few years.I have enjoyed them all - the instructors are excellent and the scope of the courses is broad enough to cover all skill levels. I also participated in the World Harmony Chorus, which is a wonderful way to get the community singing, and have attended free concerts there as well. CSMA is a wonderful community asset and I look forward to taking additional classes there. I highly recommend it to everyone I know.
My name is Taylor Eigsti, and I am a professional jazz pianist who grew up in the Bay Area, CA. I first became involved with CSMA when I was 6 years old, taking jazz piano lessons with Randy Masters, along with some art classes at the same facility. I continued to take lessons there for about 7 or 8 years, and I was always surrounded by a real community of people who care about the students, and access to the arts for people of all ages. Every year more and more funding is cut for arts programs across the country, and it is a relief that a place like CSMA is not only going strong, but is constantly expanding and growing, with inspiring leadership and new directions. I just know that during my experience with CSMA, I grew so much as a musician and learned about both music and also the process of effectively teaching music. I attribute a great deal of any growth and success I've had as a performing musician to having CSMA in my life, where I was truly encouraged to keep playing music and I was surrounded by positivity. The Community School of Music and Arts helps so many people continue to develop in the arts, or take a brand new interest in learning about the arts, or pass along information to young people about exploring their imagination artistically. I sincerely hope that their visibility as an organization continues to rise, and that they will continue to be the Bay Area's foremost source of music education for many years to come.
I have been a CSMA supporter, volunteer, and contributor for more than 20 years. It has grown into a very competent, professional and successful organization that still retains a zeal for its mission and all of the best characteristics of a small, fun, friendly place to learn and work. A few months ago I helped "jury" art work produced by elementary school kids from CSMA's in-school arts program and, as always, was moved and hugely impressed by the quality and creativity CSMA is nurturing.
I had the unique perspective of being able to take lessons and classes as an "insider" during my four years of employment at CSMA. Over the years I found every teacher, every staff person, every Board member to be very kind-hearted and really dedicated to helping students learn about the arts. Also, if you've never been to the building, it's really unique and worth the trip. Even if your pocketbook is tight, it doesn't matter -- they have awesome financial aid and the one-on-one interaction with your teacher will make it worthwhile.
I have personally been involved with this organization for almost 10 years. My husband was involved with it for 5 -10 years before me. It is an exceptional nonprofit in all facets: personnel, resource management, responsable and active board, well-respected in the community, and high-quality in the value of programs delivered. In my profession I have had the opportunity to be onsite and work closely with more than 100 volunteer organizations. I've been en employee of nonprofits; a board member; a recipeint of services; a general volunteer; and a consultant to them. For an organization that started out of someone's back porch - it has grown to be a community leader. One that provides arts and music education; free performances; and a wide range of multi-cultural productions that reflect and improve our community. I am proud to recommend CSMA as an Outstanding Nonprofit.
I taught for CSMA before I became a board member. I was so impressed with the Kodaly curriculum and felt that the children loved the program and learned how to read music as well as enjoying the singing and rhythm activities. I love children and love music so it was a natural for me. I really enjoy being a board member. I was on the Capital campaign and developed a real pride in the new building. The people on the board are truly outsanding in their love and committment to the school. What a joy it is to work with such a fine organization that brings music and art to all.
As a long-time music educator, I applaud the role of the Community School of Music and Arts! Their commitment to serving all members of the community, regardless of age, prior experience or ability to pay is reflected in all of their programs. Students in the local schools receive the highest quality instruction in music and art. Students of all ages may enroll in lessons and classes at the new, state-of-the-art facility. The faculty and staff are professional and dedicated in every way. The concerts and events that are offered at the site are truly a treasure that enriches all. CSMA is a great asset to the the whole community.
Our family has been touched by a number of different facets of CSMA. Initially, my husband wanted to find a couple of musicians to play in a trio. He contacted CSMA and was placed with two others and a teacher. From that beginning, our two children have participated in numerous music and art camps and private piano, trumpet and sax lessons. They started attending CSMA as pre-schoolers and now are teenagers. They also have had art and music professionals from CSMA teach at their public schools. We truly believe in the "arts for all" mission of the school -- an art education should be available to any one who has interest.
CSMA_ 06/02/2017
Hello, I apologize for the confusion with our financials and documents! GuideStar works with GreatNonprofits to provide the most up to date 990 financial statements available from the IRS, which currently is from 2014-2015. You should be able to view this and our most current Annual Report from this past fiscal year on Guidestar. We aim to be as transparent as possible with our financials and program information and encourage you to visit our website at arts4all.org to learn more!