Community Music School, Inc.

Tonya Kirk instructs Lartey Cade.

Photo: Nina Desai

In Raleigh, North Carolina, the Community Music School (CMS) offers high-quality weekly instruction in classical music to low income children throughout the school year. Training is provided in one of 11 instruments, including orchestral instruments, piano, and guitar. After their enrollment in CMS, "Children show an improved ability to stay with tasks from beginning to end," says Marty Suttle Thomas, executive director. "They develop problem-solving skills as they learn to read music and figure out how to translate the notations to their instrument."

As they develop new abilities, students are supported by a skilled musician in weekly one-on-one music lessons, for which they pay one dollar. "Quite frequently, this is the only individual instruction a child receives, and they consistently respond responsibly and with respect," says Thomas.

Although most of the instruction occurs during the academic year, CMS also operates Summer Notes—an intensive two-week day camp on the campus of the historically black college, St. Augustine's College—which offers classes in music history and music theory and the opportunity to sing in a chorus. During Summer Notes, students learn concert etiquette and are exposed to a variety of musical genres because of the almost daily performances of local professional musicians and musical ensembles.

To assist parents in supporting their children's interests in the arts, CMS, through partnerships with other area arts organizations, offers tickets to performances and information about arts activities in and around Raleigh. By sending program notes home to parents, CMS also fosters family conversations about the arts and humanities.

The Community Music School provides a much-needed opportunity for children who might never have a chance to study music privately. The impact of the experience on their lives can be measured in terms of immediate musical accomplishments. The program also gives these children an ability that can be enjoyed throughout their lives.