This has been the philosophy of Community Music School since 1924, when we were founded specifically to provide music instruction to students who could not afford private lessons. Now, 94 years later, it is our rallying cry as we grow our community partnerships that provide free or low cost music instruction to nearly 100 students in economically underserved schools and programs every week.

CMS has spent the past few years shifting our focus outward to better address the needs of the Buffalo community that has supported us for so long. Through our partnerships with Waterfront Academy, a Tier 1 school where over 90% of the students receive free lunch, Discovery School, where nearly 80% receive free lunch, or the CAO Headstart Program where 100% of students in their Pre-K academy live below the federal poverty line, CMS brings music education to students who otherwise would have no access and helps make a positive impact on their lives and education.

CMS instructor Sean Crawford with students from theGeorge K. Arthur CAO Headstart Program

SUMMER CAMPS!Camp Create!: Ages 5-10This week long camp focuses on music, art, theatre & literacy with activities designed by Community Music School, Locust Street Art & Story time Bookshop. Campers will perform a “Readers Theatre” for friends & family on the last day! Performance on last day.

Session 1: Jul 16-20 | Session 2: Aug 13-17$200 or $350 for both sessions | 9:30-12:00pm | Elmwood

Summer Strings: All ages & abilitieswith Evan Courtin and Joe IsomStudents enjoy weekly rehearsals in our summer string orchestra & receive six individual lessons with CMS faculty. Dates and times TBD.Call with interest.

NEW ENSEMBLE!CMS Community Chorus: Ages 16+If you love to sing, this is the group for you! Generously funded by Mrs. Carla DelGrosso, this FREE ensemble is open to all lovers of singing, regardless of experience or ability to read music. No audition required.

Tues, 7:00-8:00pm | Mar 13-Jun 12 | Performance Jun 17$20 registration fee for non-CMS lesson students | Elmwood

WELCOME NEW FACULTY!Jenelle Nyitrai graduated from SUNY Geneseo with a degree in music performance, with a minor in Spanish.

While at Geneseo, Jenelle was involved with the Geneseo Symphony Orchestra, the Geneseo Honors Chamber Orchestra, Geneseo String Band, and a string quartet.

In September 2015, she was hired by VH Theatrical Development Foundation for the Off-Broadway production of For Heaven’s Sake! that took place at the 710 Main Theatre in Buffalo, NY. Currently, she is a member of the Cheektowaga Symphony Orchestra and the Orchard Park Symphony.

HOW TO REGISTEROnline: communitymusicbuffalo.orgCall: request a registration packet at 884.4887Visit: 415 Elmwood Ave, between Bryant & Summer

Students will be matched with an instructor within two weeks of registering.

INDIVIDUAL LESSONSAll schedules & locations subject to change. For younger students, see our class schedule. Lessons include instrument instruction and basic music theory.

Piano: Age 7-adultElmwood | Clarence | Snyder | West Seneca

Voice: Age 12-adultElmwood | Clarence | Larkin | Lockport | Snyder | West Seneca

Strings: Age 6-adultCello, Fiddle, Mandolin, Ukulele, Upright Bass, Viola, ViolinElmwood | Clarence | Larkin | Snyder | West Seneca

Guitar/Electric Bass/Banjo: Age 9-adultElmwood | Larkin | West Seneca

Percussion: Age 9-adult Drums, Drumset, Marimba | Elmwood

Winds: Age 9-adultBaritone/Euphonium, Clarinet, Flute, French Horn, Piccolo, Recorder, Saxophone, Trombone, Trumpet, TubaElmwood | Clarence | Larkin | Snyder | West Seneca

Theory/Composition: Age 13-adult | Elmwood | Larkin

COSTLessons are held once per week.30 minutes $30 per lesson | 45 minutes $45 per lesson60 minutes $60 per lesson+Annual $20 registration fee | Financial aid is available depending on need & other requirements set by funders of CMS.

CLASSES FOR CHILDRENAll schedules & locations subject to change.

Music, My Grownup & Me: Birth-5 years old with participating parent or caregiver with Sean Crawford and Sarah OguichGrownups & children bond through singing, rhythm & movement. The perfect way to introduce your child to the joy of music. Each child who attends MGM will receive a small musical instrument for take home practice & play! 25% off sibling discount. Children under six months attend free with paying sibling. $25 drop-in rate.45-minute class

Mon, 10:30-11:15am | Apr 9-Jun 18 | no class May 28$200 | Elmwood Rm 14 | with Sean Crawfordno class May 28

Mon, *4:30-5:15pm | Apr 9-Jun 18 | no class May 28$200 | Elmwood Rm 14 | with Sarah Oguichno class May 28

Pajama Wind-down!Bring your child in pajamas! | no class May 28This class is specifically designed to prepare children for bedtime.Mon, 5:30-6:15pm | Apr 9-Jun 18$200 | Elmwood Rm 14 | with Sarah Oguichno class May 28

Thurs, 10:30-11:15am | Apr 12-Jun 14$200 | Elmwood Rm 14 | with Sean Crawford

Fri, 10:30-11:15am | Apr 13-Jun 15$200 | Elmwood Rm 14 | with Sean Crawford

*Look at our classes for oldersiblings at this time!

Music & Me: On My Own: Ages 3-5; parents need not attend with Maria GoodrichYoung children learn about music through singing, movement, rhythm & percussion. $25 drop-in rate. | 45-minute class

Thurs, 3:30-4:15pm |Apr 12-Jun 14$200 | Elmwood Rm 38

Piano Exploration: Ages 5-6with Christina Brown or Anna WhistlerChildren learn about piano through basic note reading, movement, games, singing & ear training. Students must have a piano or keyboard at home. PE 1-new students PE 2-returning students 45-minute class

Mon, 6:30-7:15pm | Apr 9-Jun 18 | no class May 28 | PE 1$200 | Elmwood Rm 38 | with Anna Whistler

Tues, 5:15-6:00pm | Apr 10-Jun 12 | PE 2$200 | Elmwood Rm 38 | with Christina Brown

Instrument Exploration: Peter & The Wolf!: Ages 4-7with Sean CrawfordChildren explore music and the instruments of the orchestra through singing, games, instrument play & the story of Peter & The Wolf. String, wind and percussion instruments will be used to teach music notation, aural skills & beginner performance techniques.45-minute class

Fri, 3:45-4:30 | Apr 20-Jun 8$160 | Elmwood Rm 14

Joy of Singing Together: Ages 6-9 with Maria GoodrichYoungsters learn singing techniques by learning & performing in a group. Orff educational instruments will be explored, including glockenspiels, triangles & wood blocks. The Orff approach emphasizes children’s natural instinct to play through imitation, experimentation & personal expression, creating life-long musicians & creative problem solvers. 45-minute class

Mon, 4:30-5:15pm | Apr 9-May 14 | Recital May 19$120 | Elmwood Rm 24

Ukulele 101: Just for Kids!: Ages 5-10with Brianna NilsenUkulele 101 caters to the needs of beginner players who have never picked up the instrument, more advanced students looking to play solos and melodies, and anyone in between! Students will work in large groups, small groups, and individually to target a variety of skills through popular and classic works. A recital including group and solo performances will be held during the last class. | 45-minute class

Wed, 4:30-5:15pm | Apr 11-Jun 13$200 | Elmwood Rm 38

Kids Create!: Ages 5-10with CMS, Locust Street Art & Story Time BookshopThis 8-week class brings music, art & reading together through activities designed to prepare students for a performance of a ‘Readers Theatre’ for family & friends on the last day. ‘Kids Create!’ is an adaptation of our summer ‘Camp Create!’

Mon, 3:30-4:30 | Apr 23-Jun 18 | no class May 28$200 | Elmwood | TWO CLASSES AT LOCUST STREET ART

CLASSES FOR TEENS & ADULTSAll schedules & locations subject to change.

High School Piano Prep: Sophomores, Juniors & Seniorswith Hassan Al-MuftiA new course designed to prepare future music majors for college study. Musical literacy skills recommended. Student must have access to an outside keyboard or piano.

Wed, 5:45-6:30pm | Apr 11-Jun 13$200 | Elmwood Rm 38

Introductory Piano for Adults: Adults with Hassan Al-MuftiFor adults with little or no keyboard experience. Students will learn basic piano technique, note reading & rhythms. Close interaction with the instructor, an experienced concert pianist. | 45-minute class

Wed, 11:00-11:45am | Apr 11-Jun 13Wed, 5:00-5:45pm | Apr 11-Jun 13$200 | Elmwood Rm 38

ENSEMBLESAll schedules & locations subject to change.

Fiddle ‘n Folk Ensemble: Teens & adults with Phil BanaszakMembers learn to play folk music in a jam setting as they improvise, play by ear & have an all-around good time. Must have own instrument. 60-minute ensemble

Wed, 7:30-8:30pm | Apr 11-Jun 13$130 ($15 drop-in rate) | Elmwood Rm 24

Glee Club: Teens & Adultswith Maria GoodrichMembers have fun singing Broadway, pop, rock & folk music with an experienced director. Music reading is helpful but not required. This spring’s theme is Motown!60-minute ensemble

Thurs, 6:30-7:30pm | Apr 12-May 17$78 | Elmwood Rm 14 | Recital May 19

MUSIC THERAPYAll schedules & locations subject to change. See our NEW Music Therapy cata-log for additional detailed class listings.

Individual Music Therapy Sessions: All agesOur board-certified music therapist offers individual sessions using music to help people with a variety of diagnoses, at our Elmwood location and off-site venues. Visit communitymusicbuffalo.org or call us at 884.4887 for more information. 30 minutes $35 per lesson | 45 minutes $52.50 per lesson60 minutes $75 per lesson+Annual $20 registration fee, prorated for multiple students in one family. | Financial aid may be available depending on need & other requirements set by donors to CMS.

Individual Adaptive Lessons: Ages 7-AdultSee “Individual Lessons” page for pricing.Our music therapists offer the following individual lessons, adapted for people with special needs. Instruction available: drums, piano, voice, guitar, trumpet, french horn, flute & ukulele.

FACULTY & STAFFTeacher bios & photos available at communitymusicbuffalo.org

Piano DepartmentHassan Al-Mufti, ChairKenneth Atkinson, Chair EmeritusChristina BrownShirley ChanSuzanne ChapinEdward KramerAnna Whistler

Voice Department Maria Goodrich, ChairJill Raisen BuerkEric DelagrangeJill NeuhausAudrey ShaferPaul Waara

Instrumental Department Phil Banaszak, Chair | Fiddle, Mandolin, Folk Guitar & ViolaLeslie Bahler | Violin & ViolaBrian C-DeJesus | Upright BassSean Crawford | Flute & ClarinetEvan Courtin | Violin & ViolaKevin Helfrich | Banjo, Guitar, Electric BassJoe Isom | CelloJacob Jay | BrassCarol McLaughlin | Winds, JazzJenelle Nyitrai | ViolinSara Rogers | TrumpetGary Rutkowski | PercussionPeter VanDyke | GuitarMartin Weir | PercussionMichael Zak, PhD | Guitar, Electric Bass, Theory, Composition

Childhood Music Department Sean Crawford, ChairChristina BrownMaria GoodrichSarah OguichAnna Whistler

Music TherapyBrianna Nilsen, MT-BCSarah Oguich, MT-BCSara Rogers, MT-BC

StaffHassan Al-Mufti, Payroll ManagerRachael Bouquard, Administrative AssistantSean Crawford, Marketing CoordinatorMaria Goodrich, Arts AdministratorJennifer Guillow, Chief Operating OfficerDeb Jaszczak, Cleaning/MaintenanceJennifer M. Koch, PhD, Executive DirectorShana Lee, Administrative Assistant

Illos Piano Restorations INC

(716) 832-0013 2940 Main St, Buffalo, NY

Piano sales, service, and restoration

Player piano systems installed Rentals for any occasion Piano and voice lessons Sheet music and gifts Tunings & repairs Appraisals Storage Piano moving (call for a free quote!)

Visit us on the web at:

www.illos.com