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From the Executive Director…. I’ve recently completed the college search process with my youngest of three sons.  Over the past 6 years I’ve attended about 30 college tours and the primary advice I heard from admissions officers was “We’re looking for kids that demonstrated passion and commitment to a couple things throughout their school career(s), … Continue reading “Music, Education, and College!”

Learning music is much like learning a language. Here’s how to get good at it: See you soon, Dr. Richard Wyman, Executive Director, Community Music School

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 6:25 pm I entered Studio 8 at CMS for a performance by our “Musical Theatre Class Ensemble.” Prior to the concert’s start, the six performers (aged 11-16) sat at the front of the room facing the audience. The room was full, so I sat in the front row not … Continue reading ““Life Skills””

CMS celebrated its 40th Anniversary in style on Oct 14, 2023 with a concert that will not soon be forgotten! Broadway music director/pianist extraordinaire (as well as Essex native, current Lyme resident, and CMS board member) Todd Ellison arranged and presented a fantastic star-studded evening of music for a sold-out crowd at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in … Continue reading “A Grand 40th Anniversary Celebration”

Congratulations to pianist Karl Schilling, winner of the Spring 2024 Carolyn Greenleaf Scholarship Award! Karl Schilling is a junior at Westbrook High School and has been a student at CMS since age 3, participating in various programs with Nancy Thomas and studying piano for 11 years, primarily with Tom Briggs. Outside of CMS, he has … Continue reading “Spring 2024 Carolyn Greenleaf Award Winner”

Throughout this anniversary year, we highlight aspects of the school’s 40-year history. CMS Music Director and piano, percussion, and jazz instructor Tom Briggs sat down with us recently to reflect. CMS: Tell us about your association with CMS over these 40 years. Tom: I joined the faculty in 1984 soon after the school was founded and … Continue reading “CMS at 40- Tom Briggs”

Congratulations to saxophonist Julian Mardjekaj and trombonist Annamarie Mueller, winners of Fall 2023 Carolyn Greenleaf Scholarship Awards! Julian Mardjekaj is a rising freshman at Valley Regional High School, and has played saxophone since third grade. He was accepted by competitive audition into the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA) Southern Region Honor Band. Julian participates in a wide variety of activities, but regarding music’s … Continue reading “Fall 2023 Carolyn Greenleaf Award Winners”

Throughout this year, we’ll highlight aspects of the school’s history… starting here with an interview of Paddy Hurley, who founded CMS 40 years ago, and continues today as CMS New Horizons Band Director and trumpet instructor! CMS: What prompted you to start CMS? Paddy: I had the idea to start a music school while teaching … Continue reading “CMS at 40- Founder Paddy Hurley”

Congratulations to pianist Matthew Serviss, recipient of the Spring 2023 Carolyn Greenleaf award! Matthew is an aspiring pianist and high school freshman at Queen of Heaven Academy. At a young age, he began his musical experience by participating in a variety of Community Music School’s programs. After exploring different instruments, Matthew focused on playing the guitar, … Continue reading “Spring 2023 Carolyn Greenleaf Award Winner”

On Tuesday Dec 13, 2022 Community Music School was highlighted on WFSB Channel 3 TV’s “Great Day @ 9A” morning show. CMS Executive Director Rick Wyman appeared as guest, chatting with hosts Nicole Nalepa and Scott Haney about the school, private lessons, Music Together classes, and that evening’s Holiday Concert by the String Orchestra and … Continue reading “CMS Highlighted on WFSB Channel 3 TV”