Michigan State University Community Music School

Quality music instruction at affordable prices almost are non-​existent. Enter the MSU-​CMS.
The CMS is operated by a professional staff and is governed by Michigan State University. The instructors are properly vetted and fully qualified. Our previous music instruction was through a down-​on-​his-​luck unemployed guitarist who had the proverbial «I’d rather be fishing» look on his face while he gave kids lessons. Not here. Our instructors are passionate about what they do and a gift for sharing that passion – in a good way, not in a JK Simmons Whiplash kind of way.
The CMS takes a classic approach to music education and teaches kids everything from music theory, rhythm, note reading, etc. We have two children enrolled in class here. Our youngest takes a basic class geared to kindergarten age children. No instruments, just basic rhythm and movements. My oldest is a music novice and has a rhythm class taught by Mr. Bryce. Mr. Bryce is a kind and patient man who works so well with the kids. My son can’t wait for his Saturday morning class. In this class, he is learning the basics of note reading through movement and coordination. This is called Pre-​AMP (Aspiring Musicians Program) and is not with instruments either. There are three levels of Pre-​AMP and at the end of the third class, the student picks the instrument that wish to pursue and MSU provides it to the student at a low cost.
Kids can choose from percussion, wind, or string. Piano is also available. They have classes for marching band, jazz, and classical. The best part is that classes are available to adults as well. Adults can take classes from basic to advanced and individual or group. Both children and adults have regular recital performances that are just a blast.
Classes run 10 – 15 weeks and range from $ 75 – 225. Most sessions run one hour. The value in this alone is incredible.
Conveniently located in Midtown D, it’s only 10 minutes from our house. Parking is at a premium but metered street parking is available on John R. Currently, there is major construction happening with high-​rise development next to the school as well as Woodward Ave. construction. Plan accordingly.