Instrumental Music Classes

Make music with CSMA!

The CSMA program stands out because of our highly qualified music faculty–they have trained in many of the top music schools in the world and work collaboratively with students to achieve their goals.

Starting in April 2024, our Belmont music program will feature personalized instruction in piano, guitar, violin and voice. We offer private lessons for children, teens and adults as well as group introductory classes.

Little Musicians: Young children will be excited and curious about making music with their family and on their own. Learn about concepts like rhythm, tempo and melody by singing, dancing and using instruments.

• ​Little Musicians 1: Music Explorers – Ages 2-3 Little Musicians 1 explores musical contrasts, steady beat, rhythm and melody using fingerplays, action songs, basic instruments and movement. Each class is a mix of teacher-led activities and individual exploration.
• Little Musicians 2: Creative Music Makers – Ages 3-4 Little Musicians 2 introduces a variety of tempos, meters and tonalities while the students develop a pre-instrument vocabulary. Children will be encouraged to demonstrate original ideas for singing and movement, while families work in groups and pairs.
  
• Little Musicians 3: Musical Stepping Stones – Ages 4-5 Little Musicians 3 is an interactive class where students learn through listening, singing, dancing and experimenting with basic instruments. Concepts like tempo, rhythm and melody are introduced, and children are encouraged to become independent participants.
  

Little Strings/ Suzuki Method: Young musicians can begin their study of stringed instruments at an early age using the Suzuki method!

• ​Little Strings: Suzuki Cello In Little Strings: Suzuki Cello, young beginners and their parent/guardian are introduced to key concepts of the Suzuki Method through activities, games and songs. Students learn about rhythm, beat, musical terms, posture, and instrument care in a nurturing environment.
• Little Strings: Suzuki Violin In Little Strings: Suzuki Violin, young beginners and their parent/guardian are introduced to key concepts of the Suzuki Method through activities, games and songs. Students learn about rhythm, beat, musical terms, posture, and instrument care in a nurturing environment.

Cello - Cello is a shortened version of the Italian word violoncello, which means "small large violin!" Explore the beauties of this special instrument in our group introductory classes.

• Intro to Cello - Welcome to the world of strings! In Intro to Cello, students will learn beginning repertoire, proper posture, bow hold, cello anatomy and more in a welcoming setting. Classes are designed to prepare students for future private lesson study.

Violin - Explore beginning violin using the Suzuki method. Our violin program includes expert, patient instruction in the fundamentals of this versatile and beautiful instrument.

• INTRO TO VIOLIN- Welcome to the world of strings! In Intro to Violin, students will learn beginning repertoire, proper posture, bow hold, violin anatomy and more in a welcoming setting. Classes are designed to prepare students for future private lesson study. Registration Note: This class is limited to 5 students and must meet a minimum enrollment by 5/28/24 to run for the Summer session. Materials: Students must provide their own instrument which can be rented or purchased at a local music store. (List of stores available at CSMA front desk) Sheet music and other materials provided.
• Suzuki Violin Duo - Level 2 Elevate your child's violin journey with an exclusive, two-student class. Under the guidance of an expert instructor, this curated learning experience broadens the world of violin through techniques and instruction in the Suzuki method.
  
• Suzuki Violin Duo - Level 3 Elevate your child's violin journey with an exclusive, two-student class. Under the guidance of an expert instructor, this curated learning experience broadens the world of violin through techniques and instruction in the Suzuki method.
  
• Suzuki Violin Duo - Level 4 Elevate your child's violin journey with an exclusive, two-student class. Under the guidance of an expert instructor, this curated learning experience broadens the world of violin through techniques and instruction in the Suzuki method.
  

Drums & Percussion - Young drummers learn the fundamentals of drums and percussion in our well-equipped percussion studio.

• INTRO TO DRUM SET-Get your future drummer feeling the beat! Students will use a drum pad and sticks to practice basic techniques as well as being introduced to the parts of a full drum kit. This class is designed to prepare students for future private lesson study.

Ensembles - Playing and performing with other musicians is an essential part of a complete music education. Joining an ensemble provides the opportunity to practice and augment skills developed in private lessons. Students will enjoy playing with and getting to know other musicians while coached by CSMA’s ensemble faculty. Ensemble study is also a good way to supplement community and/or school orchestra and band experiences.

• BEGINNING STRING ENSEMBLE- A perfect introduction to the joy of string ensemble playing: develop relationships with your peers, listening and sight reading skills while exploring great music together. Under the expert direction of Chinh Li, CSMA Faculty and member of the San Jose Symphony.

Guitar - Aspiring guitar students learn chords, strumming patterns, finger picking, guitar tablature, elementary sight reading and more in a supportive, nurturing group environment.

Keyboard - Keyboard classes are designed to prepare students for private piano lesson study. Students learn piano fundamentals, including posture, hand position, note reading, and basic rhythm in a supportive, nurturing group environment.

• INTRO TO KEYBOARD- Is your child ready to begin piano? In Intro to Keyboard classes, students learn piano-playing basics including posture, hand position, note reading, and basic rhythm in a supportive environment. Classes are designed to prepare students for future private lesson study.

Digital Music - Have fun creating your own sounds and music using digital technology in a small-group setting!

• ​INTRO TO DIGITAL MUSIC & PRODUCTION: TEENS - Use industry-standard tools and software as you dive into sound design, digital instrumentation and DAW (digital audio workstation) fundamentals to create your own music. Learn basic terminology, technology and introductory techniques. No experience necessary! Registration Note: This class is limited to 8 students and must meet a minimum enrollment by 5/28/24 to run for the Summer session. Materials: All materials provided. Students will complete work on CSMA monitored computers within our Media Lab on campus.