About the Community Music Center
CMC is a program of
Portland Parks & Recreation in partnership with
the nonprofit Community Music Center, Inc. It has been a popular place
for music lessons and concerts in Portland since 1955, and is now one of
over 20 PP&R sites offering music instruction. It is also part of the
National Guild of Community
Schools of the Arts.
CMC enhances the greater Portland community by providing opportunities for all ages to learn about, make and enjoy music. We do this
though affordable music classes and lessons,
free and low-cost concerts and workshops, low-cost
instrument rentals, and other
resources for the public, all subsidized by the City and the non-profit.
About 1,000 participants of all ages currently enjoy regular music
activities at the Center, instructed by a
faculty of over 55 professional
performing artist teachers.
CMC adds to the rich variety of live performances in Portland with over
150 music events every year in the David Beasley Campbell Recital Hall.
Some of these are by CMC faculty or visiting artists, many are by
students, and most are free or low-cost and open to the public. Look for
listings in the online news & events
pages, the CMC Newsletter,
subscribe to our e-mail list, or call
or e-mail CMC for more information.
Non-profit partner at the Community Music Center, CMC Inc. is an all-volunteer organization that raises money year-round to increase access to music education through scholarships and tuition subsidy, instrument rentals to students, free or low-cost concerts, and more.
CMC Inc. was founded in 1960 by a group of parents and interested citizens to help maintain the Center as a City facility, providing scholarship assistance and tuition subsidy through year-round fundraising. Today, through it's Board of Directors, CMC Inc. continues to provide the vital financial and leadership support required to ensure the continuation of this Portland Parks & Recreation program.
Help CMC Remain Vital - Donate!
Since class fees do not cover all costs, CMC relies on donations from individuals and organizations to fulfill its mission. You can help CMC with your tax-deductible* donation through one of these options
- Mail a generous donation to CMC’s Annual Fund. Gifts of any amount are gratefully received.
- Give to the Award and Scholarship Fund. Stipulate this fund on your check that you mail to CMC.
- Contact the CMC Director about Endowment, Event Sponsorship, or Planned Giving.
- Ask if your employer has any matching programs. Hundreds of companies match their employee charitable contributions dollar-for-dollar.
- Donations of instruments and sheet music are accepted on a case-by-case basis.
* CMC, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization - consult a tax advisor or the IRS regarding your specific situation.
Need-Based Scholarships
Students from households with low income, multiple registrants at CMC, or other income-related situations are encouraged to apply for need-based scholarships at the CMC office. Scholarship funds are made possible by fundraising events, and generous donations from individuals and businesses made to CMC, Inc.
Awards & Merit Scholarships
The Kaufman, Lensch, Swartz, Judge and Dundore Awards are presented to outstanding students at the end of each school year based on demonstrated excellence in playing, dedication, involvement in the musical community, and significant progress. The faculty nominates eligible students for the honors All of the award funds listed above are managed by the Oregon Community Foundation.
Parents Association
All parents of CMC students, high school age or younger, are members of the Parents Association. There are no dues. To help support the Center programs, the Parents Association raises money through a variety of projects. Each year at the Annual Meeting, parents elect a Coordinator for the Parents Association, who serves as its Representative and is a voting member on the Board of CMC, Inc.