The UGA Community Music School is an outreach program designed to bring musical instruction to community members of all ages in and around the Athens area. The arts are an indispensable need not only for the education of children but also for the enrichment and quality of life of adults. The program welcomes all types of students - regardless of age or ability level. A member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, the UGA Community Music School shares with other guild schools the mission of providing quality instruction in the arts to all who seek it. Tuition assistance is available on an individual need basis. Please contact the director for more financial assistance information.

The CMS offers private instruction in piano, voice, guitar, strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, music theory, and music composition. In addition to private lessons, CMS offers group classes, music ensembles, and music theory lessons to all who aspire to enhance their musical knowledge and ability.

In Spring 2008 we will be launching two new programs in the Community Music School including Kindermusik early childhood classes for children ages newborn to 7 years old and Music Therapy classes for children with special needs. We wil also continue to offer Melody Makers vocal drama classes.

Community Music students have access to the state-of-the art Music and Performing Arts Buildings at the University of Georgia. Students also have access to professional quality performance spaces including Ramsey Hall and Edge Hall, where solo recitals and ensemble concerts are performed throughout the year.

The Community Music School faculty includes undergraduate and graduate music students enrolled in the UGA Hodgson School of Music, as well as professional musicians from the surrounding community. Our teachers have various degree objectives including music therapy, music education, and music performance. No matter what the degree, each CMS faculty member is dedicated to the musical development of every student in the school. Faculty members of the University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music participate in the Community Music School by teaching master classes, observing lessons, mentoring CMS faculty, and assisting with CMS class curricula.