Merger of CMS and STL Institute of Music Creates Legacy of Excellence: CASA

Research by Linda Chickos; draft by China Thomas

In 1974, two of St. Louis’s leading music institutions, the Community Music School (CMS) and the St. Louis Institute of Music, joined forces in a historic merger that created the St. Louis Conservatory and School for the Arts (CASA).

This ambitious new institution aimed to deliver both high-level training for elite musicians and accessible music education for the community, marking a defining chapter in St. Louis music history.

Founded in 1924, the St. Louis Institute of Music had established itself as a premier music education institution, granting bachelor’s and master’s degrees for music teachers. Over time, its leaders recognized the need for a conservatory-level program that would enable top students to pursue advanced training locally, rather than leaving St. Louis for conservatories in other cities.

Meanwhile, CMS sought to expand its faculty, recruit qualified teachers and streamline operations for financial sustainability. The 1974 merger allowed both institutions to achieve their goals under one roof, giving rise to CASA, a dual-purpose institution that combined the rigor of a conservatory with CMS’s community-centered mission. The Conservatory focused on training professional musicians, while the School for the Arts offered music education for all, regardless of experience or background.

CASA quickly became known as a prestigious institution, offering Bachelor and Master of Music programs, diplomas and certificates in music performance. Students trained in a wide array of disciplines, including instrument performance, composition, conducting and music literature. The faculty roster boasted internationally renowned artists, many of whom were also members of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, enriching students’ education with a direct link to professional musicianship. “The faculty assembled at CASA were truly some of the finest musicians in the world,” said Carol Commerford, former CMS director. “These musicians weren’t just teachers; they were performers and artists at the peak of their careers, and they raised the bar for music education in the region.”

CASA’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. The institution opened multiple locations throughout St. Louis and hosted performances that attracted music lovers from across the Midwest. “CASA brought in extraordinary soloists and chamber musicians who enriched the St. Louis music scene like never before,” Commerford said. “It was an incredible period where talent was attracted that truly elevated the school. Some even started calling it the ‘Juilliard of the Midwest.’ That may have been a bit ambitious, but the passion and quality they brought to our programs were remarkable.”

However, the contrasting missions of the conservatory and the community music school gradually created tension. The conservatory was focused on training elite performers and working with only the most gifted musicians, while CMS wanted to provide music education for anyone passionate about learning. The differing visions ultimately led to the partnership’s dissolution, and in 1990, CASA closed its conservatory, allowing CMS to return to its original mission of community-focused music education.

Today, the legacy of CASA endures through its alumni and former faculty, who remain active within the Community Music School, shaping the next generation of musicians. Notable CASA alumni who continue to teach at CMS include YPSO conductor Patrick Jackson, oboe teacher Ann Homman, YPOP director and conductor Michael Faris and cello teacher Gary Lee. Their dedication preserves CASA’s tradition of excellence, enriching CMS’s programs with the same blend of professional artistry and community-centered values that defined CASA. Through these educators, CASA’s legacy lives on, strengthening St. Louis’s musical landscape and ensuring its values resonate for future generations.

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