History of the Community Music School

Our story began in 1925 when visionary music educator and pianist Edna Lieber organized what would become CMS under the Settlement House Music Schools Committee of the Missouri Federated Music Clubs. From the very beginning, we partnered with talented musicians, including those from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, to ensure students could access high-quality music education—no matter their ability to pay.

Over the years, you may have known us by different names. In 1974, we merged with the nationally recognized St. Louis Institute of Music to become the Conservatory and School of the Arts (CASA) and relocated to University City.

In 1994, we joined forces with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to become the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Music School—the first partnership of its kind.

Today, as a proud part of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts at Webster University, the Community Music School (CMS) includes more than 90 faculty and serves over 1200 students of all ages in two locations. 

Join us as we celebrate, reflecting on our journey and looking forward to our future.