Get Started at CMS

CMS registers students for individual lessons on a continuous basis, but the bulk of registration happens the week before each 18-week semester.

Step 1: Complete the Lesson Inquiry Form.

Step 2: A CMS staff member will contact you. CMS has a registration period at the beginning of every semester (Fall, Spring, Summer). During the registration period, students/parents can set up a one-on-one registration session to speak with one of our specialists (Ken, Melissa or Justin). This is where we learn more about the student, their interests, their goals in taking lessons, and their availability so that we can place you with the instructor that best fits your needs. CMS continues to register throughout the entire semester — so don't worry if you miss the registration period. Just complete the Lesson Inquiry Form and one of our staff will contact you.

2024-2025 Lesson Registration Dates:

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CMS registers for Early Childhood & Beginner classes prior to the Fall and Spring Semesters. Registration is online.

Step 1: Go to our online registration site

Step 2: Click "Register Now" next to the class you'd like to attend.

Step 3: Enter your email address.  If you are a new student, you will be asked to sign up for an account.  If you are an existing student, you will be asked for your password to login to your account.  If you are an existing student and you do not remember your password, just click on "Forgot Password" and you will receive an email to reset your password.

Step 4: Once you have registered, you can choose to "Pay Now" online using a credit card (3% processing fee) or you may choose to "Pay Later" and an invoice will be sent to your email address.  Registration is not complete until payment has been made. Payment options include:

• Credit Card online (3% fee)
• E-check (1% fee) please include the invoice number
• Check: Mail a copy of the invoice and a check to Webster University | P.O. Box 191165 | St. Louis, MO 63119-7165
• Cash: Drop of cash at the main office at the CMS Center on the Webster University campus.  No cash accepted at any other location.

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

CMS only registers new students for the Suzuki Strings program in September and in January.

Step 1: Complete the Lesson Inquiry Form and indicate your interest in the Suzuki Strings Program

Step 2: The primary account holder will receive an email with a link to sign up for Suzuki Parent Orientation (there is a $40 fee for Orientation). The Suzuki Parent Orientation Program consists of three sessions, usually on consecutive Saturdays, and is held at the beginning of both the Fall and Spring semesters.

• Session one includes a description of the CMS Suzuki Program, a discussion of the Suzuki philosophy, and demonstration performances by our current Suzuki students.
• Session two includes an observation of group lessons and a discussion about the parents’ role as the home teacher.
• Session three focuses on what to expect at lessons, followed by registration in the Suzuki program.

All three sessions are for parents only and should be attended by the parent who will be the Suzuki practice partner at home. Students are encouraged to attend the group lesson observation during the second session, but childcare will need to be arranged during the parent session. Also during the three-week program, parents and their future Suzuki students are expected to observe at least one individual lesson, which gives our CMS instructors an opportunity to meet prospective students and assess their readiness to begin.

Step 3: Students are registered and begin weekly lessons with their instructor.

 

Suzuki Strings Program Orientation Dates:

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Complete the Orchestra Program Audition Application.

Step 1: The application period runs April 1–June 30.

Step 2: Prepare for the audition by reviewing the audition requirements. Audition excerpts required for each orchestra will be posted to the website in July.

Step 3: Look for an email from the CMS which will contain your audition date and time slot in early August.

Step 4: Attend your audition. All auditions will be held at the CMS Center at 535 Garden Avenue in Webster Groves.

Step 5: Audition results are sent out in early September.

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

Auditions are by appointment.  Please complete the CMS High School Jazz Ensemble Application/inquiry form and you will be contacted by a staff member with more information. 

Audition Requirements

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The CMS Chamber Music Programs require an audition. Applications for in-person auditions are accepted April 1 - the end of August. Video auditions will be accepted throughout the academic year.

Audition Requirements

Step 1: Please complete the CMS Chamber Music Application to receive more information.

Step 2: An email with audition instructions will be sent upon receipt of the application.

Learn more about Financial Assistance.

Summer camp registration opens in early January.  Registration is online and the deadline for most camps is May 15th.

Step 1: Register for Summer Camps.

Step 2: Click "Register Now" next to the camp you'd like to attend.

Step 3: Enter your email address.  If you are a new student, you will be asked to sign up for an account.  If you are an existing student, you will be asked for your password to login to your account.  If you are an existing student and you do not remember your password, just click on "Forgot Password" and you will receive an email to reset your password.

Step 4: Once you have registered, you can choose to "Pay Now" online using a credit card (3% processing fee) or you may choose to "Pay Later" and an invoice will be sent to your email address.  Registration is not complete until payment has been made. Payment options include:

• Credit Card online (3% fee)
• E-check (1% fee) please include the invoice number
• Check: Mail a copy of the invoice and a check to Webster University | P.O. Box 191165 | St. Louis, MO 63119-7165
• Cash: Drop of cash at the main office at the CMS Center on the Webster University campus.  No cash accepted at any other location.

Step 5: If an audition or additional information specific to individual summer programs is required, it will be sent to registrants closer to program dates.