Available for all ages
Individual music lessons prepare students of all ages and abilities to express themselves musically and acquire the skills necessary to successfully participate in ensembles, perform in public, and enjoy a lifelong love of music.
How to Register for Lessons
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 Individual 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).
Step 3: Meet with a CMS staff member. This can be done virtually or in person and 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.
| Semester | Registration Dates | Semester Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 2025 (6-week semester) | June 7 - 11, 2025 | June 14 - August 1, 2025 |
| Fall 2025 (18-week semester) | Aug. 2 - 6, 2025 | Aug. 9 - Dec. 20, 2025 |
| Spring 2026 (18-week semester) | Jan. 7 - 10, 2026 | Jan. 12 - May 30, 2026 |
More Information
| Instrument | Youngest Students |
|---|---|
| Piano | age 6 |
| Guitar | age 6 |
| Violin* | age 7-8 |
| Viola* | age 7-8 |
| Cello* | age 7-8 |
| Double Bass | age 7-8 |
| Flute | age 9-10 |
| Clarinet | age 9-10 |
| Oboe | age 9-10 |
| Bassoon | age 9-10 |
| Saxophone | age 9-10 |
| Horn | age 9-10 |
| Trumpet | age 9-10 |
| Low Brass | age 9-10 |
| Percussion | age 9-10 |
| Voice | age 12 |
| Theory | Reading age |
| Composition | age 12 |
* The Suzuki Program takes students ages 4-7.
- Your own instrument and/or regular access to an instrument for practice. A traditional piano is preferred for piano students and is essential after the first semester of lessons.
- Be prepared to attend lessons weekly with instruments in good order.
- Regular practice and attendance are essential to music study.
- Students are encouraged to attend CMS master classes, workshops, concerts and recitals when available. These educational opportunities are designed to enhance learning and students' progress.
- A video conferencing platform is required for online lessons (i.e., Zoom, Facetime)
The Community Music School offers lessons at the following locations:
Webster Groves
CMS Center on the main campus of Webster University | 535 Garden Ave. | Webster Groves,
MO 63119
Old Orchard Center in the Old Orchard Center in old Webster Groves | 23 S. Old Orchard
Ave. | Webster Groves, MO 63119
Chesterfield
Leon R. Strauss Center for Music in Faust Park | 1150 Henry Jackson Rd. | Chesterfield, MO 63017
Not all instruments are available at all locations. Please discuss your preferred location with our staff.
| Lesson Length | Fall/Spring Semester 2025-26 (18 weeks) |
Summer 2025 (6 weeks) |
|---|---|---|
| 30-minute lesson/week | $666/semester | $216 |
| 45-minute lesson/week | $999/semester | $324 |
| 60-minute lesson/week | $1332/semester | $432 |
Annual Registration Fee:
A non-refundable registration fee of $30 is assessed once per academic year per student upon enrollment.
Financial Assistance is available including need-based tuition assistance as well as scholarships and discounts.