Schedule Change - Monday, February 27 - Center open at 10:00 AM
Community Music Center will open at 10:00 AM.
All classes and activities before 10:00 AM are canceled.
The Community Music Center is a Portland Parks & Recreation program in partnership with the nonprofit Community Music Center, Inc. It has been a popular place for music lessons and concerts in Portland since 1955. It is also part of the National Guild for Community Arts Education.
CMC enhances the greater Portland community by providing opportunities for all ages to learn about, make and enjoy music. We do this though;
- affordable music classes and lessons,
- free and low-cost concerts and workshops,
- low-cost instrument rentals,
- and other resources for the public,
...all subsidized by the City and the non-profit.
Support Community Music Center
The Community Music Center, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports programs at Community Music Center. For information and to donate, visit communitymusiccenter.org.
Visit communitymusiccenter.org
Classes, Lessons, and Ensembles
School Year 2022-23 Programs
Youth
- Exploring Together* (preschool age)
- Individual Lessons*
- Choir*
- Drumming*
- Fiddling
- Piano Group Lessons*
- Theory & Skills*
- Songwriting Lab - NEW
- String Orchestra & Chamber Music
- Suzuki Group Class
- Xylophone Orchestra*
Adults, including 60+ (also see Lifelong Recreation)
- Group Piano Lessons*
- Community Choirs*
- Cello Group Lessons & Ensemble
- Fiddling
- Community String Orchestra
- Recorder* & Renaissance Wind Ensemble
- Ukulele*
- Inside Music* - NEW
- Songs & Poetry* - NEW
Adaptive Recreation (also see Adaptive and Inclusive Recreation)
- Drum Circle, age 18 and up*
- Musical Experiences for teens*
- Music Sing Along, age 18 and up* - NEW
See all activities and registration details online on the PP&R registration site or the PP&R Guide online. Contact PP&R Customer Service Center at 503-823-2525 for more information.
* Indicates activities with no prior experience necessary.
Explore PP&R's Stay & Play videos for arts, crafts, nature, and more.
Participant Support
CMC offers need-based scholarships for registrants, subsidized by the non-profit Community Music Center, Inc and PP&R. Activities are free or have "pay what you can" discount options, without documentation required.
Instrument Rentals
CMC lowers the barriers to music instruction by providing low-cost instruments for those who need them. Thanks to generous donations, low-cost string instrument rentals are available to Portland Parks & Recreation music participants, with priority given first to scholarship students, then youth, then adults.
New or current renters, please use our online form to make your rental instrument requests.
Contact CMC for more details by calling 503-823-3177.
Space Use Grants
Individual musicians, groups, organizations and clubs are encouraged to apply for free or discounted use of the Community Music Center for rehearsal, practice and/or performance.
Applications are due by April 16, 2023, for space use between September 1, 2023 and June 15, 2024.
Apply for a Space Use Grant
CMC space use grants will be given to those who best demonstrate in their proposal how the project will benefit underserved artists or communities, as specified in the application form.
Those interested in applying are encouraged to attend one of two optional drop-in tours (no reservation required) of the facility on
- Friday, March 24 between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm
- Wednesday, April 5 between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm
This program is made possible through the Parks Local Option Levy.
Awardees in the previous cycle include:
- Pacific Northwest Rainbowbility Choir
- Tara Hershberger, artist
Events & Facility Reservations
Reservations
The Community Music Center's David B. Campbell Recital Hall is available for approved rental events. Use our online form to:
- Apply for a rental date or
- Inquire about a range of date options
- Request a tour of the rental facilities
- Make a Faculty Recital request (for CMC instructors)
NOTE: rental requests currently being taken for July & August 2023 only.
Use the online rental request form
See CMC rental rates and policies (PDF)
Events
CMC adds to the wide variety of live performances in Portland with many events in our David Beasley Campbell Recital Hall. See our list of 'Upcoming Events' on this web page (above). Visit the PP&R Arts & Culture page for a system-wide list of arts events.
Drop-in Practice
Temporarily suspended. Check back here in January 2023 for updates.
Rosewood Music Program
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is a partner with non-profits in East Portland to provide arts instruction and other activities. Watch here for more information about music programs in the coming school year.
PP&R's first music program began in 1955 at the Knott Street (now Matt Dishman) Community Center where guitar classes, as well as a string ensemble and a community orchestra, were offered. A major commitment to music education was made in the late 1950s when all existing music classes were moved to the Woodstock Community Center. Children's music classes were introduced, including music theory and ear-training, and a variety of stringed instruments were taught. As the children's abilities improved, a string ensemble was formed. It was evident that the music program would soon outgrow its new home.
Community Music Center, Inc. was founded as a non-profit association in February 1960 by a group of parents and interested citizens. It played a vital role in the remodeling a beautiful 1912 firehouse - designated a Portland Historic Landmark - which became the permanent home of CMC in 1969. That project was made possible by a generous gift from John D. and Elizabeth Gray and the donation of services by architect Robert Oringdulph. Substantial improvements were made to the facility in 1999, bringing the building up to the seismic requirements of the City of Portland, and making the building accessible in accordance with the American Disability Act.
Accessibility Notes
Parking
- 1 designated parking space in parking lot
- Paved pathway to door
- 50 feet to door
- Ramp to door (East entrance)
Other Amenities
- Elevator to 2nd floor
- Accessible restroom (inside) via elevator
- Accessible stage via mechanical lift