Welcome to CSMA, Ithaca's home for creatives of all ages. At CSMA the emphasis is on learning, exploration and discovery. Member of Downtown Ithaca Alliance.
Visit us to join in on our arts classes, workshops, and private lessons, attend an event at Martha Hamblin Hall, or view the works on display in our gallery! About The Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA)
The Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) is located in downtown Ithaca, NY. For over 50 years, CSMA has provided instruction in the visual arts, music, dance, theater and languages for
students of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds, enriching the lives of more than 1700 students each year. Website: http://www.csma-ithaca.org/index.html Telephone: 607.272.1474 Address: 330 E Martin Luther King Jr. / State Street., Ithaca, NY 14850 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/csma.ithaca
The mission of the Community School of Music & Arts is "to provide quality instruction to any community member who desires to learn music and arts, to develop and offer cultural and artistic programs and events, and to serve as a resource for professional artists and musicians." Founded in Ithaca in 1960 in the home of Eunice and Clayton Weber, CSMA is now a private, 501 (C) (3), non-profit organization, governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. When describing CSMA and its mission, one must look at its philosophy, a deep belief that the arts are an intimate part of human nature, and that instruction in music, dance, theater and art should be made available to any community member who desires to learn. CSMA commits its resources to students and faculty, and to the larger group of artists in the Ithaca community. The Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) is more than a place where students of all ages receive quality instruction in music, dance, theatre and the visual arts. The Community School has grown over the decades and now enrolls 1,700 students a year, taught by seventy faculty members with vast teaching experience, high academic and professional credentials, international standing, and a strong commitment to excellence. John Villani, author of “The 100 Best Small Towns in America", notes that the Community School of Music and Arts is noted for its art courses, and is praised for being "one of the nation’s best small-town centers for the arts." Each year need-based scholarships are awarded to students who qualify. The scholarship program is one way CSMA ensures that its mission is met: "... to provide quality instruction to any community member who desires to learn music and arts ...”
CSMA is a non-profit organization whose programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. CSMA is a Capstone Partner of the Community Arts Partnership (CAP) of Tompkins County. It is a recipient of CAP's United Arts Fund Program. http://www.csma-ithaca.org
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06/11/2026
Unlock your vocal potential! 🎤
Only a few spots remain for this transformative workshop, where Michael will share his approach to traditional bluegrass and country lead and harmony singing.
Get ready to elevate your skills with songs from his new We Like Jim and Jesse recording and other timeless bluegrass and folk classics.
Plus, don't miss the opportunity to experience the magic of Michael and Jacob's performance [email protected] and take advantage of our special package deals to make it a day of music, growth, and connection with Winter Village Music! ❄️
Join us this Friday for the opening of two spectacular shows! In our upper gallery will be "Painting With Hurricanes." These paintings, made by Jesse Wright with the assistance of Ithaca High School students artists, are inspired by ongoing relief efforts in Jamaica in response to category 5 hurricane Melissa.
On view in our downstairs gallery will be "Donde Permanece la Luz (Where the Light Remains)," photographs by Rob Whitcomb shot in the Yucatan region of Mexico. This photography collection explores the quiet presence of ordinary architecture and the histories embedded in the walls, and urban surfaces.
Our walls are awash with stunning works of art this month! Stop by this May and enjoy three (yes, three!) different exhibits in our gallery space.
04/30/2026
Thank you to the Ithaca Times for showcasing our April exhibit, The Work of Tending! The exhibit has ended and our May show is going up, but don't miss out on your chance to take a wellness workshop with the artist, Dr. Rochele Royster. Find more details on our website!
Community School of Music and Art Hosts The Work of Tending
Currently on view at Community School of Music and Art (CSMA), [The Work of Tending] is a solo exhibition by Rochele Royster that brings together art therapy, public installation, and
04/28/2026
Take time for yourself this month with a restorative art therapy workshop, led by Dr. Rochele Royster. These workshops are free with a small donation* suggested. Visit the "Upcoming Events" section of our website for more information! https://csma-ithaca.org/
*If the suggested donation is keeping you from registering, please reach out and we will be happy to register you for free.
04/24/2026
On Saturday, May 2nd, celebrate the power and beauty of the feminine with an inspiring gathering full of art, music, and good vibes.
Pagan? Wiccan? Druid? Heathen? Solitary? Polytheist? Occultist? Get ready to meet fellow practitioners, share knowledge, and celebrate all things mystical. Whether you're a seasoned witch or just starting your journey into the world of sorcery, this event is perfect for you. There will be live music, aerialists, sideshow and burlesque performances, vendors, tattooers, body piercers, and diviners! Don't miss out on this enchanting opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and embrace your inner magic--that which is in you which is more than you--while experiencing true feelings of the beautiful and the sublime. See you there!
04/22/2026
Pardon our dust - we're going through some changes! 🕺Our front office is transforming into a lounge space for you and the rest of our community to relax in while you rest after an amazing dance class, wait for your child to finish a music lesson, or any other reason you can think of that might necessitate you sitting on a groovy orange couch. Our reception desk has moved to the lobby corner where our rocking chairs used to be.
04/13/2026
Get your tickets here: https://www.destinylavibemusic.com/event-details-registration/destiny-la-vibe-presents-the-speak-easy-extravaganza
Join us for The Speakeasy Extravaganza, presented by Destiny La Vibe! Don your finest 1920's-style attire and enjoy dinner, cocktails, and entertainment at this cabaret-style, all-night event. Ticket and food sales support the Community School of Music and Arts, Delta Sigma Theta Ithaca Alumnae Chapter, and Greater Ithaca Activities Center. Enjoy a night of fun and glamour while you support these local organizations!
06/11/2026
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