About CMA Studio
Students from local schools, colleges, and universities, as well as the general public, are invited to learn from some of the greatest musicians of our time. All CMA Studio programs are open to the public and offered at no cost to schools thanks to generous support from the community.
Music can have a very positive impact on children. Involvement with music, especially playing an instrument, has been shown to improve socialization skills, school attendance, and academic achievement and increase classroom engagement.
CMA Partners with the Boys & Girls Club of Central Iowa and Drake University
The Civic Music Association, in partnership with Drake University and the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa, has launched an initiative to promote access to food and essential supplies. Join us and bring non-perishable food items, health and hygiene products, and school supplies to all CMA and Drake University Music Department concerts held in Sheslow Auditorium. All donations will go to the Gregory & Suzie Glazer Burt Club Food Pantry. Collection bins will be available in the lobby at every concert. Help make central Iowa more equitable for everyone through the power of music.
2025-2026 Educational Events
Lecture & Performance
Yo-Yo Ma: Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Drake University lecture with Ashley Sidon & cello clinic & pre-concert cello choir performance by students of Greater Des Moines.
November 1, 2025
DMPS, Drake University & The Des Moines Civic Center
Clinic & Performance
New York Voices: Performance Clinics with West Des Moines and Des Moines Public School Jazz Choirs & Heartland Youth Choir pre-concert performance
December 5, 2025
Valley High School
Discussion & Performance
Emanuel Ax: Q&A with artist & DMMTA student competition winners pre-concert performance
February 20, 2026
Sheslow Auditorium
School Outreach & Clinic
Bria Skonberg: Interactive honor jazz band clinic & performance with DMPS and surrounding area school jazz students.
March 27, 2026
Roosevelt High School
School Outreach & Clinic
Fred Hersch: Area jazz ensembles perform in interactive masterclass at Turner Jazz Center.
April 16, 2026
Turner Jazz Center
”At CMA we believe that learning from today’s greatest musicians will help shape the musicians and engaged citizens of tomorrow.
CMA Scholarships
The Marjorie Spevak Scholarship and The CMA Young Soloist Competition
CMA awards several scholarships to middle school and high school students wishing to further pursue the study of music.
Learn MoreLearn more about our CMA Studio education programs, scholarship winners and events.
2025 Scholarship & Award Recipients
Congratulations to our 2025 scholarship and award recipients! We're thrilled to offer $9,000 to such worthy winners toward their pursuit of music. Meet the 2025…
Read More
CMA Studio 2023-2024
Each season, CMA gives back to the community through CMA Studio. These free educational events feature our guest artists, and students light up at the…
Read More
Thank You to our Education Partners!
