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.
2025-2026 Educational Events
School Outreach & Clinic
April 17, 2026
Turner Jazz Center, Roosevelt High SchoolFred Hersch: Area jazz students participate in an interactive performance and Q&A with the artist at Drake's Turner Jazz Center at 12 PM and Roosevelt High School at 1:40 PM on April 17. The performance at Turner Jazz Center will be open to the public.
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 on February 20 at 1 PM in Sheslow Auditorium & DMMTA student competition winners pre-concert performance on February 20 at 6:30 PM in Sheslow Auditorium
February 20, 2026
Sheslow Auditorium
High School Honor Jazz Band Clinic
March 27, 2026, 2-3:30 PM
Sheslow AuditoriumCelebrating Women in Jazz
An honor jazz ensemble comprised of female students from West Des Moines, Pella, Ankeny, Norwalk, and Winterset high schools will participate in an jazz band clinic with Bria Skonberg. Rehearsal (free and open to the public) is from 2-3:30 PM at Sheslow Auditorium. The ensemble will join the Quintet to open the evening concert.
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.
”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 and The CMA Young Artist Scholarships
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.
CMA Studio Partners with DMMTA
Since 2021, Civic Music has partnered with the Des Moines Music Teachers Association to provide an opportunity for young musicians in Iowa to perform for…
Read More
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
Thank You to our Education Partners!
