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.


2022-2023 Educational Events
Masterclasses
Garrick Ohlsson Piano Masterclass
February 24, 2023, 10:00-12:00
Sheslow Auditorium, Drake UniversityPanel Discussion
Music & Migration Panel Discussion
March 19, 2023, 1:00 PM
Plymouth ChurchClinics
Education Clinics with Benny Benack III
April 28, 2023
Workshop with Des Moines Symphony Academy, clinic with Valley High School Jazz Students & clinics with Des Moines Public SchoolsMasterclass & School Outreach
Mixed Media works with Drake Saxophone Studio & DMPS Middle Schools
Thurs, Sep 22 & Fri, Sep 23, 2022
Sheslow AuditoriumMasterclass
The Manhattan Transfer works with Southwestern Community College
October 13, 2022
Hoyt Sherman PlaceSchool Outreach
DIVA Jazz Orchestra works with local students
October 13, 2022
SchoolsSchool Outreach
Wu Fei and Abigail Washburn visit DMPS
Fri, Nov 11, 2022
Hoover High SchoolSchool Outreach
Cantus: Iowa All-Boys Honor Choir
Fri, Dec 2, 2022
Sheslow Auditorium
”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 More