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.
2024-2025 Educational Events
School Outreach & Clinics
Fischoff Winners, LOTUS Quartet, are performing student outreach events and clinics with several Des Moines Public Middle School music programs and Drake University
September 26 & 27, 2024
Des Moines Public Middle School & Sheslow Auditorium
Discussion & Lecture
Flutist Brandon Patrick George & Aaron Diehl are providing a lecture/presentation on Black America
October 8, 2024
Lincoln High School
Discussion & Lecture
Aaron Diehl: Lecture/presentation on Black America
October 9, 2024
Sheslow Auditorium
School Outreach
Magos Herrera: Vocal Improv & Style Masterclass, focus on Latin American interpretations
November 8, 2024
Turner Jazz Center
School Outreach
The King's Singers: Pre-concert Performance by Heartland Youth Choir & Honor Choir Practice & Performance
December 18, 2024
Sheslow Auditorium
School Outreach
Ballet Des Moines education and outreach programs will travel to Algona, Hampton, Muscatine, Belmond, Ames, Oelwein, Grinnell, & across Greater Des Moines. Visit www.balletdesmoines.org for more information and to get involved.
Q&A Discussion
Nobuyuki Tsujii: Q&A following performance with artist & interpreter
March 23, 2025
Sheslow Auditorium
Masterclass
Sona Jobarteh: Gambian Culture & Music Masterclass
March 28, 2025
Des Moines Public Schools
”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.
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…
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2023 Scholarship & Award Recipients Announced
Congratulations to our 2023 scholarship and award recipients! We're thrilled to offer $8,500 to such worthy winners toward their pursuit of music. Meet the 2023…
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Thank You to our Education Partners!
This concert is sponsored by
