Community School of Music and Arts

For families and individuals in New York, particularly in the vibrant and culturally rich city of Ithaca, finding engaging and enriching activities during the summer months is a priority. The Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) stands out as a premier local summer camp organizer and year-round multi-arts center. With a mission to make outstanding arts education accessible to students of all ages, skill levels, and socioeconomic backgrounds, CSMA offers a diverse array of programs that promise to inspire creativity, foster personal growth, and create lasting memories.

CSMA has been a cornerstone of the Ithaca arts scene for decades, providing a dynamic meeting place for artists, community members, and educators. While some reviews highlight its versatility as a unique venue for events, such as weddings, emphasizing the "unique space" and "accommodating and kind staff," its core identity revolves around arts education. The ability of the space to enhance events, noted by a wedding client for its "stage lighting and sound," speaks to the professional quality of its facilities, which directly benefits its arts programs.

More pertinent to its role as a summer camp organizer, CSMA is celebrated for its educational offerings. As one satisfied community member put it, "They have great classes and practice rooms and shows," a sentiment that undoubtedly extends to their well-regarded summer programs. Parents specifically praise CSMA's summer camps: "The most well organized camp! The art my daughter produced was beautiful." Another parent shared, "The summer camps at CSMA are kids' favorite! Both of my kids went to the various activities offered at CSMA last summer, from drawing, singing, dancing, to digital photography, etc... they are super fun!" These enthusiastic reviews underscore the quality, variety, and engaging nature of the summer camp experiences offered.

For New Yorkers in the Ithaca area, CSMA is not just a place for summer fun; it's a non-profit organization deeply committed to enriching the human spirit through artistic exploration. Their dedication to inclusivity and equitable programs ensures that the transformative power of art is available to everyone in the community.

The Community School of Music and Arts is centrally located in a beautiful, historic building in downtown Ithaca at 330 E State St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA. This prime location makes it incredibly convenient and accessible for families residing throughout Ithaca and the surrounding Tompkins County region. East State Street is a major thoroughfare, ensuring easy navigation for drop-offs and pickups.

Being in downtown Ithaca means CSMA is well-integrated into the city's vibrant urban fabric. It's often within walking distance or a short drive from many residential areas, local businesses, and public transportation routes. This central position not only simplifies logistics for parents but also allows students to experience the energy and cultural richness of Ithaca's downtown. The facility itself, a historic 23,000-square-foot building, boasts multiple classrooms, studios, music practice rooms, art galleries, and a notable Third Floor Performance Space, all contributing to an inspiring environment for young artists. This excellent accessibility makes CSMA an ideal choice for local families seeking summer programs.

As a comprehensive multi-arts center, the Community School of Music and Arts provides a wide array of educational and cultural services, with a significant focus on enriching summer camp experiences for children and teens in New York.

• Summer Camps: CSMA's summer camp catalog is extensive and thoughtfully designed for various age groups and interests.
  • Arts All Around You Summer Camp (Ages 6-10): Available weekly throughout much of the summer (e.g., July 7-Aug 29), this dynamic camp offers hands-on activities exploring visual arts, music, dance, and theatrical storytelling. It provides a holistic introduction to the arts.
  • Visual Arts Camp (Middle & High Schoolers): A dedicated camp for older students (e.g., July 21-July 25) to delve deeper into visual arts techniques, experimentation with styles, and bringing imaginative visions to life.
  • Broadway Bootcamp (Middle & High Schoolers): This specialized camp (e.g., July 7-July 11) focuses on developing acting, singing, and movement skills within the context of musical theater, embracing dramatic storytelling and character development.
  • After Care Programs: Optional after-care programs are available for various camps, extending the day until 5:15 PM, offering convenience for working parents. Participants must be co-enrolled in the corresponding CSMA camp.
• Year-Round Arts Instruction: Beyond summer camps, CSMA offers continuous arts education for all ages.
  • Music School: Provides comprehensive music education, including private music lessons and group classes for all ages (early childhood, youth, teen, adult) across various instruments (cello, choir, drums, guitar, keyboard, violin), musical styles (classical, jazz, contemporary), and topics like music theory and digital music.
  • Art School: Offers classes and workshops in various visual art disciplines for all ages and skill levels, fostering creativity and artistic expression.
• Performances and Public Events: CSMA presents numerous performances, public events, and gallery shows in its downtown Ithaca facility throughout the year, enriching the cultural life of the community. Their historic Third Floor Performance Space is a notable venue for these events.
• School Break Camps: In addition to summer programs, CSMA organizes camps during school breaks (e.g., April break), offering safe and creative environments for students to explore their artistic talents.
• Workshops: Specialized workshops are frequently offered, such as a "Learn to DJ: One-Day Workshop" or "Adult Performance Intensive," catering to diverse interests and skill development.

The Community School of Music and Arts is distinguished by several key features and highlights that underscore its value to the New York community:

• Comprehensive Multi-Arts Focus: CSMA uniquely offers instruction and programming across a broad spectrum of arts disciplines—music, visual arts, dance, and theater—providing a holistic and integrated arts education experience. This allows children to explore various creative outlets in one place.
• Inclusive and Accessible Programs: A core tenet of CSMA's mission is to make quality arts education accessible to "students of all ages, skill levels and socioeconomic backgrounds." They offer "Arts for All" scholarships based on need, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent participation.
• Experienced and Professional Faculty: Programs are led by a faculty of professional artists and arts educators, ensuring high-quality instruction and mentorship. Reviews of their general classes attest to "great classes" and a focus on student growth.
• State-of-the-Art and Historic Facility: Located in a beautiful 23,000-square-foot historic building, CSMA provides inspiring classrooms, dedicated studios, music practice rooms, art galleries, and a "spectacular" Third Floor Performance Space, enhancing the learning and performance experience.
• Highly Praised Summer Camps: Parental feedback consistently highlights the "well organized," "super fun," and engaging nature of CSMA's summer camps, making them a "kids' favorite" and a valuable resource for summer enrichment.
• Community-Oriented and Non-Profit: As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CSMA is deeply rooted in and dedicated to enriching the local community. Their programs are made possible by support from organizations like the New York State Council on the Arts, reflecting their public value.
• Variety of Camp Themes: From "Arts All Around You" for younger children to specialized "Visual Arts Camp" and "Broadway Bootcamp" for middle and high schoolers, the diverse themes cater to different interests and developmental stages.
• Optional After Care: The availability of optional after-care programs provides crucial flexibility for working parents, extending the camp day for convenience.

For New York residents interested in enrolling in summer camps or other programs at the Community School of Music and Arts, here is their contact information:

Address: 330 E State St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA

Phone: (607) 272-1474

Mobile Phone: +1 607-272-1474

It is highly recommended to visit the official CSMA website or contact them directly via phone or email for the most current summer camp schedules, detailed program descriptions, registration procedures, tuition fees, and information regarding financial aid or scholarship opportunities. Early registration is often encouraged due to the popularity of their programs.

For families in Ithaca and the broader New York region seeking enriching, engaging, and high-quality summer camp experiences, the Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) is an exceptionally suitable and valuable local resource. Its deep-rooted commitment to arts education for "all ages, skill levels and socioeconomic backgrounds" ensures that it serves as an inclusive hub for creativity in the community.

The glowing testimonials from local parents, who describe the camps as "well organized" and "super fun" and note the beautiful art produced by their children, underscore the positive and impactful experiences offered. Whether a child is interested in exploring a little bit of everything in the "Arts All Around You" camp or delving deeply into specific disciplines like "Visual Arts" or "Broadway Bootcamp," CSMA provides tailored programs led by professional arts educators in an inspiring, historic setting.

The convenience of its downtown Ithaca location, combined with optional after-care programs, addresses the practical needs of busy New York families. More profoundly, as a non-profit organization, CSMA's mission aligns with community well-being, fostering artistic exploration and personal growth in a supportive environment. For those prioritizing a summer experience that balances fun with genuine skill development and exposure to various art forms, the Community School of Music and Arts stands as an indispensable local treasure in Ithaca, New York.

Community School of Music and Arts

330 E State St, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA