What is Community Music School (CMS)?
The University of Tennessee Community Music School seeks to offer high quality educational experiences on our campus for growing musicians and music enthusiasts in the Knoxville area and beyond.
We offer lessons, ensemble participation, group classes, and digital courses for those who love music and want to learn and grow. The Tennessee Community Music School is open to people of all ages and ability levels. There’s a place for you at CMS!
Our goal: To inspire a deep love of music within our community, support the growth of musicians, and imbue the volunteer spirit into our musical programs and offerings.
Private Lessons
Private lessons are one-on-one opportunities for students to learn with a skilled instructor. These lessons allow for individualized training for musicians to improve technique and develop musicality. Students will receive personalized attention and progress at their own pace.
Group Classes
Group lessons provide instruction to multiple students at once. These sessions build foundational skills while introducing students to the collaborative nature of music. Students learn among peers in a supportive and engaging environment.
Digital Courses
More information coming soon!
Ensembles
Ensembles build community among students as they learn to rehearse and perform together. In addition to musical skills, students build community and develop skills in listening and teamwork.
Balinese Gamelan
Our Balinese Gamelan ensemble provides a hands-on introduction to the gamelan (orchestra) music of Bali, Indonesia, its performance, and culture. Through performance and discussion, this ensemble introduces students to gamelan instruments, techniques of performance, and the cultural importance of the music within Bali and the world. No previous knowledge of Bali or gamelan is expected.
Gospel Choir
The Tennessee Gospel Choir is a mixed-voice ensemble rehearsing and performing selections from gospel traditions. This course introduces students to techniques of performance of choral literature from this genre. Students will develop skills specifically germane to vocal gospel music production. No previous knowledge of the gospel genre is expected.
R&B
Information coming soon!
Tennessee Honor Percussion Ensemble
The Tennessee Honor Percussion Ensemble (THPE) provides advanced high school and middle school percussionists with an exceptional opportunity to develop and refine their ensemble skills across a wide variety of instruments. Under the expert guidance of Professor Andrew Bliss, students will explore published percussion ensemble repertoire and even have the chance to compose their own works.
Our program offers a comprehensive musical experience, including:
- Performance opportunities in percussion ensembles of varying styles and traditions, expanding students’ knowledge and experience in diverse musical genres
- Weekly rehearsals every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., which will culminate in 13 classes over the spring semester
- From 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., students can take advantage of Open Office Hours to practice and begin setting up early for the class.
- Collaboration with faculty and graduate students to engage in challenging percussion ensemble repertoire
- Hands-on experience with a variety of percussion instruments
- Multiple performance opportunities throughout the season
The Tennessee Honor Percussion Ensemble welcomes talented young percussionists from across the region, offering them a unique platform to hone their skills, expand their musical horizons, and perform in prestigious settings.
UT Appalachian Strings
UT Appalachian Strings is an ensemble made up of several bands that play bluegrass, old-time, and other Americana styles. There is only one mandatory performance each semester, but other performance opportunities are typically available. No experience with these genres is necessary, but a basic proficiency on your instrument is. Instruments that are typically accepted include fiddle (violin), banjo, guitar, mandolin, upright bass, dobro, and voice. Depending upon space in the ensemble, other stringed instruments could be considered. An audition is required. All skill levels are encouraged to apply, but acceptance is based on the need to balance instruments and ability.
Interested?
If you would like more information, please join our CMS mailing list.