MG2010 Midwest: Central Minnesota Music School

Developing Artistry by Inspiring the Talent Within…that’s what the Central Minnesota Music School, a non-profit community performing arts school has been about since opening its doors in 1981. Our story is best told by the accomplishments of our students…students that have won awards in the Waring International Piano Competition (gold medal), the 4th Schimmel USASU Young Artists International Senior Piano Competition (silver medal), awarded a “Level 1” award in the 2010 YoungArts Week Music Auditions, and performed over 70 times with orchestras around the nation. Our Artistic Director, Dr. Paul Wirth, is well known as a premier teacher of young artists and was referred to as the “gold standard” by Christopher O’Riley who appeared as the Special Guest Artist at our 2009 Young Artist Piano Camp.

We believe that having something to teach, and being able to motivate students are like two necessary oars in a rowboat. Without both oars, the boat will go in circles! Our teachers are highly trained, professionals who love what they do -and that's infectious. Our programs also promote a group dynamic wherever possible -and for pre-college aged students, that's motivating. Along with the cutting edge pedagogy we have become known for, WE are here to DEVELOP TALENT. Developing talent, which is the “ability” to make music and dance is our goal and our enduring success, because we believe everyone has it ...

So how do we provide a unique learning environment that inspires students to reach new heights of performance excellence? In addition to year-round instruction in Early Childhood Music and Movement, ballet, piano, violin, viola, music theory, percussion, guitar and voice, we offer great programs geared to their individual interests like: the Young Artist World Piano Festival, the School of Rock, the Salon se Leve concert series and our spring gala, Pianos Galore and More. For more information on these inspiring programs, please go to our website at: www.cmmusicschool.org.

You can play an important role in supporting the successful artistic and educational programs of the Central Minnesota Music School. CMMS could not operate without your generous donations that also serve as the impetus for many of our scholarships, special programs and future growth. We know that consistent annual giving of all those who treasure the excellent performing arts education provided by CMMS will remain paramount to our continued future success. Supporting CMMS demonstrates your commitment to our mission to help our students develop the discipline, artistry, and excellence to succeed in an ever-changing world. Please join us in securing this mission by providing support in one of the following areas:

1. Individual Donations – We rely on individual donations to support and maintain our operational costs in providing exceptional performing arts education - enhancing the lives not only of the students that attend our programs but the surrounding community.

2. Scholarships – Give a gift that lasts a lifetime! Every year, we are asked to provide more and more financial aid scholarships to deserving families. These scholarships are based strictly on financial need. We believe that every child should be able to reap the benefits of a performing arts education. Limited school budgets usually mean cuts in the art departments. Research has proven that school success is vastly improved for those children given a strong arts education.

3. Capital Improvement and Expansion – We have been providing exceptional performing arts education for over 28 years. Our facilities and equipment are feeling the effects of our successful past. You can be a part of continuing our legacy by donating to this fund to ensure our future by keeping us on the cutting edge of technology and promoting our expansion into other markets.

4. Matching Gifts – Many companies throughout the region, both large and small, generously match an employee’s donation to a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization like CMMS. If your gift is eligible for a match, please request a matching gift form from your employer’s Human Resources Department, complete your portion, sign and send it with your gift to the address listed below. We’ll take care of the rest. United Way allows you to direct your contribution to the charity of your choice. If you choose to give through this organization, please consider checking the box and indicating CMMS as your charity of choice.