Community Music School of Buffalo

Community Music School of Buffalo is a music school in Buffalo, New York, dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality music instruction and community programs for individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Serving Western New York for over a century, the school offers individual lessons in piano, voice, strings, winds, percussion, guitar, and more, as well as group classes, performance ensembles, music therapy, adaptive lessons, and summer camps. With a mission rooted in equity and inclusion, CMS ensures that financial status or skill level never limits access to music education. The school maintains a 4.80 rating from its community, reflecting strong satisfaction with its programs and outreach.

Founded in 1924 as First Settlement Music School, the organization began within Welcome Hall Social Settlement in South Buffalo, serving low-income families through the First Presbyterian Church. Today, it operates across five locations and serves more than 500 students annually. Its faculty comprises professional musicians with diverse expertise, carefully matched to student goals. The school’s music therapy program, led by board-certified therapists, uses a neurodiversity-affirming approach to support individuals with varying abilities. CMS was honored in 2023 with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra’s IDEA Award for its commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access in music education.

Located at 217 E Delavan Ave in the Hamlin Park Historic District, the school sits just a short walk from Viola Park Median and Florida Northland (Horace) Park, and is within a half-mile of Public School 74 Hamlin Park School and the Robert T. Coles House and Studio. It lies just 0.3 miles from the Scajaquada Expressway, making it easily accessible from across the region.

The school is recognized for its deep community roots, consistent programming, and strong reputation for inclusivity and excellence. Its long-standing presence, combined with a well-documented online profile and clear mission, underscores its trusted role in Buffalo’s cultural and educational landscape.

As a cornerstone of Buffalo’s arts community, Community Music School of Buffalo continues to bring harmony to the city by making music accessible to all.