About Us

Why choose the Jackson Community Music School?

The Jackson Community Music School has been committed to local music education and outreach in Jackson since 1992. Our distinguished music faculty is comprised of professional musicians who have been carefully selected based on their extensive training, wealth of experience, and passion for teaching. Our faculty currently perform with professional orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the Jackson Symphony Orchestra!

Students of the Community Music School are offered many performance opportunities throughout the year. From formal recitals at the end of each semester to casual concerts like our Bach’s Lunch series, students can gain experience and confidence performing in a variety of settings. Select students may also get to perform with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra in side-by-side concerts and be featured in other outreach and enrichment performances.

Other perks to being a student at the Jackson Community Music School include free tickets to Jackson Symphony Orchestra concerts and guest artist recitals, numerous scholarship opportunities only offered to currently enrolled students, performances in masterclasses and group ensembles, and so much more!

Staff

Jackson Community Music School

David Lamse – Director

Rebecca Onnen – Administrative Assistant

Jackson Symphony Orchestra Association

Matthew Aubin – Music Director and Executive Director

Joan Cummings – Business Manager

Valerie Herr – Director of Marketing and Development

Steve Trosin – Facilities Director, Music on Tap Director

Debra Fairbanks – Executive Administrative Assistant

Barry Kimble – Administrative Assistant

David Lamse – Personnel Manager

Mallory Tabb – Music Librarian

Stephen Osmond – Conductor Laureate

What are people saying about the Community Music School?

“Having a resource as high-quality as Community Music School in the Jackson community has been a life-changer for my daughter… After five years of lessons, [she] is an accomplished musician with plans to continue playing in college. How many small or even medium-sized cities have a professional oboist available for one-on-one weekly lessons? Our lives have been immeasurably enriched by the presence of CMS!”

“I really appreciate having CMS available to me in Jackson… CMS makes everything easy for the student. The facilities are perfect—centrally located, spacious and comfortable with nice extras like music computer programs. The staff are friendly and helpful and make the process of registering and paying painless. I can’t say enough about the Community Music School. I’ve lived in many towns and cities, but I have never encountered such a wonderful service as yours. Thank you so much!”

“As an adult CMS student in Jackson, I have been very satisfied and pleased with everything there. I have an excellent piano teacher. David Lamse is an outstanding director and communicator and motivator. We are always informed of events, calendar updates, opportunities and concerts held. The staff is organized and welcoming. This is my second year as a student with positive experiences!”

Why choose the Jackson Community Music School?

Staff

What are people saying about the Community Music School?

Sponsors