Concerts, Recitals, Music Lessons & Directions
Community Music Center of Boston (CMCB) is a nonprofit music school and cultural organization at 34 Warren Avenue, Boston, MA 02116, in the South End. Founded in 1910, it hosts concerts, student recitals, community conversations, music lessons, ensembles and music therapy programs.
Quick answer: For upcoming performances, use the official events calendar. For lessons or registration, call 617-482-7494 ext. 54. The accessible elevator entrance is at 537 Tremont Street, separate from the Warren Avenue main entrance.
Information reviewed October 29, 2026. Performance schedules, registrations and venue locations can change. This independent guide is not the official CMCB website.
Community Music Center of Boston Hours
| Day | Published Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 10:00 AM–8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Special Events | Follow the individual event’s published starting and ending times. |
| Holidays / Academic Breaks | Check the current academic calendar for changes. |
The official contact page lists the main building at 34 Warren Avenue and the accessible entrance at 537 Tremont Street. Call before traveling if you need assistance entering outside normal class hours.
Upcoming CMCB Concerts & Events: November–December 2026
CMCB’s official calendar includes student performances, community concerts, studio recitals and special fundraising events. The following events were listed when this guide was reviewed.
| Date & Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov. 21, 2026 · 2 PM | Citizen Musician Partner Concert |
| Dec. 3, 2026 · 6:30 PM | Music Therapy Department Concert |
| Dec. 4, 2026 · 6 PM | Kavita Shankar Studio Recital |
| Dec. 5, 2026 · 11 AM | Musical Explorers Concert |
| Dec. 7, 2026 · 6:30 PM | Paulius Pancekauskas Studio Recital |
| Dec. 9, 2026 · 7 PM | All Together Now: CMCB’s 2026 Annual Benefit |
| Dec. 10, 2026 · 6:30 PM | A Winter Celebration by Vinh Pham’s Studio |
| Dec. 11, 2026 · 6 PM | Piano Department Recital |
| Dec. 14, 2026 · 6:30 PM | YJ Jeon Studio Recital |
| Dec. 15, 2026 · 5 PM | ECH/ELEM Culminating Event 1 |
| Dec. 16, 2026 · 6:30 PM | Adult Salon |
| Dec. 17, 2026 · 5 PM | ECH/ELEM Culminating Event 2 |
| Dec. 18, 2026 · 6 PM | Alexander Morollo Studio Recital |
Looking ahead: The official calendar also lists Performathon from January 29 to February 1, 2027 and the Lapin Competition preliminary round on February 27, 2027.
How to Attend a Concert or Recital
- Open the official CMCB events calendar.
- Select your preferred month and event.
- Read the event description, venue, date and starting time.
- Check whether admission is free, ticketed or requires advance registration.
- Follow the registration or ticket instructions shown for that specific event.
- Confirm whether the performance is in Allen Hall at 34 Warren Avenue or elsewhere.
- Use the accessible entrance at 537 Tremont Street if needed.
- Save your confirmation and check for changes before leaving home.
What Events Does Community Music Center of Boston Host?
Piano, string, voice, percussion and other performances featuring students and faculty.
Public concerts highlighting musicians, compositions and different musical traditions.
An annual festival of student performances supporting CMCB’s fundraising and music education mission.
Discussions about music, arts access, education and community issues.
Performances by orchestras, bands, choirs and smaller musical groups.
Winter performances, family programs, special festivals and music-related events.
Are CMCB Concerts Free?
Many public educational and community concerts are free. The John Kleshinski Concert Series has historically offered performances free to the public, while fundraising benefits and certain other events may have separate admission arrangements.
Do not assume all concerts are free or that free events have unlimited seating. Check the individual event page for reservations, ticket prices and entry requirements.
Allen Hall: Finding the Performance Space
Allen Hall is an indoor performance venue within the Community Music Center of Boston’s South End campus at 34 Warren Avenue.
It hosts student recitals, community concerts, faculty performances and selected musical events. The venue is reached through the same building complex as the Community Music School.
Before Attending an Allen Hall Event
- Verify that the event specifically lists Allen Hall.
- Check whether the event requires advance registration.
- Confirm the exact entrance if you have mobility needs.
- Allow extra time for South End parking or transit.
- Follow any event-specific photography or recording restrictions.
- Ask whether wheelchair seating or other assistance needs arranging.
The building’s accessible Tremont Street entrance leads through a hallway toward the CMCB lobby, front office and Allen Hall. An elevator is available for reaching the ground level.
Music Lessons & Classes for Children and Adults
CMCB is also an active music school. Visitors searching for the center often want to enroll in lessons rather than simply attend a concert.
| Program | What It Offers |
|---|---|
| Private Music Lessons | Weekly one-to-one instruction in more than 20 instruments. |
| Early Childhood | Age-appropriate music activities for young children, including infants and preschoolers. |
| Elementary Classes | Beginning piano, violin, drums, guitar, ukulele and other introductory options. |
| Adult Groups | Beginner and intermediate band, choir and other group music opportunities. |
| Orchestra & Ensembles | Orchestral, chamber, rock, pop and other collaborative music experiences. |
| Music Theory | Musicianship, harmony and supporting skills for developing musicians. |
| Music Therapy | Individual sessions supporting personal, developmental or well-being goals. |
| Summer Arts & Music | Seasonal music instruction, creative projects and youth activities. |
Group-class timing: Most group classes meet once a week for approximately 45 minutes. Many run during fall or spring semesters. Ensembles usually meet weekly for one to two-and-a-half hours, depending on the group.
How to Register for Music Lessons
- Open the official Community Music School program page.
- Choose an instrument, age group or ensemble.
- Read the class prerequisites, term dates and expected lesson length.
- Complete the New Student Inquiry Form linked from the official page.
- Discuss scheduling and placement with Student Services.
- Review tuition, registration charges and financial-aid eligibility.
- Complete enrollment through CMCB’s authorized process.
Registration help: 617-482-7494 ext. 54 or registration@cmcb.org.
Music Lesson Fees, Discounts & Financial Aid
CMCB charges tuition for many private lessons, classes and ensembles. Prices depend on the program, lesson length and academic term.
The official tuition page lists payment by credit card through the ASAP account, credit card at the front office or by telephone, exact cash in person and checks mailed to the Warren Avenue address.
Discounts & Financial Assistance
| Option | Published Details |
|---|---|
| Family Discount | 10% off private lessons when two or more people from one household participate in CMCB programming. Request it from Student Services; it is not applied automatically. |
| Pathways Intensive | Eligible students in the Saturday Pathways Intensive may receive 50% off selected additional Saturday group programs. |
| Tuition Financial Aid | Available for students of different ages and ability levels, based on a completed application and available funding. |
| Financial Aid Limits | CMCB states that full 100% tuition scholarships are not available through its regular financial-aid program. Registration and instrument rental fees are not covered. |
| 2026–27 Application | Financial-aid applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, subject to the published enrollment deadline. |
How to Apply for Tuition Assistance
- Open the official CMCB financial-aid page.
- Review the application deadline for your program.
- Complete the financial-aid application in the offered language.
- Prepare the first two pages of the most recent Form 1040 and required supporting schedules.
- Provide an optional explanation of unusual family expenses if relevant.
- Submit the documents through the approved application method.
- Look for confirmation from the financial-aid team.
- Allow at least two weeks for review and follow the award instructions.
Financial-aid questions: financialaid@cmcb.org.
Accessibility: Elevator Entrance & Parking
The main Warren Avenue entrance involves stairs. CMCB identifies 537 Tremont Street as its accessible entrance within the Boston Center for the Arts complex.
How to Use the Accessible Entrance
- Navigate to 537 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116.
- Locate the entry buzzer on the right wall near the locked door.
- Use the buzzer to request access.
- Take the elevator and press B for the ground level.
- Continue down the hallway toward the Community Music Center lobby, registration desk and Allen Hall.
- Ask staff for guidance if the door or elevator is not available.
Accessible Parking Locations
| Street Address | Published Spaces |
|---|---|
| 15 Warren Avenue | 1 accessible parking space |
| 80 Warren Avenue | 1 accessible parking space |
| 537 Tremont Street | 2 accessible parking spaces |
| 565 Tremont Street | 1 accessible parking space |
Accessibility coordinator: Rachel Chao, 617-482-7494 ext. 26, rchao@cmcb.org.
Community Music Center of Boston Map & Directions
Main address: 34 Warren Avenue, Boston, MA 02116.
Accessible elevator entrance: 537 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02116.
Public Transportation
CMCB is in Boston’s South End, near Back Bay Station. The organization identifies Back Bay as the nearest major MBTA station, approximately 0.3 miles away.
- Orange Line: Use Back Bay Station, then follow pedestrian directions to Warren Avenue.
- Commuter Rail: Back Bay is also served by several commuter rail routes.
- Walking: Check the route to the correct Warren Avenue or Tremont Street entrance.
- Driving: Plan for limited South End street parking and possible meter restrictions.
For live transit service and accessibility information, use the official MBTA trip planner.
New Roxbury Campus: What Visitors Should Know
CMCB has announced an additional campus at 2164 Washington Street, Roxbury, intended to expand music education access in Boston.
Its published building update describes plans for programs at the Roxbury location beginning in January 2027, with the existing South End site remaining part of the organization’s operations.
Other Community Arts & Performing Arts Guides
CMCB specializes in music education and concerts. These four published community-center.org guides describe other facilities with performing arts, cultural programs and event spaces; their ticketing and enrollment rules are independent of CMCB.
- For a recreation venue combining stage performances, music and theatre classes, see the Wayne Community Center performing arts and Rosen Theatre guide.
- Compare rehearsal, event and theatre facilities through the Sunnyvale Community Center performing arts and creative programs guide.
- For another New England venue offering concerts and cultural performances, read the Kittery Community Center STAR Theatre and arts events guide.
- Learn how a municipal community venue combines a theatre, dance rooms and arts activities in the E. L. Hannah Community Center theatre and cultural facilities guide.
Before Attending a Concert: Visitor Checklist
- Confirm the event name, date and start time.
- Check whether admission is free, ticketed or registration-only.
- Verify the exact building and performance room.
- Save any ticket or RSVP confirmation.
- Use the accessible Tremont Street entrance if needed.
- Check public transportation or street-parking availability.
- Ask about seating or accommodations in advance.
- Check the official calendar again for updates or cancellations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Community Music Center of Boston located?
The main campus is at 34 Warren Avenue, Boston, MA 02116, in the South End. Its accessible elevator entrance is at 537 Tremont Street.
2. What are the Community Music Center of Boston hours?
Regular published hours are Monday–Friday 10 AM–8 PM and Saturday 9 AM–5:30 PM. The organization is closed Sunday. Concert and holiday schedules may differ.
3. What is the CMCB phone number?
The main number is 617-482-7494. For music lessons and registration, contact extension 54 or email registration@cmcb.org.
4. Are Community Music Center of Boston concerts free?
Many community concerts and student performances are free, including the historically free John Kleshinski Concert Series. Certain events may require tickets, donations or reservations.
5. Where can I find upcoming CMCB events?
The official events calendar at cmcb.org/events lists recitals, concerts, community conversations and special events, including the event location and scheduled time.
6. Does CMCB offer music lessons for adults?
Yes. CMCB offers private instruction, adult bands, ensembles, choir and other programs for different ages and abilities. Contact Student Services for availability.
7. Can children join CMCB music programs?
Yes. The center offers early childhood, elementary, youth ensemble, private lesson and seasonal music programs. Age and enrollment requirements vary.
8. Does Community Music Center of Boston offer financial aid?
Yes. Tuition financial aid is available to eligible students, subject to application review and funding. Regular aid does not cover registration or instrument rental fees.
9. Is Community Music Center of Boston wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Its accessible entrance is at 537 Tremont Street, with an elevator to the ground level. Contact the accessibility coordinator for additional arrangements.
10. Does Community Music Center of Boston have parking?
The organization does not operate a parking lot. Limited metered, unmetered and designated accessible street parking is available nearby. Back Bay Station is approximately 0.3 miles away.
Official Events, Classes & Visitor Resources
- CMCB Official Events Calendar
- Address, Phone & Operating Hours
- Allen Hall Concert Venue
- Music Lessons & Registration
- Group Classes & Ensemble Schedules
- Tuition Rates, Payment & Discounts
- 2026–27 Financial Aid Applications
- Student Handbook & Academic Calendar
- Accessible Entrance & Parking
- South End & Roxbury Campus Updates
Independent visitor guide, not affiliated with Community Music Center of Boston. Events, tuition, financial aid, building access and performance locations may change. Confirm all time-sensitive details directly with CMCB before visiting or paying.