Hear Live Music, Find Tickets and Plan Your CMC Visit
Community Music Center (CMC) is a nonprofit music school and live-performance venue in San Francisco. Its Mission District campus hosts concerts, student performances, workshops and community events, while its Richmond District branch provides additional music education programs.
Planning to attend a concert? Start with the event date and admission price, then check which venue is hosting the performance. Tickets can be free, donation-based or paid depending on the organizer.
544 Capp Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Event-specific pricing. Many performances are free or low-cost; some require advance tickets or RSVPs.
Community Music Center Upcoming Events
The following performances were listed on the official CMC event calendar for October and November 2026 as of October 16, 2026.
Bootlegger’s Ball with Nick Rossi’s Swing Six
A live jazz and swing dance evening at CMC Concert Hall, 544 Capp Street. Presented by Bootlegger’s Ball.
Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 students and seniors.
E4TT: Call for Scores — Solo Piano, Vol. 3
Contemporary piano compositions performed by Dale Tsang, presented by Ensemble for These Times at CMC Concert Hall.
Published price: $5–$30.
New Music for Wind Trio
New works for wind instruments by Bay Area composers, presented by the San Francisco chapter of NACUSA at CMC Concert Hall.
Published price: $15–$25.
CMC Halloween Party & Costume Parade
Family-friendly seasonal celebration with student choir performances, music and costumes.
Admission: Free. The event notice invites visitors to bring a small snack.
Día de Muertos en la Misión
Celebration of Mexican Day of the Dead traditions with Latin American and Spanish music featuring CMC performers.
Location: Mission Dolores Basilica, 3321 16th Street, San Francisco — not the Capp Street concert hall.
Published admission: $5–$15, with a no-one-turned-away-for-lack-of-funds arrangement noted on the listing.
From Baroque to Cinema
CMC faculty perform piano-trio music spanning classical traditions, early twentieth-century compositions and film-related repertoire.
Admission: Free; RSVP offered.
Location: CMC Concert Hall, 544 Capp Street.
Community Music Center Tickets and Admission Prices
CMC does not charge one universal entrance fee. Ticket requirements depend on whether you are attending a free student performance, a faculty concert, a visiting ensemble or an event organized by another group.
| Event Type | Typical Admission Arrangement | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Student recital | Often free | Public admission and registration requirement |
| Community or faculty concert | Free, RSVP or event-specific fee | Capacity and reservation method |
| Guest ensemble | Set by organizer | Ticket vendor, price and refund policy |
| Benefit or special fundraiser | Event-specific ticket or donation | Donation terms and included activities |
| Private rental performance | Set by event host | Ticketing instructions from organizer |
How to Find and Buy Tickets
- Visit the official CMC events calendar.
- Use the available date, location, organizer, event type or cost filters.
- Select the performance you want to attend.
- Check the date, start time and full venue address.
- Read the cost field. Free events may still require an RSVP or have a capacity limit.
- For a paid event, select the authorized ticket link provided by CMC.
- Choose the available admission category, such as general, student or senior, if offered.
- Review fees, refund rules and venue instructions on the authorized checkout page.
- Complete payment or RSVP and retain the confirmation email or ticket.
- Arrive early enough to find the entrance and check in before the performance.
Are Free Concerts Really Free?
When the official calendar lists an event as free, there is no published general admission charge for that event. However, a free RSVP may be requested, seating can be limited, and an organizer may encourage voluntary donations. Confirm the individual listing rather than assuming all CMC performances are free.
Community Music Center Hours and Branch Locations
CMC operates two San Francisco branches. These are posted office hours, not guaranteed concert performance times.
Mission District Branch
Address: 544 Capp Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. The expanded campus also includes 552 Capp Street.
| Day | Office Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Thursday | 9 AM–9:45 PM |
| Friday | 9 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | 9 AM–3 PM |
The Mission branch is closed on Sundays during Summer Quarter. Holiday and special-event changes may also apply.
Richmond District Branch
Address: 6221 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94121, between 26th and 27th Avenues.
| Day | Office Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday–Friday | 10 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–5 PM |
| Sunday | No regular Sunday office hours published |
Richmond contact: (415) 221-4515.
Community Music Center Parking, Transit and Directions
Mission District Concert Hall Map
544 Capp Street, San Francisco, CA 94110
The Mission campus is located between 20th and 21st Streets. Its concert hall is part of a renovated Victorian carriage-house complex.
Where Can You Park?
CMC does not have its own public parking lot. The organization identifies nearby public parking options, including the Mission Bartlett Garage at 3255 21st Street, between Bartlett and Valencia Streets.
Additional public parking may be available along nearby Capp Street and 21st Street, while street parking depends on posted restrictions and space availability.
Using a Parking Garage
Mission Bartlett Garage, 3255 21st Street, is the official website’s named nearby garage option. Check current operating hours, access, payment methods and garage rates before leaving your vehicle.
Using Street Parking
Read signs for parking meters, residential restrictions, street cleaning, loading areas and temporary closures. Leave time to walk to the concert hall from your space.
Public Transportation
The Mission branch can be reached using the 16th Street Mission or 24th Street Mission BART stations, followed by a walk or connecting service. The organization also identifies Muni routes 14, 33 and 49.
For visitors arriving in central San Francisco, public transit may be simpler than searching for parking in the Mission neighborhood.
Richmond District Branch Map
6221 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94121
The Richmond branch is accessible by local Muni service, including routes 1, 5, 29, 31 and 38 as identified by CMC.
Get directions to the Richmond branch.
Accessibility and Arrival Advice
CMC states that its Mission concert facilities and Richmond branch are wheelchair accessible. The expanded Mission campus includes accessible facilities. If you require a particular seating arrangement, entrance, restroom accommodation or assistance, contact the branch before attending.
- Bring your ticket or RSVP confirmation, if required.
- Allow extra time for parking or transit delays.
- Check whether the concert is at the Concert Hall, Recital Hall or an external venue.
- Ask about audience photography and recording rules if those details matter to you.
- For a family concert, check the event listing for age recommendations.
Community Music Center Concert Hall and Recital Hall Rentals
CMC makes its Mission campus performance spaces available for music-related concerts, recitals, recordings, rehearsals and suitable community events.
The organization’s 2026 rental rate sheet provides specific room capacities, minimum rental duration and hourly pricing.
2026 Hall Rental Rates
| Space | Capacity | Weekday Before 3 PM | Weekday Evening | Weekend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concert Hall | 130 | $87/hr | $102/hr | $133/hr |
| Recital Hall | 40 | $67/hr | $77/hr | $88/hr |
| Additional Room | 12 | $30/hr | $30/hr | $30/hr |
All listed rental periods have a four-hour minimum. Weekend pricing applies Friday after 4 PM, Saturday and Sunday. Weekday evening pricing applies after 4 PM on the applicable weekday schedule. The rate sheet does not specify a rate for the weekday transition hour between 3 and 4 PM; ask CMC about bookings spanning that period.
Minimum Four-Hour Rental Cost Examples
$348
4 hours × $87/hour
$308
4 hours × $77/hour
$532
4 hours × $133/hour
These examples are base rental charges, before any applicable equipment, services or other costs. A separate $200 security deposit is specified in the rental policy.
What Comes With Each Hall?
Concert Hall
Capacity up to 130. Features a proscenium stage, hardwood dance floor, Yamaha CFX concert grand piano, Steinway B grand piano and a sound booth. Suitable for concerts, ensemble performances and recordings.
Recital Hall
Capacity up to 40. Designed for smaller performances, with acoustic treatment, wood flooring, spotlights and a grand piano. A practical option for intimate recitals and smaller music presentations.
Equipment and Service Fees
| Equipment or Service | Published 2026 Fee |
|---|---|
| Sound system and technician | $450 |
| Soundboard recording | $100 |
| 62-inch TV with stand | $50 |
| Speaker and two microphones | $50 |
| Drum set | $50 |
| Guitar amplifier/speaker | $25 |
| Bass amplifier/speaker | $25 |
| Patio heater | $50 |
| Additional piano tuning | $280 per piano |
How to Rent a Performance Space
- Choose the Concert Hall, Recital Hall or a smaller additional room based on audience size and performance needs.
- Estimate the total hours needed, including setup, audience arrival, performance, intermission and cleanup.
- Review the published rates and determine whether you qualify for a nonprofit or student-recital discount.
- Open the official Event & Space Rentals page.
- Download the 2026 rental application PDF.
- Complete applicant information, organization details, event title, expected attendance and preferred dates.
- Enter the setup, door opening, event start, event end and cleanup times.
- Choose equipment requirements, including microphones, sound technician, recording and piano tuning.
- Review the rental rules, payment conditions and cancellation policies.
- Email the completed proposal and required acknowledgements to rentals@sfcmc.org.
- Wait for the operations team to check availability and provide an agreement and invoice.
- Pay the agreed rental fees and satisfy deposit requirements before treating the reservation as confirmed.
CMC advises submitting event proposals approximately three months in advance. The 2026 document indicates that operations staff generally follow up within three to five business days after review.
Rental Policies to Understand
- Security deposit: A $200 security deposit is specified for approved events. The deposit is generally not charged if the venue is left in satisfactory condition and agreement requirements are met.
- Payment: The rental fee must be paid in full to confirm the date. Payment plans may be available by request.
- Rental hours: Published rental hours are 8 AM–11 PM daily; amplified music must finish by 10 PM.
- Cancellation: The policy requires notice at least 14 days ahead for deposit refund consideration. Late cancellations may result in a $100 or $200 charge according to timing.
- Event staffing: A hall manager is provided. Renters must arrange other needed helpers such as box-office staff.
- Equipment: Renters cannot independently operate CMC’s sound equipment; an authorized technician is required for that system.
- Alcohol: Written approval, applicable permits and liability insurance are required when serving alcohol.
- Food and beverages: Sale or donation-based distribution requires written permission.
- Public promotion: Once booked, provide event-calendar information in advance if you want your performance listed on CMC’s website.
- Cleanup: Setup and cleanup must occur within the reserved rental period.
CMC’s rental conditions may be updated. The signed rental agreement and the operator’s current requirements govern the final booking.
Music Lessons, Classes and Community Programs
Community Music Center is also a music school. It offers instruction for different age groups and experience levels, along with ensemble opportunities and community music programs.
Instrument and voice instruction for beginners through experienced musicians.
Music learning with other participants, with options varying by age and schedule.
Music education and performance opportunities, including selected tuition-free initiatives.
Community choral programs, including opportunities for older adults.
Ensembles and collaborative programs for eligible musicians.
Tuition assistance and selected free programs are available according to eligibility.
How to Find a Music Class
- Open the official CMC website.
- Choose the Play section and select Find a Class or Lesson.
- Choose your preferred instrument, voice program, ensemble or age category.
- Read the lesson description and check branch location, schedule and prerequisites.
- Review the current fees, academic calendar and registration requirements.
- If the cost is a concern, review tuition-assistance options before enrolling.
- Follow the center’s registration or appointment instructions to complete enrollment.
Some programs, including selected youth ensembles and community choirs, are tuition-free. Other lessons and classes carry fees or use a sliding-scale approach. Contact CMC if you are unsure which program fits your experience.
Plan Your Visit Based on Your Goal
Attending a Free Concert
Find the event, check whether a free RSVP is required, confirm the venue address and arrive with sufficient time for seating.
Attending a Paid Show
Use the official event listing for the authorized ticket link. Check admission categories, order fees and venue-specific arrival instructions.
Renting a Concert Hall
Confirm audience capacity and the four-hour minimum. Budget for equipment, a security deposit, setup and cleanup, then submit the PDF proposal.
Starting Music Lessons
Choose an instrument, skill level and branch. Review the academic calendar, enrollment procedure and tuition assistance before registering.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming all concerts are at 544 Capp Street. Some CMC events are held elsewhere in San Francisco.
- Assuming every performance is free or that free admission never requires an RSVP.
- Confusing office hours with concert door-opening times.
- Driving to the Mission branch expecting an on-site parking lot.
- Budgeting for only the event duration and forgetting rental setup and cleanup time.
- Assuming a rental proposal reserves a date before CMC approves and confirms it.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is Community Music Center located?
The main San Francisco Community Music Center concert venue is at 544 Capp Street in the Mission District, San Francisco, CA 94110. It also operates a Richmond District branch at 6221 Geary Boulevard.
2. Are Community Music Center concerts free?
Many performances are free or low-cost, but not all concerts are free. Paid events have prices determined by the specific organizer, and some free events require an RSVP.
3. How can I buy Community Music Center tickets?
Visit the official events calendar at sfcmc.org/events, choose a performance and use the authorized ticket or RSVP link shown on that event listing.
4. What are Community Music Center’s hours?
The Mission branch’s published office hours are Monday–Thursday 9 AM–9:45 PM, Friday 9 AM–7 PM, Saturday 9 AM–5 PM and Sunday 9 AM–3 PM, except Sunday closures during Summer Quarter. Event hours vary.
5. Does Community Music Center have parking?
CMC does not operate its own public parking lot. Nearby options include Mission Bartlett Garage at 3255 21st Street and available street parking, subject to restrictions.
6. How do I get to Community Music Center by public transportation?
For the Mission branch, use the 16th Street Mission or 24th Street Mission BART stations, or connecting Muni routes including 14, 33 and 49. Check current transit service before traveling.
7. Can I rent Community Music Center for a concert?
Yes. Its Mission campus has a Concert Hall with capacity up to 130, a Recital Hall with capacity up to 40 and smaller additional rooms. Rentals require an approved proposal, agreement and payment.
8. How much does it cost to rent the CMC Concert Hall?
Published 2026 base Concert Hall rates are $87 per hour on weekday mornings, $102 per hour on weekday evenings and $133 per hour on weekends, with a four-hour minimum. Additional services and deposit requirements may apply.
9. Does Community Music Center offer music lessons?
Yes. CMC offers private instrument and voice lessons, group classes, ensembles and community music programs. Some programs are free, while others involve tuition or financial assistance.
10. Is Community Music Center wheelchair accessible?
CMC states that its Mission concert campus and Richmond District branch are wheelchair accessible. Contact the relevant branch ahead of time for specific seating or accessibility arrangements.