Gourd Music

The Community Music School of Santa Cruz is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals and the broader community through music education, performance, and appreciation. Founded in 1992, we are a thriving organization that believes in the transformative power of music for people of all ages and backgrounds. Our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where students, teachers, professional musicians, and the community at large can connect with the joy and beauty of music.

Our Services

We offer a diverse range of programs and services designed to engage people of all ages and musical abilities. Our year-round music education programs include workshops, concerts, summer camps, and ongoing ensembles for musicians aged seven and older. These programs cater to a wide array of instruments, including fiddle, flute, penny whistle, recorder, clarinet, harp, autoharp, guitar, mandolin, dulcimer, accordion, keyboards, percussion, Irish tenor banjo, and cello.

We also recognize the importance of accessibility to musical instruments. To that end, we maintain a free database of local music teachers, connecting individuals with qualified instructors in their area. Additionally, we aim to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the joy of making music by placing donated musical instruments with individuals or organizations in need.

Community engagement is a cornerstone of our mission. We believe in bringing music to life in various settings. We proudly host interactive music instrument "petting zoos" at community events, allowing people of all ages to explore and discover different instruments. We also publish a free monthly e-newsletter highlighting upcoming concerts and music-related events in the Monterey Bay area, keeping our community informed and engaged.

Our Guiding Principles

Our commitment to music education is rooted in the belief that music has the power to transform lives. Within our programs, students develop not only their musical talents but also essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, creativity, and self-expression. We strive to create a supportive and nurturing environment where students can explore their musical passions, build confidence, and forge lasting friendships.

Susan Willats, Executive Director

Susan has dedicated her career to nurturing the power of music education. After working as a program administrator at the University of California, Santa Cruz, for over 30 years, she discovered the transformative impact of Community Music School through her daughter's involvement in Kid Camp.

Witnessing firsthand the joy and growth fostered by the program, Susan served on the CMS board of directors for seven years before stepping into the role of Executive Director. Her passion for music education stems from her own enriching experiences with private piano lessons and a thriving public school music program during her youth.

Susan is a strong advocate for equitable access to arts education and serves on the advisory board of the Cabrillo Youth Chorus and works with Arts Now Santa Cruz County to promote music education in local K-12 schools.

Shelley Phillips, Founder and Artistic Director

Shelley, a profoundly talented musician, holds a Master of Music degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her extensive musical journey has led her to contribute her artistry to over 20 albums released on the Gourd Music label, including several successful solo albums.

Her lifelong passion for music education and her dedication to nurturing young talent led her to establish the Community Music School in 1992. Shelley's vision has been instrumental in shaping the school's reputation as a vibrant hub for musical exploration and growth, enriching the lives of countless students and musicians over the years.