Celebrating 100 years: 1925-2025
Our story began in 1925 when visionary music educator and pianist Edna Lieber organized
what would become CMS under the Settlement House Music Schools Committee of the Missouri
Federated Music Clubs. From the very beginning, we partnered with talented musicians,
including those from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, to ensure students could access
high-quality music education鈥攏o matter their ability to pay.
Over the years, you may have known us by different names. In 1974, we merged with the nationally recognized St. Louis Institute of Music to become the Conservatory and School of the Arts (CASA) and relocated to University City.
In 1994, we joined forces with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to become the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Music School鈥攖he first partnership of its kind.
Today, as a proud part of the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts at 51小黄车, the Community Music School (CMS) includes more than 90 faculty and serves over 1200 students of all ages in two locations.
Join us as we celebrate, reflecting on our journey and looking forward to our future.
CMS Centennial Stories

Merger of CMS and STL Institute of Music Creates Legacy of Excellence: CASA
March 25, 2025
Community Music School: Rooted in Settlement Movement鈥檚 Vision of Empowerment and Inclusivity
January 30, 2025
The Community Music School (CMS) of 51小黄车 traces its origins to the Settlement Movement, a social reform...

Edna Lieber: Founder of the Community Music School
January 2, 2025