Crescendo Academy of Music Inspires a Love of Music to All Ages with Music Together® Classes, Ensembles & Private Lessons

All Are Welcome at Crescendo Academy of Music

Regardless of age, musical ability, or financial status, there’s a place for your kid at this special community music school in downtown Kalamazoo. 

There’s no “too young” or “too old” at Crescendo. Sign up the toddlers, sign up the grandparents – there are classes for all ages.

Is your kid a music newbie or a virtuoso? Either way, no worries! All skill levels are accommodated through individualized instruction.

If money is a concern, need-based financial assistance is offered for all classes and ages.

Your budding musician can also participate in the school’s instrument loan program.

Kids Learn from Positive and Supportive Instructors

You’ll love the positive, supportive atmosphere led by professional, passionate instructors.

Your kid won’t just learn to play an instrument – they’ll also improve reading skills, discipline, and self-confidence.

With 42 faculty members, 600+ students, and over 38 years of providing top-notch instrument and vocal classes, this school definitely knows what it’s doing.

The facility in Kalamazoo’s Epic Center features 24 teaching studios and three ensemble rooms.

Crescendo is also a member in good standing of the National Guild of Community Arts Education.

Meet Crescendo’s Team

Your child will be in great hands with Crescendo’s highly qualified and skilled teaching artists.

All have earned bachelor’s degrees or higher in music education or music performance, or have many years of teaching experience.

They also perform professionally in orchestras, symphonies, and chamber ensembles throughout West Michigan. 

Customize Your Private Lessons

Whether your kid wants to play an instrument or learn to sing – or both, like my kid – private lessons are available.

Classes are offered on strings, woodwinds, brass, piano, guitar, composition, percussion, voice, theory, and ukulele. 

You can choose from 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions year-round. You’ll coordinate with the instructor to determine the schedule that works for your family, based on age and skill level.

Music Together® Classes

Internationally recognized Music Together® offers an engaging 45 minutes of fun with kids and their caregivers each week. Accredited teaching artists introduce children to making music in a relaxed, playful, non-performance-oriented setting.

Attendees receive music and songbooks tied to each session’s unique experiences for use at home.

Music Together® is offered in two courses at Crescendo: Music Together® Mixed Age Classes and Rhythm Kids.

Infants to Six-Year-Olds Enjoy Music Together®

Music Together® courses cover the tiniest music lovers through early elementary learners:

• Music Together® Mixed Age: Mixed-aged classes include babies through five years old with a caregiver.
• Rhythm Kids: ages 4-6 plus a caregiver drum, sing and move to rhythms from around the world

Ensemble Programs

Crescendo offers multiple ensemble opportunities. Ensemble membership is by teacher recommendation and/or audition.

• Community String Orchestra: for ages 16+
• Community Voices: led by a music therapist for adults with intellectual and developmental differences
• Fiddlers: for violinists, violists, cellists and bassists who want to explore folk fiddle music
• BAM – Black American Music Ensemble: explores the rich history of Black American music, including jazz, soul, ragtime, R&B and more
• Chamber Music: includes all instruments plus voice
• Kalamazoo Mandolin and Guitar Orchestra: string ensemble with mandolins, mandolas, mandocellos, guitars, and bass

Community Partnerships & Outreach Programs

As a non-profit school, Crescendo collaborates with educational, cultural, and neighborhood organizations.

Partners include the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, Kalamazoo Junior Symphony Orchestra, and local public schools.

The school also offers free performances at area churches, Symphony concerts, Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Kindleberger Summer Festival, and Kalamazoo Art Hop.

Kalamazoo Area Outreach Programs

• Marvelous Music: a collaboration between Crescendo and the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra for at-risk preschool children
• Vicksburg Strings: a string class for grades 3-5 from Indian Lake, Sunset Lake, or Tobey Elementary
• Kalamazoo Public Schools String Coaches: for students at the Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts

Outreach programs are offered at schools to ensure that music education reaches all children.

Summer Programs

From infants to adults, Crescendo offers summer programs for continuing music education, including Music Together®, workshops, camps and classes.

Getting Started with Crescendo

Questions? Contact Crescendo via an online form or by email. 

Ready to sign up? You can register online:

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