Recording Studio & Classes
The audio and video recording studio at CMS features three unique recording spaces and a nine-iMac education lab with the latest technology, equipment, and software found in professional recording studios. Students, age 10+, can gain hands-on experience with industry-standard recording technology, including Logic, Final Cut, Sibelius, Waves, Allen and Heath, Neve, and Neumann, through a variety of recording classes.
The studio offers recording spaces for individual and ensemble musical performances, both instrumental and vocal. A 10’x12’ recording isolation room and the 150-seat Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall are both wired for recording directly to the acoustically-treated control room and education lab. The Dorothy H. Baker Recital Hall features the unique aesthetics and acoustics of the former dining room of the Lehigh Valley Social Club.
In 2021, Community Music School received a generous grant from The Presser Foundation to help fund the construction of and technology for this state-of-the-art audio and video recording studio. Read the full press release.
Music Recording & Technology Classes
Introduction to Recording
Do you want to learn how to record, edit, and publish your own original song, podcast, or music for a video? Learn the basics of recording, editing, and publishing live music, using the latest technology, equipment, and software, including Logic, Final Cut, Sibelius, Waves, Allen and Heath, Neve, and Neumann. Our small classes (9 students maximum) will provide you with access to a state-of-the-art, professional-grade recording facility and our expert teacher, who is an experienced sound engineer. You will learn to use the same mics, preamps, and plugins as those found in professional recording studios.
Ages
Ages 12+. No prior music experience is required.
Dates
6 weeks – Monday evenings
Summer 2023 Session
June 12, June 19, June 26, July 10, July 17, July 24
(No class on July 3)
Check out the summer camp recording class options!
Times
Class: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Optional Open Lab: 7:30-8:30 PM
Tuition
Teachers
CMS Student Policies
Adult students must provide clearances.
Health & Safety Plan
Masks are required for all voice and brass students
Recommended for vocalists: NATS-TMF Vocal Performance Mask
Recommended for brass players: Protec Mask & Bell Cover
COVID-19 Precautions:
Under the guidance of the CMS Health & Safety Committee of the Board of Directors, CMS continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as outlined in our Health & Safety Plan:
- Properly Fitted Masks are Encouraged: For the safety of our students, teachers, and staff, everyone (age 2 and older) is encouraged to wear a tight-fitting mask at all times in the building. Masks are required in certain situations:
- Voice students and teachers, and students and teachers of brass instruments are required to wear face masks during their lessons, and they must use bell covers wherever possible.
- Check-In & Wash Your Hands: CMS will provide hand sanitizer at check-in. Please use it and wash your hands in the restroom before your lesson.
- Parent Waiting Area: Parents may wait in the entry lobby during their student’s lesson or, with teacher approval, may join their student in the lesson studio.
- Cleaning/Filtration: Studios are equipped with fresh makeup air ducts and ultraviolet light filters or a MedifyAir air purifier with HEPA and UV filtration. Surfaces are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
- IF YOU ARE SICK: Remember, if you are scheduled for an in-person lesson and are sick or may have had a COVID exposure, do not come to the building.
- There are no individual makeups for group classes, but a virtual option may be possible during the regular class time.
Sign Up for Intro to Recording
"Music & Film" Pop-Up Class
Do you, or does your child or teen want to learn more about music in film? With the new Music and Film class at CMS, you will compose, create, and debut your own short film which will be automatically entered into the Allentown Film Festival!
Learn the basics of composing and recording film scores using the state-of-the-art recording studio at CMS! Work with experts using Logic, iMovie, Final Cut Pro X, and other programs.
Students will create their own 1-3 minute short films, complete with an original professionally mastered soundtrack, which will be entered into the Allentown Film Festival. Dedicated to celebrating and honoring local films, the Allentown Film Festival has worked with CMS educators to ensure that Music and Film class projects will meet the festival judging criteria and be given every consideration by the judges. Students whose films are accepted can attend the world premiere of their films at the Civic Theatre of Allentown during the Festival, which will be held from April 14-16.
The Allentown Film Festival is partnering with CMS to create this new Music and Film class. Festival judges will present Community Music School Awards to CMS Music in Film students who create and submit short films of exceptional quality.
Ages
Ages 10+. No prior music experience is required.
Dates
3 weeks, Saturday mornings
Winter Pop-Up Class
February 25, March 4, March 11
Check out the summer camp recording class options!
Times
Class Time 10:00 – 12:30 AM
Tuition
Current Students: $75
New Students: $75 + $20 group class registration
Financial Aid Available
Teachers
CMS Student Policies
Adult students must provide clearances.
Health & Safety Plan
Masks are required for all voice and brass students
Recommended for vocalists: NATS-TMF Vocal Performance Mask
Recommended for brass players: Protec Mask & Bell Cover
COVID-19 Precautions:
Under the guidance of the CMS Health & Safety Committee of the Board of Directors, CMS continues to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 as outlined in our Health & Safety Plan:
- Properly Fitted Masks are Encouraged: For the safety of our students, teachers, and staff, everyone (age 2 and older) is encouraged to wear a tight-fitting mask at all times in the building. Masks are required in certain situations:
- Voice students and teachers, and students and teachers of brass instruments are required to wear face masks during their lessons, and they must use bell covers wherever possible.
- Check-In & Wash Your Hands: CMS will provide hand sanitizer at check-in. Please use it and wash your hands in the restroom before your lesson.
- Parent Waiting Area: Parents may wait in the entry lobby during their student’s lesson or, with teacher approval, may join their student in the lesson studio.
- Cleaning/Filtration: Studios are equipped with fresh makeup air ducts and ultraviolet light filters or a MedifyAir air purifier with HEPA and UV filtration. Surfaces are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
- IF YOU ARE SICK: Remember, if you are scheduled for an in-person lesson and are sick or may have had a COVID exposure, do not come to the building.
- There are no individual makeups for group classes, but a virtual option may be possible during the regular class time.