What are the opening hours?

Monday 2pm - 7pm Tuesday 12pm - 7pm Wednesday 12pm - 7pm Thursday 12pm - 7pm Friday 12pm - 4pm Saturday 9am - 2pm

City Heights Music School

Name: City Heights Music School
Address: 3770 Altadena Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92105, US
Telephone: +16193878582
Price range: $$
Rating: 5

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San Diego, CA
City Heights Music School

The City Heights Music School (CHMS) offers in-school, after-school, and community programs! Music classes for all ages. Group classes and private lessons.

01/13/2025

🚨 2025 LA Wildfire Relief Fund 🚨
The NAMM Foundation has committed $50,000 to establish the 2025 LA Wildfire Relief Fund to support NAMM members, music students, educators, and music makers impacted by the devastating wildfires.
💙 Donations are welcomed to expand the fund and provide needs-based assistance to those affected. Together, we can help our community recover.
🌐 Donate and learn more: https://donate.nammfoundation.org/give/655087/ #!/donation/checkout

01/11/2025

Shout out to for classes starting up this week!

01/04/2025

Start off the New Year with CHMS! $75 for a 10-week session of 45-minute classes! Scholarships and instruments are available. Visit www.chms.info for details! 🎶🎨💃🏻🕺🏻

01/01/2025

Wishing ALL the best in life - enjoying some music 🎶, art 🎨, and dance 💃🏻🕺🏻 along the way!

12/29/2024

Year-End 🎶 from our President and Executive Director, Victoria Eicher 💫 Donate today! Click on link in bio ⤴️

12/28/2024

New year, new ensemble! Both are going to be EPIC! 🎶🎶🎶

12/27/2024

Join us for some good ol’ fiddlin’ and boot stompin’ fun! Registration link in the bio! 🪕🎻🎶

12/25/2024

Wishing all a Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

12/13/2024

🎹 Exciting News!

NEW Piano Classes!
🗓️ Saturdays
⏰ 9:00–9:45 AM
👶 Ages 5-7
👧👦 Ages 8-12

Give your child the gift of music as they learn the basics of piano in a fun and engaging environment. Perfect for beginners eager to explore the joy of music!

📸 Check out the image below for a sneak peek of “Learning the Basics.”

✨ Spaces are limited—reserve your spot today! Enroll here: https://cityheightsmusicschool.org/enroll

12/09/2024

Ballet Folklorico - New Adult Class & Continuing Classes for Kids!

Exciting news! We’re thrilled to introduce our NEW Ballet Folklorico class for adults, perfect for those looking to explore the vibrant culture and artistry of traditional Mexican dance. For our younger dancers, ages 8-12, our continuing classes will keep the rhythm alive with exciting new choreography and skills.

Join us in celebrating the beauty of Ballet Folklorico with the talented Miss Natalie leading these sessions! Don’t miss your chance to dance, connect, and immerse yourself in this cultural experience.

Link to Enroll Now: www.cityheightsmusicschool.org/enroll

.xo.natalie

12/05/2024

Las Voces de San Diego are in México City for the Entrecoros 2024 Choral Festival! We are so proud!!! 💯

12/03/2024

✨ Teacher Spotlight: Meet Lorelei!

Did you know Lorelei is not only a talented musician but also a member of the Garner Trio? 🎸 At CHMS, she brings her passion and expertise to students, teaching guitar, ukulele, piano, and voice. Her dedication inspires young musicians to unlock their full potential!

🎶 Thank you, Lorelei, for all that you do!

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving from CHMS! 🦃🍂
We are grateful for our amazing students, talented teachers, and supportive community who make every day special. This season reminds us of the importance of creativity, connection, and giving thanks. May your holiday be filled with warmth, joy, and cherished moments with loved ones.

11/26/2024

Teacher Feature – Mac
✨ Teacher Spotlight: Meet Mac!

Mac is one of our amazing instructors at CHMS, known for his dedication to teaching. With 15 years of experience, he plays guitar, drums, bass, and piano, and has released four albums. This Winter, he’ll lead CHMS’s BeatVox program, teaching students classic rock band formation, as well as the Electro Music class, exploring beat production and songwriting with electronic instruments. Mac also offers group piano sessions and private lessons in guitar, bass, drums, piano, and music production.

Outside of music, he’s pursuing a master’s in clinical psychology and enjoys gardening with his chickens.

Learn more about our programs at www.chms.info!

11/25/2024

Discover the Joy of Music!
CHMS offers community music classes for all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re picking up an instrument for the first time or honing your skills, we’ve got you covered!

📍 Conveniently located in the heart of City Heights at: 3770 Altadena Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
🎸 Classes include piano, guitar, voice, percussion, saxophone, hip hop, ukulele and special needs.
💻 Sign up today: www.chms.info

Join our vibrant music community and start your musical journey today!

11/14/2024

Exciting news!

Join us in the upcoming session and explore our NEW classes! We’re thrilled to introduce our Bluegrass and Folk Ensemble, a Beginner Saxophone Class, a Violin Class on Tuesdays, and Beginner Piano Classes on Saturdays! Whether you want to play, sing, dance, or create, CHMS has something for everyone!

Classes and rehearsals start on January 6th – don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow your musical talents and connect with our vibrant community!

✨ Register now at www.chms.info and start your musical journey with us! 🎸🎻🎤

📍 Location: 3770 Altadena Ave, San Diego, CA
📞 Questions? Contact us at (619) 387-8582 or email [email protected]

11/13/2024

Address

3770 Altadena Avenue
San Diego, CA
92105

Opening Hours

Monday	2pm - 7pm
Tuesday	12pm - 7pm
Wednesday	12pm - 7pm
Thursday	12pm - 7pm
Friday	12pm - 4pm
Saturday	9am - 2pm

Telephone

+16193878582

Website

http://www.cityheightsmusicschool.org/

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Videos

✨ NEW HOUSE DANCE CLASS Thursdays | 6:00-7:00 PM Get ready to move, groove, and feel the rhythm! Join our brand-new House Dance Class where we’ll explore the foundations of this dynamic dance style and just have fun together! 💃 All ages welcome to hit the floor! 👉 Sign up now! Spots are filling fast! https://cityheightsmusicschool.org/enroll #HouseDance #DanceClass #NewClass #JoinTheFun #Macarena #CupidShuffle #ElectricSlide #DanceLife #GrooveTime #AllAgesWelcome #SanDiegoDance #DanceYourHeartOut #LearnToDance #DanceMoves #ThursdayFun #GetMoving #FamilyFriendlyFun #CommunityDance #DanceStudioVibes #FeelTheRhythm #ExpressYourself

Did You Know? – Las Voces de San Diego have gone International! 🌍 Exciting News! Our vocal ensemble, Las Voces de San Diego, led by the talented Tomás Acosta, are currently in Mexico City to perform on an international stage! From December 4th to December 8th, Las Voces will participate in the prestigious Entrecoros 2024 Choral Festival. We’re so proud to represent our community and share the beauty of choral music with the world. Learn more about the festival here: Entrecoros 2024 Choral Festival. https://coralensamblemexico.com/en/entrecoros-2024/ #LasVocesDeSanDiego #ChoralFestival #Entrecoros2024 #VocalEnsemble #MusicMatters #InternationalStage #MexicoCity #ChoralMusic #CommunityPride #SingingTogether #SanDiegoMusic #CulturalExchange #SupportTheArts #MusicEducation #HarmonyAcrossBorders #TomásAcosta #WorldMusic #ChoralArtistry #MusicInMexico #GlobalStage #FestivalOfVoices #CrossCulturalHarmony #ChoirLife #PassionForMusic @acostatom

Behind the Music at CHMS 🎶 Meet Isaac Lewis, our incredible private instructor and Program Coordinator in South Bay. He teaches Drums, Keyboard, and our in-school Music123 program. Isaac is not only a dedicated music educator but also a professional musician and a native San Diegan. He also performs with the renowned B-Side Players, known for their electrifying live shows that have earned them 10 San Diego Music Awards. Their signature blend of Afro-Latin rhythms and soulful sounds has made them local legends. Catch them live this week at UCSD, on December 26th at Lou Lou’s Bar at The Lafayette Hotel and Club, and on January 26th at The Music Box in Little Italy. Don’t miss the chance to experience their magic!@bsideplayers @sandiegovintagecompany @isaac_musicsd #CHMS #BSidePlayers #AfroLatinRhythms #SoulfulSounds #MusicMatters #SanDiegoArts #MusicTeacher #InspiringMusicians #ArtsEducation #CulturalFusion #RhythmAndSoul #SanDiegoEvents #UCSDMusic #TheLafayetteHotel #MusicBoxSD #karlospaezmusic #elrecodo #maíz #firmemood #californiabrown #DosGeneraciones #NuestrasDemandas #RadioAfroMexica #FireInTheYouth #SolrakandTheNewAztecEmpire #FeedYourSpirit #Movement #CultureofResistance #renacimiento

It’s Giving Tuesday! Support our music, art, and dance programs that bring joy to students and families. Donate today to sponsor a student, instrument, or class! Donations in the bio link. www.cityheightsmusicschool.org/ payments-and-donations #GivingTuesday #SupportTheArts #MusicEducationMatters #CHMS #ArtsForAll #DonateToday #communityprograms

🌿✨ Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day! Today, we honor and celebrate the rich cultures, histories, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. At CHMS, we are committed to fostering respect, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse communities that make our world vibrant and whole. Let’s take this day to learn, reflect, and uplift Indigenous voices while recognizing their resilience and vital role in shaping our shared history. #IndigenousPeoplesDay #CHMSCommunity #CelebrateDiversity #HonorIndigenousCultures #RespectAndResilience #LearningTogether #CulturalAppreciation #UnityThroughArtAndMusic

🎉 New Classes Alert! We’re thrilled to introduce an exciting addition to our Winter Session at City Heights Music School: Bluegrass and Folk Ensemble! Led by the talented Erica Ochoa, this class promises to bring the rich, vibrant sounds of traditional bluegrass and folk music to life. 🎻 Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, this ensemble will help you explore and celebrate the beauty of acoustic string instruments, harmonies, and storytelling through music. 📆 Classes and rehearsals begin January 6th! 📍 Location: 3770 Altadena Ave 🌟 Plus, check out all the other fantastic offerings in the Winter Session, including Drums, Ukulele, Electro-Music, HipHop, Ballet Folklorico, Art, and more! ✨ Ready to sign up? Visit www.chms.info Let’s make music together this Winter! 🎵 For questions, contact us at (619) 387-8582 or [email protected] #cityheightsmusicschool #BluegrassMusic #FolkMusic #NewClasses #WinterSession #LearnMusic #CommunityMusic #Drums #HipHopDance #BalletFolklorico #ArtClasses #Ukulele #ElectroMusic #PianoLessons #SanDiegoMusic #YouthEnrichment #JoinTheFun #MusicEducation #SupportTheArts #CHMS

What an incredible week of music! 🎉 A huge thank you to all the students, teachers, staff, and families who made our Fall Session Concerts a success! From ukulele to mariachi, hip-hop to ballet folklórico, and everything in between, the talent and dedication were truly inspiring. Your support brings music and art to life in our community. Winter Session registration is now open at: www.chms.info #FallConcerts #CHMS #CommunityThroughMusic #MusicMatters #ThankYou #WinterSession #MusicEducation #SupportTheArts #ArtsInTheCommunity #StudentSuccess #PerformingArts #CelebrateMusic #BalletFolklórico #Mariachi #HipHopDance #PianoLessons #YouthEmpowerment #electromusic #beatvox

🎶 Happy Day of the Musician! Today, we celebrate the heart and soul of music—musicians! Whether you’re a beginner learning your first notes or a seasoned performer, your dedication to this art inspires and connects us all. Thank you for bringing rhythm, melody, and joy into the world. Your passion creates moments that uplift, unite, and transform lives. Keep creating, keep sharing, and keep inspiring! 🎶 ¡Feliz Día del Músico! Hoy celebramos el corazón y el alma de la música: ¡los músicos! Ya seas un principiante aprendiendo tus primeras notas o un intérprete experimentado, tu dedicación a este arte nos inspira y conecta a todos. Gracias por traer ritmo, melodía y alegría al mundo. Tu pasión crea momentos que elevan, unen y transforman vidas. ¡Sigue creando, compartiendo e inspirando! #DíaDelMúsico #CelebraLaMúsica #LaMúsicaNosConecta #GraciasMúsicos #VidaDeMúsico #AmantesDeLaMúsica #InspiraConMúsica #LaMúsicaImporta #ApoyaAMúsicos #ComunidadCreativa #LaMúsicaEsVida #AmorPorLaMúsica #ArteMusical #InspiraciónMusical #DayOfTheMusician #CelebrateMusic #MusicConnectsUs #ThankYouMusicians #MusicianLife #MusicLovers #InspireThroughMusic #MusicMatters #SupportMusicians #CreativeCommunity #MusicIsLife #LoveForMusic #Artistry #MusicInspiration

🌟 Our South Bay classes have been thriving, and we’re so proud of the creativity and passion our students bring each week! 🎨 Here’s a glimpse of the magic, shared by our amazing Art Instructor, @germancorralesarte. Thank you for inspiring our community! #SouthBayArt #CommunityClasses #CreativeYouth #ArtInspiration #GermanCorrales #CityHeightsMusicSchool #ArtEducation #PassionForArt #YouthArts #LocalArtists #SanDiegoArt #TeachingArtists #CommunityInspiration #ArtForEveryone #BuildingCreativity #SBUSD

🎶 Discover the Rhythm of the 3-2 Clave! In music, especially in Afro-Cuban and Latin genres, the 3-2 clave is a foundational rhythm. To get a feel for it, try counting along in this pattern: “1 2 3 / 12” - 一二三十二 (yī, èr, sān, shí’èr) in Chinese! Each count represents the clave beat, bringing together cultures and rhythm in a fun, universal way. Whether you’re tapping, clapping, or playing, let the clave guide your groove! #MusicEducation #RhythmCulture #CityHeightsMusicSchool #ClaveRhythm #12312 #AfroCubanRhythms #LatinMusic #WorldMusic #Percussion #Clave #MusiciansOfInstagram #MusicIsUniversal #RhythmAndCulture #GlobalGroove #MusicForAll #CityHeightsMusic #12312Beat #CulturalConnections #ExploreMusic #PercussionLife #CommunityMusic #LearnMusic #chinesecounting

Shortcuts

Our Story

Brief History

The City Heights Music School is a program of the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra (YPO). Founded as an educational outreach program of La Jolla Symphony & Chorus (LJS&C) in the summer of 2010, the transition to YPO took place on January 1, 2016. What began as coaching in school music programs at local schools led to the creation of a Latin American Music Project with two classes: a Mariachi and an Afro-Cuban Ensemble (ACE). To play at a performance level, students in the Mariachi required additional coaching on violin, guitar, and trumpet. Over the next three years, the coaching turned into official classes and the ACE went through a few changes of its own, with a transition to West African drums. The City Heights Music School was created when different levels (beginner, intermediate, advanced) were required for violin, guitar, and, more recently, piano classes.

Present Day

From the start, the emphasis has been on music that is relevant to the community. The variety of classes offered through the City Heights Music School is unique and appeals to students of all ages and cultures. We teach the Suzuki method in violin classes to share the joy of playing the violin while learning the small steps and discipline it takes to do so. We teach classical acoustic guitar with melodies that are simple yet beautiful. In violin and guitar, students rise to the challenge of finding the concentration it takes to coordinate their hands and fingers. Our voice classes cover the genres of folk and popular music. Through Mariachi, the students perform music that expresses the emotions of life and they learn the benefits of dedication and teamwork when invited and hired to perform at festive events.

The CHMS provides one of the few affordable opportunities for music instruction in San Diego. Students often register in multiple classes and spend a few hours each Saturday immersed in music. Our multi-generational classrooms demonstrate a positive dynamic between grandparents, parents, and children as they learn to sing and play the violin, guitar, piano, and other instruments together. With each year, we add a new level of violin and guitar classes to accommodate the students with more experience.

From the Director

“I grew up in Minneapolis and studied at MacPhail Center for the Arts, starting at the early age of 3 in its Musical Trolley program and continuing to the age of 14 as a student of Suzuki Violin. With three siblings also enrolled at MacPhail, I spent a lot of time in its huge lobby area surrounded by musicians and dancers coming and going to class, and in the upper floor hallways outside of the studios of private lesson teachers. My mother, a small-town girl from northern Minnesota, played piano and always loved the violin. So there I was, at the age of 4, with a chopstick for a bow and a ruler taped to a tissue box for a violin! That’s how it all began. My father, on the other hand, was born and raised in New York City. Despite a troubled family life, he found mentors and an eventual path to programs at Yale and Columbia universities.

As a kid, I took a lot of pride in my progress in music. It gave me an identity. Now, with three teenage kids of my own, I appreciate even more the importance of a strong and positive self-identity. All kids, and adults, need to experience positive relationships and the encouragement to stick with the dedication and discipline it takes to be good at something. I love the diversity and vitality of City Heights. With the challenges and social issues faced by its residents every day, an opportunity for connection and expression through music is imperative. And that’s what we provide – opportunity!”

Victoria Eicher, Director 858-442-0237 [email protected]

In Conclusion

Ricardo Muti (New York Philharmonic) recently stated in Moscow that:

“Music can put people together because music is based on the expression of feelings, and not words. The problems in the world are created most of the time by the words.”

In relationships, communication, work and school, we need problem solving skills. Just as importantly, we need peace making skills. Music provides both.