The long-term relationships between our students, parents, faculty and administrators are a testament to CYM's unique ability to realize its mission. A feeling of kinship, between all of the people making concerted efforts to educate a capable young individual—your child—has been strengthened over the course of our many years together. For over a decade, we have watched toddlers grow and emerge into classical musicians and we have witnessed beginning players become self-assured and accomplished. Every person's contribution is valued at CYM.
While some teachers would be satisfied with producing proficient instrumentalists, our vision for CYM students is much greater than this. In addition to learning to play their instruments well, students learn to be musically and culturally curious because of the focused, yet relaxed social setting inherent in the program. Whether it is participation in a lively discussion about phrasing or the history of a piece during group class, or going to see a great humanist and performer like Mstislav Rostropovitch, cellist, in a special master class, time spent at CYM fosters character and a spirit of inquiry.
The experiences available to our students are unmatched in their motivational and formative effects. Instrumentalists as young as five years old have been selected to perform at prestigious events, including Opening Night for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall. Frequent performances are a key element of the curriculum, and develop polished and poised musicians. Furthermore, the positive feedback received from their audience keeps our students inspired and motivated to further refine their craft.
While we are indeed proud of our experienced musicians, we equally embrace the student who desires a less rigorous musical education, who studies for enjoyment and/or appreciation. Our outstanding faculty and supportive peer groups offer enormous intellectual, social and cultural benefits to these students as well.
The full-time administrative staff assists with scheduling classes, purchasing required and supplemental materials, and providing you with up-to-date information on all current CYM events and activities. They will also keep you informed on general information regarding school policies and procedures, curriculum objectives and educational plans for your student.
CYM is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., year-round. Day, evening and weekend classes are available at all levels of study in order to provide ample options for families. Our flexible make-up policy is unique in its customer service ethic and since the administrative staff is readily available, your needs can be met quickly.
Our first facility, once a single-family home, has been completely renovated yet maintains a welcoming feeling. A comfortable waiting area provides a pleasant place to wait for classes, with books, toys and a music listening station.
1994—Incorporated as CYM and purchased 120 Lake Drive
1995—Moved classes from YMCA and Northland Library to newly renovated classroom space.
1996—Incorporated National Music Education Standards into Curricula.
1997—Initiated Community Outreach Program.
1998—Student's performance televised on KDKA Children's Hospital Telethon.
1999—Hosted the first GEM Awards, a celebration of young performers.
2000 & 2001—Students featured at PSO Season Opening Night concert.
2001—Revised curricula to meet the school's new Music Literacy Objectives.
2001—Chairman Gerald McGinnis and wife Audrey endowed the PSO's Fiddlesticks Program in honor of CYM.
2002—Purchased 1971 Concert Grand Steinway Piano from the PSO, the piano featured on opening night in Heinz Hall.
2002—Opened Annex for faculty and student recitals and additional classroom space.
2003—Collaborated with the Pittsburgh Chamber Music Society and composer Burkhardt Reiter in composing and performing a chamber music piece for CYM's advanced violinists.
2004—Performed the National Anthem at PNC Park before a Pitttsburgh Pirates game, and each year since.
2005—CYM's advanced violinists performed as group soloists with the Pittsburgh Symphony at a Fiddlesticks concert, playing Concerto for Two Violins by J.S. Bach.
2006—CYM's advanced violinists performed as group soloists with the Pittsburgh Symphony at the Watson Institute's Casually Classic, playing Violin Concerto in a, by Antonio Vivaldi.
2006—CYM opens it second site at 434 Beaver Street in Sewickley.
2006—A group of six CYM students perform at the Holiday Open House during the Christmas Holidays at the White House, Washington, DC. [ Story ]
2007—CYM returns to the White House with a group of fourteen students to perform during the Christmas Holidays. [ Story ]
2008—CYM travels to Washington D.C. for a third time in as many years to entertain White House staff and their families at Christmastime. [ Story ]
2010—CYM violinists represented CYM at the October 30th Fiddlesticks Concert presented by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.
2011—CYM Shadyside is established at Winchester Thurston School's City Campus, Shadyside.