Community MusicWorks

06/01/2026

It was fitting that the first piece performed by CMW students at last week’s Student Gala was Brian Balmages’s “Hall of Heroes.” This spirited fanfare set the stage for an evening celebrating CMW’s own hall of heroes: students, families, teachers, staff, supporters, mentors, and friends. Together, they form the community that makes the organization’s work possible and helps it thrive every day.

The evening featured the debut of the CMW Singers, a group of community members who joined the full student orchestra for a moving performance of Bill Withers’s “Lean on Me.” Other highlights included Musical Leadership students Gabriella and Abigail conducting movements performed by an ensemble of Daily Orchestra and Youth Alliance musicians, as well as a memorable duet featuring graduating Alumni Fellow Andrew Oung on violin and cello student Mariam.

The Gala was filled with outstanding musical performances, heartfelt moments of recognition, and a packed house of proud family members, friends, and supporters. It was a joyful celebration of the people, especially our students, whose dedication, creativity, and spirit make the CMW community so extraordinary. Truly heroic!

Photos by

05/14/2026

CMW and MusicWorks Network organizations alumni:

Interested in gaining experience and skills in multiple aspects of teaching artistry, youth development, creative practice, arts administration, and community engagement that could become a pathway to future work?

We’d love to hear from you! Apply now to join the staff of Community MusicWorks for a two-year Fellowship Program!

Learn more at www.communitymusicworks.org/jobs/



Photo by

05/13/2026

Graduating violinists Yeibin, Gabriel, and Nathan (who recruited his entire family to accompany him!) performed for an enthusiastic audience at last week’s Senior Recital. Each student received heartfelt remarks from their teacher, Walter Muelling, along with warm wishes from the family and friends gathered to celebrate them.

And, a special tribute to their peers, members of Phase II dressed as Yeibin and Gabe, completing the look with mustaches.

Over their 7–9 years at CMW, the three musicians grew not only as performers but also as leaders within the community. Yeibin, Gabriel, and Nathan each reflected on the strong sense of connection they found through performances, shared experiences, and lasting friendships.

Yeibin especially treasures memories of the All-Student Gala and plans to attend Rhode Island College to study marketing, with hopes of starting his own business.

Gabriel, who says he will miss spending time in CMW’s new building, will attend Community College of Rhode Island to study business.

Nathan fondly recalls hosting this year’s Youth Salon with his fellow Phase II students and takes pride in the confidence he has gained as a musician. He plans to study civil engineering at the Community College of Rhode Island before transferring to the University of Rhode Island, while also pursuing volunteer firefighting.

Congratulations to Yeibin, Gabriel, and Nathan!

Photos by Liz Cox, Lisa Sailer, and Sebastian Ruth.

05/08/2026

Ever wonder what the inside of a cello looks like?

In the lower-level shop at the CMW Center, in-house luthier Erik Talley repairs and maintains more than 250 violins, violas, and cellos for Community MusicWorks students. From gluing open seams and repairing cracks to adjusting sound posts and keeping pegs turning smoothly, Erik helps keep every instrument lesson-ready. He also works with students, teaching them the basics of instrument care and repair. And if you’ve attended a concert at the CMW Center, you may have spotted him in the Performance Hall tech booth, running lights and sound behind the scenes.

Discover the shop, watch Erik repair a cello, and hear more about his work and story. Then stop by the tech booth at our next concert and say hello!

Video by Atomic Clock

Music:
Barcarolla from Sonata for viola and piano (1862)
Henri Vieuxtemps (1820 - 1881)
Sebastian Ruth, viola
Ivan Tan, piano

Check out our concert calendar here:
https://communitymusicworks.org/events-calendar/

05/04/2026

TODAY (Monday) AT 3 PM! Join CMW’s Founder & Artistic Director Sebastian Ruth for a special gathering inspired by his Coursera presentation Music and Social Action. Monday’s event brings together past, present, and future learners to explore a shared question:

What does it mean for musicianship to serve the public good?

Designed for those passionate about music, education, and public engagement, this conversation invites participants to reflect on how music can strengthen communities, deepen civic life, and create new pathways for connection and change. Whether you are a musician, educator, student, or simply someone drawn to the power of the arts in public life, this is a welcoming space to engage.

Music and Social Action: Live Webinar with Sebastian Ruth
Monday, May 4 at 3 pm (Eastern Time)

Online
Info and reservation link at www.communitymusicworks.org

This event is more than a discussion. It is an opportunity to build community with others who care about the intersection of art, service, and social impact. Together, we will explore how musicians can respond to the needs of the world while connecting across experiences, disciplines, and stages of learning.

Come ready to reflect, connect, and imagine how music can shape public life in meaningful ways!

Presented by Yale School of Music
Photo by
music
YaleSebastian Ruth

04/08/2026

Last week, pianist Emanuel Ax spent two days at CMW collaborating with students and the MusicWorks Collective in preparation for performances at the CMW Center. It was a pleasure to host such a generous and exceptional musician who, in turn, was deeply impressed by our students and staff.

Congratulations to our Phase II and Daily Orchestra students for their expressive performances of “Over the Rainbow” and “Moonlight Tango” on the CMW stage alongside Emanuel Ax. A special shout-out to student cellist Mariam for her wonderful duet with Mr. Ax on a movement by Beethoven.

A heartfelt thank you to Emanuel Ax for generously sharing his artistry and all-around goodness with the CMW community.

Photos by

03/31/2026

03/23/2026

World-renowned pianist Emanuel Ax returns to Community MusicWorks!

Join us this Saturday for an unforgettable afternoon of music. Emanuel Ax performs a program of solo works and joins the MusicWorks Collective for the sublime Mozart Piano Concerto No. 14, K. 449.

This event promises an intimate, deeply expressive musical experience, set within the CMW Center Performance Hall’s state-of-the-art acoustics.

All proceeds support CMW’s free music programs, bringing the joy and transformative power of music to young people in our community.

Emanuel Ax and the MusicWorks Collective in a Benefit for Community MusicWorks
Saturday, March 28 at 4 pm
The CMW Center
1326 Westminster Street, Providence

Ticket prices to benefit CMW:

Maestro – $1,000 includes a front-row seat to the concert.
Virtuoso – $500 includes a second or third row seat to the concert.
Superstar – $250 includes a back section seat to the concert.

Reserve your seat at www.communitymusicworks.org

03/16/2026

Last week, Phase II students hosted a fantastic Youth Salon on the theme of AI, featuring interactive guessing games (“Is it real or AI?”), an introduction to artificial intelligence, snacks, and a (real!) excellent performance by the Phase II ensemble.

Photos by Rebecca Atwood / Atomic Clock

03/12/2026

Tonight, drama and passion at the CMW Center as the Sonata Series returns!

Our second Sonata Series Event features Resident Musicians Minna Choi and Zan Berry along with guest pianist Eliko Akahori for a program steeped in romanticism and deep expression.



Come experience Amy Beach’s dramatic and passionate Violin Sonata and the equally affecting Cello Sonata in e minor by Johannes Brahms. You won’t want to miss this evening of music!

Sonata Series Event #2
Thursday, March 12 at 7 pm
The CMW Center
1326 Westminster Street, Providence

Tickets at www.communitymusicworks.org