Community Music School of Santa Cruz

Community Music School of Santa Cruz offers Teen Band, Kid Camp, Weed’s Winter Jam Camp, Santa Cruz Harp Festival, and ongoing ensembles for musicians age seven and up. Kid Camp is a two-week day camp where children who already play an instrument learn Celtic music, practice in small and large ensembles, sing, and do crafts. Weed’s Winter Jam Camp is a four-day, three-night fiddle camp with a focus on jamming and ensemble playing, and the Santa Cruz Harp Festival includes music from around the world, an all-ages harp ensemble, and a harp petting zoo during intermission.

Programs

• Teen Band — 12-18 · Alternate Wednesday evenings; meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month · Celtic teen band on the westside of Santa Cruz.
• Kid Camp — 7-13 · July 20-August 1, 2026 · Two-week day camp for kids who can already play an instrument. Kids learn Celtic music, practice in small and large ensembles, sing, do crafts, and have fun!
• Weed’s Winter Jam Camp — intermediate and advanced players · Four day/three night camp · $450 · Fiddle camp with a focus on jamming and ensemble playing. Instruments mentioned: fiddle, guitar, tenor banjo, mandolin; other compatible instruments are welcome.
• Santa Cruz Harp Festival — Sunday, April 26, 2026 · Concert featuring music from throughout the world on harps of all kinds. An all-ages harp ensemble participates, and a harp petting zoo is available during intermission.
• Summer camps — age seven and up · The school hosts summer camps as part of its music education programs.

At a glance

• Ages: 7–18 years old
• Price range: $450
• General schedule: Ongoing ensembles for musicians age seven and up.

About the provider

The school has been operating since 1992. Its mission is to enrich the lives of students, teachers, professional musicians, and the community through music education, performance, and appreciation. Leadership includes Susan Willats as Executive Director and Shelley Phillips as Founder and Artistic Director. The school also maintains a free database of local music teachers, places donated musical instruments with people or organizations who need them, publishes a free monthly e-newsletter of Monterey Bay area concerts and music-related events, and offers scholarships to all youth programs.

The school tries to keep program costs low and offers scholarships to all youth programs. Weed’s Winter Jam Camp has a full refund policy if you become sick before camp.

Last updated September 22, 2026.