The “idea seeds” for the Concordia Music Conservatory began in the spring of 2021 with a strong vision to provide a solution to the growing need to produce competent musicians in the region.  In the summer of 2021, the SPLHS Board of Trustees agreed to partner with CMC by offering the use of the music building facilities on the SPLHS campus. On September 2, 2021, the CMC Board of Directors held its first official meeting. In the spring of 2022, CMC had an enrollment of 9 students in strings and voice.

CMC has grown steadily since its inception. Now beginning its fourth academic year this fall, there are more than 100 students enrolled in the Concordia Music Conservatory in private lessons in piano, organ, strings, voice, guitar, trombone and horn. True to our mission, we have children, teens and adults all enrolled in private music lessons!  In addition to private lessons, CMC now offers two regional community children’s choirs, a high school guitar ensemble, a Handbell Choir and summer music camps and workshops for children from Kindergarten through 12th grade.  We plan to begin the adult concert choir (the Concordia Kantorei) as a pilot project in the spring of 2026, along with offering concerts featuring the CMC faculty. 

In July 2024, CMC hired Dr. Jerrode Marsh as a half-time Executive Director.  In May 2025, Ms. Allison Calafaty was hired as a ¼ time Executive Assistant to help with the administrative and marketing needs, particularly related to the growing enrollment and development needs.  The Board of Directors has expanded to seven, and the currently-forming Strategic Planning Committee is charged with planning a new facility to meet the ever-growing needs of the organization.  CMC has a strong vision to become the regional center of music education and appreciation for the benefit of congregations, communities and the world! 

Students enrolled in CMC come from all over the region—some come from as far away as 60 miles to receive high-quality music instruction at the Concordia Music Conservatory.  CMC upholds a high standard for their instructors; unlike so many private music studios, all instructors have music degrees, and most have at least a Master degree.  The exceptional instruction is why so many students regularly receive top medals and awards in contests, festivals and performances. The Concordia Community Kinderchor (grades 4-8) has already gained a reputation for being a superior regional children’s chorus in Missouri; they recently performed with a regional symphony orchestra and in July were invited to sing at the 2025 Missouri District Convention in Columbia. They have invitations to sing in additional regional and state events this coming season. 

CMC is committed to growing enrollment and offering many kinds of music events.  This fall will include a community-open Master Class, where select advanced students will perform and have the opportunity to receive feedback from guest master artists in Voice and Piano.  All students can learn from this experience and it also gives our community the opportunity to see what is happening at the Concordia Music Conservatory.  Additionally, we will be offering workshops and clinics for students interested in learning more about their instrument, even if they are not currently taking private lessons. 

We welcome your support! Subscribe and you will receive two newsletters each year that give you more detailed updates about CMC. You can also follow us on Facebook, or donate through the “Donate Now” button. You can also contact us for more information at info@cmc-music-org.