On September 9, 1996, the organization now known as the Center for Musical Arts opened its doors as the Rocky Mountain Center for Musical Arts with just 13 students.
Founded by Kathy Kucsan and Peggy Bruns, the school quickly began to grow. By the end of its first year, RMCMA had 14 faculty members, more than 100 students, a community chorus, a youth orchestra, and a growing early childhood music program.
That growth continued. By 1999, RMCMA had outgrown its original space and began the process of purchasing 200 East Baseline, the former First United Methodist Church. At the closing, an anonymous donor surprised the staff and board by wiring funds to cover the full purchase price of the property.
In 2000, the building was renovated with support from the Nonprofit Facilities Fund, transforming the former church into two performance spaces and 12 studios. More than 200 volunteers helped bring the project to life.
That same year, the Colorado Music Festival and Center for Musical Arts was formed when RMCMA merged with the Colorado Music Festival, bringing music education and world-class performance together under one organization.
Today, 30 years after those first 13 students walked through the doors, CMA continues to grow as a vibrant music community. Generations of students, families, teachers, musicians, volunteers, and supporters have helped shape the Center into the community it is today.
On September 9, we marked CMA’s 30th anniversary and reflected on where the journey began, how far the Center has come, and the many people who have been part of its story. We’re grateful to everyone who has helped make CMA what it is today, and excited for all that lies ahead.
Thirty years later, the music continues.