Why belong to the CMSA?
In short: for the mandolin community, mandolin conventions and mandolin communications.
Community
Membership gives you access to, and makes you part of, the international mandolin community. It provides an opportunity to meet great players, teachers and kindred spirits and to gain life-long friends. Participating will help you grow as a musician.
Musicians of all backgrounds are welcome to join CMSA and explore the wide range of mandolin music encompassed by the term "classical". While the focus is on mandolin-family instruments and the guitar, players of other instruments traditionally part of the mandolin orchestra, such as the bass and accordion, are encouraged to join.
Your membership helps to support North America's only organization promoting and nurturing the art of classical mandolin and the mandolin family of instruments.
Membership provides access to music composed for mandolin and mandolin orchestra and assistance in starting a mandolin ensemble in your area.
As a member, you receive an annual membership directory with contact information to help you find other mandolinists in your area.
Conventions
The CMSA hosts a fall convention at a different location in North America each year. This is a chance for members to meet, exchange ideas and perform. As well, it's an opportunity to learn from and be inspired by leading professionals.
Conventions feature today's top international mandolinists and guitarists presenting superb concerts and daily workshops covering diverse topics related to the mandolin, the mandolin family of instruments, and guitar. In addition to the classical style, performers are representative of diverse musical styles - for example, jazz and choro - helping to broaden the attendee's musical experience. Activities are included for all levels of players.
Conventions offer many playing opportunities:
- Play in the En Masse orchestra
- participate in the orchestra experience, whatever your skill level or background
- learn the mandolin orchestra repertoire composed for our instruments, from the classics to excellent modern compositions
- enjoy the experience of being directed by a professional conductor
- prepare the En Masse orchestra music in daily sectional classes
- Participate and perform in convention "open mic" concerts
- open to solo, duo and ensemble players of every skill level or background
- all genres and styles of music are welcome
- perform in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere
- Jam or sight-read at informal after-hours sessions
- Compete, if you wish, in the annual CMSA mandolin playing contest, with cash prizes for the top three performers.
Receive the quarterly Mandolin Journal with news, informative articles and reviews about what's happening in the world of classical mandolin, free with annual membership.
Gain full access to all areas of the CMSA website, including valuable member-only features such as music downloads and classified ad postings.
Join us today!