Kirsten Shallenberg

The mission of the nonprofit Crowden Music Center is to combine music and education to nurture, develop, and inspire students of all ages, and to provide essential support to the musical life of the community. Founded in 1983 by Scottish violinist Anne Crowden, Crowden’s coeducational day school teaches a passion for music and for learning through an innovative curriculum with chamber music at the heart. For students in grades three through eight, The Crowden School uses chamber music in a remarkable way to enable students to become more expansive learners. The academic program is designed to help students achieve intellectual and emotional maturity through development of analytical and critical thinking. The comprehensive music program includes technique classes, chamber music coaching in large and small ensembles, and music history and theory. Curricula and school life are enriched by visiting professional artists from all over the world. Crowden serves as a vital community resource that provides the highest quality music education, training, and performance opportunities for students of all ages and skill levels. Community programs include private instrument lessons, early childhood music classes, group instrument instruction, Suzuki strings, chamber ensembles for youth and adults, summer camps, and the John Adams Young Composers Program. Our 1,400 aspiring music students of all ages come from 40 cities in eight counties throughout the Greater Bay Area, as well as a few from other states and countries. An important musical hub for the Bay Area, 8,000 individuals attend classes, workshops, rehearsals, concerts and other events on our historical landmark campus each year. www.crowden.org