When PP&R opened the Community Music Center in 1955, it was the bureau’s first program dedicated to affordable music classes. Since then, tens of thousands of students of all ages have attended music-learning activities at sites throughout Portland’s park and recreation system, helping to create the vibrant music scene we appreciate today in Portland.

“Today we think of the arts and recreation going hand in hand,” says Community Music Center Director Gregory Dubay. “But in 1955 it was new and experimental for a parks and recreation department to have music classes.”

CMC History

When PP&R opened the Community Music Center in 1955, it was the bureau’s first program dedicated to affordable music classes. Since then, tens of thousands of students of all ages have attended music-learning activities at sites throughout Portland’s park and recreation system, helping to create the vibrant music scene we appreciate today in Portland.

Dorothea Lensch, who served as PP&R’s first Recreation Director and was the visionary force behind the instruction of arts and music classes in PP&R facilities, famously remarked, “Recreation is more than balls and bats.” Together with site director Robert Crowley at the Knott Street Community Center (now the Matt Dishman Community Center), they created what became Community Music Center.

The first program on Knott Street was a dozen weekly activities for adults, including choir, orchestra, folk music, and recorder — each for the price of one dollar per term. After a few years, the program moved to its own site in Southeast Portland, and youth activities focusing on musicianship and stringed instruments were added. This blend of activities for all ages continues today at the Community Music Center.

In addition, music classes and lessons flourish at PP&R sites across the city, from the Multnomah Arts Center to community centers and many PP&R SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) Community Schools.

A Timeline

1955 - Music programs begin at the Knott Street Community Center (now named Matt Dishman Community Center) under program director Robert Crowley and Recreation Director Dorothea Lensch.

1957 - The program expands and moves to SE Woodstock (now the Woodstock Community Center). Isadore Tinkleman is hired to develop the youth programs, later becoming the program director.

1960 - The nonprofit Community Music Center is established to support PP&R programs.

1969 - The program expands again and moves to SE Francis Street (its current location), into a decommissioned fire house that was renovated for CMC use. Philip Murthe succeeded Isadore Tinkleman as director in 1972. Charles Farmer became director in 1982 and developed CMC’s national presence through membership in the National Guild for Community Arts Education.

1999 - CMC’s building is renovated with seismic retrofits (except for the tower), ADA accommodations such as elevators to the stage and second floor, and ramp entrance to the building.

2002 - Gregory Dubay becomes director. Programs expand under partnerships with SUN Community Schools and other organizations. The 50th anniversary was celebrated in 2005 with multiple events, including an “Instruments of Art” show and auction involving artists creating 50 works from used musical instruments.

2015 - CMC’s nonprofit publishes “Community Music Center, the First 60 Years – a Musical History” in commemoration of the 60th anniversary. This book is on sale at CommunityMusicCenter.org. The anniversary was celebrated with multi-venue event at Reed College featuring CMC faculty and student performers.

2020 - During the pandemic CMC was the first official site in PP&R to offer online classes and lessons. In summer 2021 CMC activities - including chamber music, community orchestra and community chorus - met in person outside at Kenilworth Park. From that fall activities returned to the Francis Street building with some online activities continuing. CMC still livestreams its recitals and concerts for those who can't attend in person.

Today the Community Music Center continues to serve underserved communities in Portland through its core programming and through partnerships. At its Francis Street location, CMC welcomes hundreds of youth and adults in weekly lessons and classes, presents and livestreams dozens of free & drop-in concerts and events each year, and hosts community groups including a Samba drum program, and Ukrainian, Latinx and LBGTQ+ choirs. In outer East Portland, CMC is partnering with the Center Powered by Y.O.U.th (youthpdx.org), Alice Ott Middle School SUN Community School, and the Multnomah County Library to provide music programs specialized for the community.

Photo: First CMC Director Robert Crowley conducting the community string orchestra in about 1963. In the picture, playing 1st chair violin, is future CMC Director Isadore Tinkleman.



More information on the 70th Anniversary and Faculty Celebration event on May 3.