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Edna Lieber, founder of the Community Music School (CMS), was born in 1886 in Helena, Arkansas, into a family with a deep appreciation for music.

Her father played the flute, and musical talent ran in the family — Lieber’s cousins included a music professor at Harvard University and a skilled organist. She began learning piano at age 8 and later attended Barnard College in New York City, where she honed her musical skills. Lieber eventually moved to St. Louis, where she opened a private piano studio in her home to teach neighborhood students.

Driven by her belief that music should be a core part of students’ everyday education, Lieber advocated for a public school music curriculum. The St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education ultimately declined her proposal, but Lieber persisted. Placing a sign outside her private studio inviting students to a sing-along, she was astounded when more than 100 children showed up. Recognizing the strong community interest in music education, she collaborated with musicians from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to teach a variety of instruments, establishing CMS in 1925.

Lieber developed CMS using the settlement model, inspired by the Settlement Movement, which sought to bridge social gaps by bringing education and the arts into underserved neighborhoods. At CMS, music lessons were offered either free or at a nominal fee of just 25 cents, making it possible for anyone with dedication to study music. Faculty members volunteered their time or taught at significantly reduced rates, helping CMS reach students who would otherwise lack access to music education.

In 1935, Lieber closed her private studio to focus solely on CMS. She partnered with board President Alice Gerdine and served as CMS’s director for 30 years. Together, they expanded the school’s programs, developed methods to assess student progress, and led fundraising efforts to ensure the school’s sustainability. Lieber’s commitment and strategic leadership laid the groundwork for CMS as a vital institution in St. Louis.

Although she retired in 1954, Lieber remained dedicated to her dream of integrating music into education. She continued advocating for music curricula in schools and expanded her efforts to private institutions. Lieber moved to Santa Barbara, California, after her retirement, where she lived until her death in 1964.

Today, the Community Music School stands as a testament to Lieber’s vision, providing more than $100,000 annually in financial aid, scholarships and discounts, enabling over 30% of its students to pursue music without financial barriers. Lieber’s dream of bringing music to everyone in the community has not only survived but thrived, inspiring generations of students and reinforcing the importance of music in education and community life.

Lieber’s dedication to her community and commitment to music education live on through the countless students benefiting from her vision.

- Research by Linda Chickos, draft by China Thomas, edited by ChatGPT