Music Speaks

To You

To Me

To Community

Where Words Fail . . . Music Speaks

This past year has left many at a loss for words, while music continues to bridge distances, speak volumes, and help bring us together. It’s time to gather as a community to heal, to hope, and to thrive through song.

Join us once again for in-person performances, classes, private lessons, and more.

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Music Speaks—to you, to me, to community

Our 2020-2021 virtual ​​season was a huge success, all thanks to the support of our generous patrons and local foundations. We are overjoyed to welcome the community back into our classes and venues, in-person and with safety precautions in place!

Whether you’re a new student, an experienced musician, or simply moved by live performances, join us as we celebrate coming together after a year apart—in person and in song! 

Contact us today to register for classes or reserve your tickets for this season’s symphony!

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Music Speaks—through the Battle Creek Symphony

We’re thrilled to welcome you back in person for our 2021-2022 Season!  

Last year, our online concerts reached thousands across the U.S. and Maestra Harrigan has been busy putting together yet another ambitious season. It’s all about celebrating coming back together after a year apart—and OH, how we’ve missed you! 

This season offers a variety of classic, contemporary, and one-of-a-kind commissioned music. We’ve planned an entire live concert season, but we’re ready to change course if necessary as we follow CDC and local health department guidelines.

Season opener: New Beginnings - ​​Kevin Cole, Piano October 2, 2021

This All-American concert celebrates coming together after a year apart, with Kevin Cole performing Rhapsody in Blue, and Copland’s Appalachian Spring.

Contact us today to buy your tickets!

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What's next

Click here for Music Center Blog

Music and Mental Health

Music has the power to soothe, excite, calm and comfort us. Whether tied to a tender moment, the joy of playing an instrument, or the excitement of a concert—music often goes hand-in-hand with some of our most impactful memories. A group bonding experience or individually meditative moment spent with music can act as a bridge to better wellbeing, both physically and mentally.
Read More →

Music Speaks Through the Battle Creek Symphony

In operation since 1899, the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra (BCSO) represents the longest continuously performing orchestra in Michigan. With deep roots in Battle Creek and the surrounding area for the past 123 years, the BCSO has some of the highest quality symphonic traditions to be found. Let’s take a look at the history of the BCSO, how it coped with the challenges of the past year, and what lies ahead for the 2021-2022 season.
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Community Music School

Live, from Battle Creek!

Ever since the formation of The Music Center in 2000, we’ve been passionate about building community through music. The Music Center is a unique combination of music arts and programs created to enhance the lives of children and adults of all ages and talent levels. Although the past year and a half has been full of challenges, our mission remains the same. If anything, we’ve learned more about the incredible power of music to unite a community through unprecedented times.
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Hold On, America, Hold On!

The music community illuminates issues facing African Americans today and explores Black history. On the morning after the murder of George Floyd, Anne Harrigan, the artistic director of the Music Center and conductor of the Battle Creek Symphony, decided to go out for a coffee in her Grand Rapids neighborhood only to find one of her favorite coffee shops boarded up. She knew protests were sweeping across the city, but the stark reality of those wooden windows stunned her.
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Music Speaks—through you

Don’t put your music dreams on hold any longer.

It’s time to come back strong and join together in song, with the reopening of our Community Music School! Choose from in-person or online one-on-one lessons and group classes for all ages and skill levels—from infants to adults!

Offerings include: 

  • Voice lessons
  • Orchestra instruments
  • Guitar
  • Piano
  • Percussion/Drums
  • Music First and Music Second classes for children 0-7 years of age
  • IMPACT program: Hip-Hop dance, percussion, and piano (FREE Fall session to begin in  October)

Generous financial aid is available

Music Speaks Piano
Music Speaks Cello
Music Speaks Brooks

Ready to sing and play? Find the artist in you - register today!

Register Now

Music speaks—through song

Join us to sing for the joy of singing!

The adult chorus (high-school age and up) is dedicated to the enjoyment of vocal music and excellence in performance. Anyone can join—no tryouts—except for placement purposes!

Our choruses perform a variety of music, from classical to popular and everything in between—all performed at the highest of standards. They even perform on occasion with the Battle Creek Symphony.

Music selections include incredible pieces reflecting our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity, including Hebrew Love Songs, Potawatomi/Native American music, Black hymns, and ballads.

  • Experience not essential, but very helpful

Adult chorus directed by the popular Dr. Clayton Parr and performs 3-4 public performances per year.

In addition to the adult choirs, we also offer choir programs for kids age six and up, available based on age and interest.

Call or contact us today to sign up!

Register Now