The MISSION of the Colorado Springs Conservatory is to inspire, motivate and challenge all students to aspire to their highest potential as artists and human beings through arts immersion studies and community arts advocacy. Our GOAL is to promote a respect for the humanities by discipline of mind and spirit, a joyful affirmation of life, and a passionate commitment to an idea. CSC is committed to integrating the effects of such philosophy within community, by engaging all students in advocacy and leadership activities. By connecting students to the great traditions of the past, CSC gives them the keys, which will unlock their future.

The VISION of the Colorado Springs Conservatory is to encourage students to challenge their approach to learning and incorporate their commitment to the arts as a vehicle to broaden understanding of themselves and the world around them.  The staff, faculty and board support the pursuit of responsible risks and to question, create, search and struggle productively.  We ask that each and every student explore arts history so as to better understand the human element.  It is through such a quest that one graduates from the CSC program a vital, confident, intelligent, creative and talented, contributing citizen who will in turn provide these very opportunities to youth that follow.

CSC programs include:

Opera productions, which include works by Menotti, Weill, Humperdinck, Krasa, Britten, and Mozart. Over 10,000 audience members throughout the Pikes Peak region have enjoyed the annual production of the one-act holiday opera, “Amahl and the Night Visitors” presented in partnership with the Chamber Orchestra of the Springs since 2003.
CSC/ Central City Opera Summer Intensive The Colorado Springs Conservatory and the Central City Opera Company have partnered for four consecutive years to enhance the lives of youth throughout Colorado with an exceptional summer arts intensive program. The objective of the Central City Opera Summer Intensive is to enlighten, educate and engage young artists through an outstanding, intensive curriculum with first hand exposure to the excellence imparted by the productions and performers of the Central City Opera Company.
The Jazz program allows students to learn small combo work through quartets, trios, and quintets. This study affords them the opportunity to be invited to perform at various community programs. The advanced jazz combo has performed at important events such as the annual Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce Dinner and the Colorado Business Committee for the Arts (CBCA) awards luncheon in Denver, as well as fund-raisers for other community non-profit organizations. This performance experience alone offer superlative insight to their community civic partners along with performance skills. The performance quality of CSC students has captured the attention of internationally acclaimed artists such as Dave Valentin, Earl Klugh, Lenore Raphael and Eric Mintel.
“WAM” (What Art Means) programs began in 2002 with the partnership of youth from the Colorado Springs Conservatory, Pikes Peak Youth Council, Teen Council for the YMCA and Mayors 100. Through this partnership programs were created ‘for youth, by youth’. Annually, CSC students develop and create the annual WAM “All High School Battle of the Bands” event. The WAM programs have evolved into month long programs at CSC through our partnership with the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services. These programs allow a great opportunity for many motivated and talented youth from the greater Pikes Peak region to experience the CSC immersion curriculum.
Theater and Musical Theater students engage in studies of classical and contemporary masterpieces partnered with extensive focus in creative development of original student works. present annual productions. Works include “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown” and Moliere’s “Tartuffe”.
Pre-School Program students are introduced to the many aspects of study that CSC provides through the Musikgarten programs and CSC curriculum. CSC is partnering with CPCD to provide our pre-school program to Head Start students.
Outreach Recital Programs are an important and integral component of the Conservatory curriculum. CSC students offer recitals every semester at various senior assisted living residences, community gatherings, and corporate functions. These programs build self- esteem, performance practice, social-interaction and community awareness.

Community Leaders mentor those CSC students wishing to gain insight into the business, civic and philanthropic side of the above mentioned performance projects. Developing sponsorships, community liaisons, and venue coordination are just some aspects covered with leaders from such organizations as the Chamber of Commerce, the Colorado Springs Business Journal and the Gazette.

For more than 10 years, 100% of students studying at CSC have graduated from high school. The curriculum and quality of education in the performing arts that CSC provides has been validated through the success of our students with over 90% of our graduating seniors gaining acceptance and substantial scholarships to some of the nation’s most prestigious universities, colleges, and conservatories. Now, more than twelve years after its inception, the Conservatory alumni enjoy professional experiences with various touring companies and such national treasures as the New York City Opera, Dusseldorf Opera, and Connecticut Grand Opera. 2007 will mark the debut of CSC alumni on Broadway in the revival of “Grease”.

The Colorado Springs Conservatory seeks to provide students with excellent performance opportunities to include no less than one full-scale performing arts production annually. From recitals to mentoring through their craft, students engage in all aspects of the performing arts. Apart from the ‘performing’ aspect of these programs, student will often participate in the planning and logistical aspects of these various presentations. Scheduling, advocating sponsorships, and communicating with community leaders allow students the opportunity to gain insight into the ‘complete’ production and performance experience. CSC is dedicated in its efforts to continually engage in cooperative activities with various organizations for the benefit of the students and the cultural development of our community. By engaging in arts advocacy activities CSC is committed to integrating the effects of arts and culture on the community directly into the curriculum and striving for the all-around excellence of each student.

The Colorado Springs Conservatory is a six-time honoree of the coveted “Best of the Springs” Award from the Gazette. The Independent of Colorado Springs has named the Colorado Springs Conservatory “The Juilliard of the West”. The Colorado Springs Business Journal has called the students “Ambassadors of the Arts.” CSC has won Pikes Peak Arts Council community awards for the “WAM” program and for the holiday opera production of “Amahl and the Night Visitors”. CSC has recently been recognized by the Chamber of Commerce and honored as Outstanding Non-Profit Organization by the Gay and Fund for Colorado.