Founded in 1986, the Northampton Community Music Center moved to its current location—a handsome brick building set back from the road at 139 South Street—in 1998. The nonprofit organization is a member of the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts and the Suzuki Association of the Americas. Its mission is to "foster the love and pursuit of music within our community through quality musical education, performances and activities that are accessible to all."

The Center strives to fulfill its mission by offering private lessons, vocal classes and instrumental classes. Children are certainly not left behind: there is a curriculum for young children and their parents, and group and private music therapy for autistic children. Community members can participate in vocal and instrumental ensembles and attend workshops like the upcoming one for advanced string players facilitated by the Borromeo String Quartet. The center also offers a variety of special programs, like the midwinter Rock and Roll Camp for kids ages 12-18 and summer camps for super-tiny tots.

Besides educational programs, NCMC hosts live performances by musicians in many genres, including classical, folk, jazz and rock. Most concerts are held in the center's spacious recital hall which boasts two pianos, making it one of few locations in the Valley able to host four-hands piano concerts, according to NCMC's executive director Jason Trotta. Tapestries of artwork by local children adorn the walls as well as work donated by prestigious local and national artists, including Eric Carle and Leonard Baskin.

Upcoming performances include a kids' concert by Uncle Rock and a concert by Elizabeth Mitchell and Daniel Littleton, who are fresh off a Japanese tour. For more information on the center's programs, workshops and concerts, log on to www.ncmc.net or call (413) 585-0001.