Center for Future Audiences
For Community
Community Programs
Discover more ways to connect with the music you love. The CFA offers a wide range of community-focused opportunities, including:
- Family-Friendly Access: Free-for-Kids tickets and the Seatmates program.
- Deep Dives: Pre-concert lectures, chats, and Open Rehearsals.
- Local Spotlight: Nightcaps for visiting arts organizations.
- Direct Learning: Masterclasses and individual lessons with Philharmonic musicians. Join our community of music lovers—contact the CFA for more information.
Free For Kids Concerts
Invite your children to the symphony—on us! Get up to two free tickets for kids ages 7–17 with each paid adult admission to select performances. From soaring classics to interactive “Kids Program” events, we make it easy and affordable to bring the entire family to the Philharmonic.
Side-By-Sides
Elevate your ensemble’s performance by sharing the stage with the Philharmonic. This immersive program matches student musicians with professional mentors for a side-by-side rehearsal and concert. It’s a rare opportunity for young artists to experience the rigor and thrill of professional orchestral life firsthand.
Philharmonic Kids for Homeschools
Turn the Pikes Peak Center into your classroom. Designed for young learners, our Philharmonic Kids concerts pair live orchestral performances with easy-to-use educational materials for home study. Whether you are part of a large co-op or a single family, we invite you to explore the “how” and “why” behind the music.
Seatmates
Find your perfect concert companion. This unique initiative fosters connections between younger listeners and longtime concertgoers through a shared love of music. Participants meet before the performance to exchange stories about their musical journeys—from first instruments to favorite concerts—and then attend the show together. Join us to turn a single performance into a meaningful new friendship.
Nutcracker Student Dancers
Is your child ready to take the stage this holiday season? We invite student dancers (ages 7+) from across the region to audition for our annual Thanksgiving weekend performances of The Nutcracker.
This is more than just a performance; it’s a community tradition that offers young dancers a chance to grow. Your child will:
- Train and Practice: Work alongside a collaborative team of dancers to refine their skills and learn professional choreography.
- Perform with the Pros: Experience the thrill of the spotlight side-by-side with the Philharmonic and world-class guest artists.
- Build Connections: Join a cast of peers from across the community, fostering new friendships through a shared love of dance.
Help your child find their place in this holiday classic.
Registration is open! Register no later than September 9, 2026.
Register here: Nutcracker Audition Registration 2026
Philharmonic Cares

The Philharmonic is proud to support those who support us. Phil Cares is an exclusive appreciation program for local “care workers”—including nurses, first responders, firefighters, and elder-care providers. Through this initiative, community organizations can “opt-in” to receive last-minute notifications for complimentary pairs of tickets to upcoming performances at the Pikes Peak Center. It’s our way of saying “thank you” to the dedicated professionals who keep Colorado Springs safe and healthy.
Pre-Concert Chats
Start your evening with a story. Join us 60 minutes before the concert for an informal chat with our guest artists and conductors. From Tchaikovsky’s secrets to the nuances of a new world premiere, get the “inside scoop” on the performance directly from the experts. Free for all ticket holders—just bring your curiosity!
Open Rehearsals
Discover the work behind the music. We welcome local organizations and professional groups to join us for select Open Rehearsals at the Pikes Peak Center. From low-key networking evenings to structured “behind-the-scenes” visits, these limited-capacity sessions offer a fascinating look at the professional creative process.
Masterclass
Our Masterclass series offers dedicated musicians a platform for professional growth and artistic discovery. Participants perform for a small group and engage in a “mini-lesson” with a visiting guest artist, gaining unique insights into interpretation, technique, and performance presence. Due to the intensive nature of these sessions, availability is limited and geared toward advanced-level players.
CFA Journal
Back to Kindergarten: Piloting “Symphony Storytime” with the Philharmonic Guild
July 29, 2026
Behind the Scenes: Developing Our New “Storytime” Pilot
July 8, 2026
Building Stronger Arts Partnerships in Pikes Peak Schools
June 4, 2026