Welcome to the
Center for Public Musicology!

The Center for Public Musicology (CPM) is a unique center promoting community engagement through private and publicly-tailored music lectures and performances. 

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Greetings from the Director

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Dear Patron(ess),

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Welcome to the Center for Public Musicology! Thank you for taking the time to visit us.

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CPM provides an enjoyable and engaging series of music lectures and performances, often in association with Opera Naples, Gulfshore Opera, Big Arts (Sanibel), HD Met Broadcasts and retirement/assisted living communities. The goal of CPM is to better the community's understanding of music (i.e., classical, popular, and traditional music), to enhance the listening experience, and to facilitate lively discussions on music.

Everyone's experience and relationship with music is very personal. Consequently, CPM creates a small-group environment in which music can be taught, experienced, and discussed. To that end, CPM features numerous events where participants can enjoy learning about music in a fun and relaxed setting.

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CPM lectures and performances can be tailored to meet specific needs of an organization or individual. Vocalists and instrumentalists of all types are available for any public or private event. 

Join me for a free lecture at the Collier County Library, learn about the fascinating world of opera on a day-trip to the beautiful Sarasota Opera House, or explore with me the traditional music of Italy on a 14-day excursion to Salento, Italy or Kyoto, Japan. Explore the many events offered by CPM by clicking on the "Lectures" or "Excursions" link above.

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I hope to see you at our next event!

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Musically yours,

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Tom 

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Tom Cimarusti, PhD 

Musicologist & Accordionist

A native of Los Angeles, Dr. Tom Cimarusti received his Ph.D. at Florida State University and is currently a Professor of Music History at Florida Gulf Coast University. His research interests include 18th- and 19th-century Italian opera and folk song and the music of communal utopias. He has presented his research at conferences in Europe, Asia, and the United States. He is currently working on an edition of hymns associated with the late 19th-century religious cult, the Koreshan Unity. He has been the recipient of numerous research grants and excellence in teaching awards. As an avid accordionist, he is also active in the performance of the traditional music of Argentina (tango), Italy (work songs), and the USA (zydeco). He lives in Naples, FL with his wife Christy and two boys, Paul and Christopher.

The Center for Public Musicology began in 2018 and has since provided lectures, demonstrations, and performances at venues throughout Southwest Florida, including the FGCU Renaissance Academy, Collier County Public libraries, the Italian Cultural Society, Koreshan State Park, Big Arts Winter Academy, Gulfshore Opera, Opera Naples as well as numerous retirement communities in Lee and Collier County and as a guest speaker at university campuses.