Our Blog
Partner Highlight: Jeanne Phipps, Musical Freedom
(photo: Two Musical Freedom participants from the Denver Women's Correctional Center) In this Partner Highlight we are excited to introduce Jeanne Phipps, who runs Musical Freedom, a program which offers music lessons in Denver- and Golden-area prisons. Learn more...
Spring 2022 Re-enrollment Begins Nov 1
We're looking forward to the spring term, especially because we have a new, streamlined re-enrollment process. Here is what you need to know: Re-enrollment begins November 1. Current students will receive an email on Nov. 1 with details on how to re-enroll for the...
Love Your Practice Time: 12 Helpful Tips
Lindsie KatzViolinist and faculty member When we first start playing an instrument, it’s often because there’s something about it that draws us in, makes us feel connected, and/or inspires us to explore our creativity. Sometimes, we have a hard time putting into words...
Student Spotlight: Matthew
The Center for Musical Arts is proud of all of its students! Matthew studies piano with Nancy McNeill. Begin your own musical journey on our Lessons page, and watch or read our interview with Matthew below. Center for Musical Arts: Okay. What is your name? Matthew: My...
The Best Age to Start Learning to Play a Musical Instrument
Kathy Kucsan, Education Director What is the right age to start learning to play a musical instrument? We get this question every day. There are lots of opinions and a variety of answers. For children, whose brain and fine motor physiology are developing and growing,...
Faculty Highlight: Dianela Acosta
The Center for Musical Arts has a variety of talented teachers. In this interview we spoke with voice and piano instructor Dianela Acosta about her passion for opera, her career path, and more. Center for Musical Arts: Hello! My name is Erica Reid, I am the Marketing...
Faculty Highlight: Alex Sierra
The Center for Musical Arts has a variety of talented teachers. In this interview we sat down with voice and piano instructor Alex Sierra, who also leads the Center's Spanish-language Coro Santuario.Center for Musical Arts: Good morning! I'm Erica Reid, I'm the...
🎻 How to Prepare for Your First Violin Lessons
Lindsie KatzViolinist and Faculty Member Preparing for your first few music lessons can be a daunting task for families. What do we bring? Does my kid have to play the instrument beforehand? How do we know what to practice? As a parent/guardian, do I sit in on...
City of Lafayette Declares Center for Musical Arts Day
We're excited to share some big news with you: the City of Lafayette has declared September 19, 2021 as Center for Musical Arts Day in honor of our 25th anniversary! You can read the City's formal proclamation below. PROCLAMATION Declaring September...
Faculty Highlight: Steve Christopher (Mr. C)
The Center for Musical Arts has a variety of talented teachers. In this interview, we sat down with Director of Jazz Studies Steve Christopher, better known as Mr. C, to talk about his history with the Center for Musical Arts, why he's a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan,...
Faculty Highlight: Piano Teacher Brian Hickman
The Center for Musical Arts has a variety of talented teachers. In this interview, we sat down with piano instructor Brian Hickman to learn about his career path, his teaching philosophy, his interests, and more.Center for Musical Arts: Hello! My name is Erica Reid....
Student Spotlight: Henry Stalker
Thank you to the Stalker family for sending us this wonderful video about oboe student Henry Stalker’s experience at the Center for Musical Arts!Henry Stalker: Hi, my name is Henry Stalker and I play the oboe. I've been playing the oboe now for three years at the...
Student Spotlight: Stephen Spink
(photo: the USAF Heartland of America Band with trumpet player Stephen Spink at center) Practically from the beginning, the Spink family has been a part of the Center for Musical Arts. James and Leslie Spink have been enthusiastic donors and supporters, and both of...