Our Blog
A Place of Purpose: What “Community” Means at the Center for Musical Arts
Here at the Center for Musical Arts, (an official “community music school” that belongs to the National Guild for Community Arts Education), the term “community” is just a given and is part of everything that we do. Everyone who walks through the door instantly...
Faculty Highlight: Jackson McLellan
The Center for Musical Arts has a variety of talented teachers. In this interview we spoke with trombone, ukulele, and world music instructor Jackson McLellan about the importance of curiosity and the delight in studying — and having fun with! — multiple instruments....
Faculty Highlight: Rachel Fetler
Meet voice and piano instructor Rachel Fetler, who also teaches the Center’s Kids’ Choir class and works on the administrative side of the organization as Student Services and Operations Associate.
Faculty Highlight: Shaun Diaz
The Center for Musical Arts has a variety of talented teachers. In this interview we spoke with cello instructor Shaun Diaz about how he uses a wide array of repertoire to help his students develop creativity and self-expression. Center for Musical Arts:...
Faculty Highlight: Becca Kronyak
The Center for Musical Arts has a variety of talented teachers. In this interview we spoke with saxophone instructor Becca Kronyak about her firm belief that music is for everyone, and how she brings that belief into her music lessons. Center for Musical Arts:...
How to Bring a Bass Drum Back to Life
Photograph: Tom Pederson at a Community Band performance Center for Musical Arts faculty are known for going above and beyond the call of duty. For example, Community Band Director Tom Pederson recently took up the task of refurbishing the Center's bass drum, which...
Student Spotlight: Harp Student Greta Richardson
Today we are shining a spotlight on harp student Greta Richardson, who was nominated by her instructor of 10 years, Carolyn Kuban. Please tell us about your music lesson history with the Center for Musical Arts. Greta: I have distant but fun memories of doing several...
Practice Tips: Learning to Love Sight-Reading
Lindsie Katz, Violinist Former Faculty In my experience, sight-reading can carry a lot of weight for musicians. Before I delve into how to approach developing and mastering this skill, let’s discuss what “sight-reading” actually is: it is when musicians are presented...
Faculty Highlight: Raouf Zaidan
The Center for Musical Arts has a variety of talented teachers. In this interview we spoke with piano and voice instructor Raouf Zaidan about his love of music, his history with opera (in many languages!), and more. Center for Musical Arts: Hello! My name is Erica...
Faculty Highlight: Mary Jungerman
(photo: Mary Jungerman, left; Devon Park, right) The Center for Musical Arts has a variety of talented teachers. In this interview with spoke with Mary Jungerman, who teaches clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, and Native American flute.Center for Musical Arts: Good...
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...
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....