Our Blog
Finding Confidence, Connection, and Community Through Music
When one family moved to Lafayette, CO more than a decade ago, they were eager to find community and opportunities for their two children. After settling into their new home, they discovered the Center for Musical Arts and a doorway to music that has shaped their...
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: 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: 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: 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....
Faculty Highlight: Rex Spease
The Center for Musical Arts is proud to work with knowledgeable faculty with unique backgrounds. In this interview with saxophone, clarinet, flute, and jazz improv instructor Rex Spease we explore Rex's military and rock band backgrounds, the importance of...
Faculty Highlight: Ruth Galloway
The Center for Musical Arts is proud to work with knowledgeable faculty with unique backgrounds. In this interview with piano, violin, and viola instructor Ruth Galloway we explore her teaching style, her fascinating education and career path, and much more. Watch or...
Faculty Highlight: Ryan Sapp
The Center for Musical Arts is proud to work with knowledgeable faculty with unique backgrounds. In this interview with percussion instructor Ryan Sapp we explore his teaching style, what first drew him to the drum set, and much more. Watch or read the interview...