Our Blog
Faculty Highlight: Sarah Summar
In this interview we spoke with violin, piano, and composition instructor Sarah Summar about her approach to teaching and the ways that even beginners can use composition and improvisation in their music studies.
How Do Individual Music Lessons Support Students in School Band or Orchestra?
Kathy Kucsan, Education Director Instrumental music programs usually start in 5th grade in the nearby school districts. Students get to choose instruments and start their musical journeys in band or orchestra classes. We’re often asked why — or if — students should...
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....
5 Reasons for Professional Musicians to Keep Taking Music Lessons
Even as a professional musician, taking music lessons can be an important way to continue your own learning, improve your teaching, and more.
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.
Should I Learn to Read Music? Understanding Music Literacy
Kathy Kucsan, Education Director Learning to read music is generally an important part of learning to play an instrument, at least in our current western culture. It often surprises people to learn that most of the world uses the aural tradition to share and pass...
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:...
Colorado Gives Day 2022
Support the Center for Musical Arts and the Heartstrings Program on Colorado Gives Day For over 20 years, the Center for Musical Arts’ Heartstrings program has been providing need-based tuition assistance and access to low- or no-cost musical instruments for students...
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...
Mile High Living: LifeSong Chorus for Memory Care
Mile High Living (Denver7) recently interviewed Elizabeth McGuire about our new LifeSong Chorus, designed for people with early onset Alzheimer’s and other dementias, along with their caregivers.
How to Prepare for Your First Oboe Lessons
Lindsie Katz, Violinist and Educator Jennifer Stucki, Oboist and Faculty Member Preparing for your first few music lessons can be a daunting task for families. What do we bring? Does my child have to play the instrument beforehand?...
5 Healthy Ways to Return to Your Instrument After a Break
Lindsie Katz, violinist and educator It can be challenging to come back to our instruments after an extended time away. Parents, you might not know how to help your child feel motivated to come back to it, or maybe you need some help knowing how to practice with...