Concord Conservatory of MusicConcord Conservatory of Music
CCM student Matthew Proujansky fuels his passion for music with endless curiosity, constantly learning, challenging himself, and pursuing new skills—whether mastering another instrument or expanding his repertoire. He demonstrates a lifelong commitment to music through his dedication to growth, exploration, and refinement.
Matthew embraces an open, evolving approach to musicianship, always striving for mastery with the enthusiasm of a beginner and the persistence of a seasoned artist.
We asked Matthew about his passion for learning music and his experience at CCM, and here’s what he had to say.
Matthew’s Thoughts
To quote my Sicilian brother-in-law, “If you wanna live, ya gotta get old.” Getting older is a gift because it gives you the chance to pursue things you couldn’t before, like playing music.
For me, that meant embarking on a journey to fulfill my lifelong dream of learning to improvise and play jazz. I started by subscribing to YouTube and attempting to improvise along with jazz tunes I knew. My early improvisations were rough, but I played every day and began to improve. During Covid, Sudbury Valley Band leaders hosted an online Friday night soiree where people played for each other. It was here that I began to experience the fear and excitement of performing in a supportive environment.
Except for childhood lessons, my ability to play my “horn” is self-taught, and I began to identify and solve issues related to producing good tone on a clarinet. After two years of daily practice, my improvisation had come a long way, and I needed to play with others. I went to an open house at CCM that advertised a jazz ensemble. It was there that I met CCM faculty member and bass player Justin Meyer. My jazz lessons began soon after.
My ability was limited, and my first lessons were frustrating. I told Justin I was going to stop, but he wouldn’t let me. He said, “No, you can’t stop.” We chuckled, and I persevered. After playing with Justin for a while, he arranged for another adult student to join us—Art, a piano student of jazz pianist and CCM faculty member Masako Yotsugi. Our jazz ensemble was formed, and we began to develop our repertoire, and my ability to improvise leaped forward. Eventually, I realized that hours of practice had connected the musical part of my brain with that for playing an instrument, and as I imagined music, my fingers could just play it.
I began playing at jazz jams. It was scary, and I had embarrassing failures and thrilling successes, but no one ever made fun of me or anyone else. “We’re all learning,” one jam leader said. I stuck with jams and continued to improve, being courageous and playing with whomever I could, whenever I could, wherever I could.
I decided it would be beneficial to have lessons with a reed player, and my lessons with CCM faculty member Tsuyoshi Honjo began. When we first met, I played my best piece, My Foolish Heart. Tsuyoshi said, “I have nothing to teach you,” which was high praise, but I knew it wasn’t true. I said, “You know a million things about playing jazz that I don’t.” We both laughed.
One day, as I was putting together my clarinet and warming up in the hallway at CCM, I caught the attention of children waiting for their group class, and I even let them hold my clarinet, which made the parents nervous. “If it gets damaged, it’ll be worth it,” I said. That moment led to a serendipitous and incredibly rewarding experience. CCM faculty member Weronika Balewski invited me into her class to perform with her. She played Bach’s Prelude No. 1 in C Major from The Well-Tempered Clavier, while I improvised along.
My involvement at CCM kept growing. At a CCM Adult Soiree, Art and I played Over the Rainbow. It was there that I noticed faculty member Masako Yotsugi playing jazz. I grabbed my clarinet and couldn’t resist joining in. Justin and others mentioned that all jazz musicians—perhaps all musicians—should learn piano. I had so much fun improvising with Masako that I began to wonder if I could take lessons with her, which of course, I did!
I have had the privilege of taking lessons now with CCM faculty members Justin Meyer (bass), Tsuyoshi Honjo (clarinet and sax), and Masako Yotsugi (piano). I’ve also played with Weronika Balewski (piano) and met teacher Fabrizio Mazzetta (cello) during a sample lesson for my grandson.
CCM has exceeded my expectations, helping me become a more skilled musician than I ever imagined. My wife Kay also took voice lessons with faculty member Jay Lane. I’m incredibly grateful that we both are part of the vibrant CCM community!
Our students don’t just experience music, they create it, finding joy and growth along the way. Last year, CCM served over 650 students of all ages and abilities!
Our Singing with Parkinson’s Chorus lifts their voices, strengthening speech and resilience. Kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley feel proud as they master new ukulele notes. Newcomers find friendship and creativity at our weekly Bluegrass Jam.
We create programs that connect people and fuel their passion for music, helping students build lifelong skills and deepen their love for music. Yet…
Make music matter—your gift can make a meaningful difference in our community. Thank you for being a valued member of CCM and for appreciating the power of music in all our lives.
THANK YOU for helping nurture creativity and ensuring people find joy, purpose, and fulfillment through music.
Expanding Access to Chamber Music: Free Sampler Sessions at CCM
We’re excited to introduce two Chamber Music Sampler sessions for adults and kids ages 10 and up. These free sessions offer a fun, hands-on way for students to experience the joy and collaboration of playing music in a small ensemble setting. Guided by expert CCM faculty, participants will prepare excerpts in advance and sight-read new pieces during the session.
If the experience resonates, students have the option to join a weekly ensemble, where they’ll build essential skills—such as listening, communication, and teamwork—while exploring new repertoire and gaining confidence. Our chamber ensemble programs for adults and kids foster the camaraderie of making music with others, sparking a passion for lifelong musical engagement.
We’re excited to expand access to music education through programs like this, offering students of all ages opportunities for artistic growth and collaboration.
Thank you to all our generous donors who make these programs possible!
Please sign up by Thursday, November 14th.
It’s time to choose a free Chamber Music Session!
Monday, November 18th, 4:00-5:00 pm
Room 6 with coach Stephen Marotto
Tuesday, November 19th, 7:45-8:45 pm
Sanctuary with coach Kitty Cheung-Evans
Introducing Our New Development Manager Elaine Lawrence
We’re excited to introduce Elaine Lawrence as our new Development Manager. Elaine joins us after 
ten rewarding years leading development efforts at a beautiful garden in Wellesley, and she’s thrilled to bring her passion for helping nonprofits thrive to CCM.
“I’m eager to connect with all of you and work together to support CCM’s mission,” says Elaine. “It’s exciting to be part of an organization that celebrates both community and music—two things that resonate deeply with me.”
As she settles into her role, Elaine looks forward to meeting you and encourages you to stop by the office to say hello. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family (including her cat, Toby), taking walks, antiquing, and sharing a good laugh.
Please join us in welcoming Elaine to the CCM team! We’re excited about the contributions she will make as we continue to grow and strengthen our vibrant community.
CCM’s 2025 – 2025 Concert & Lecture Series
Join us at CCM on Friday, November 22 at 7:30 pm for Music & Identity: Your Listener Profile featuring guest lecturer Susan Rogers!
Explore your unique relationship with music with renowned producer and Berklee professor Susan Rogers, known for her work with Prince and Barenaked Ladies.
She will discuss the psychology of music preferences and introduce the 7 Listening Dimensions from 
her book. The evening will also feature performances by The Adventure Trio, comprised of Rick Stone (alto saxophone), Sean Farias (bass), and CCM faculty artist Brooke Sofferman (drums).
$25 General Admission / Free for students 18 and under
PURCHASE TICKETS IN ADVANCE or at the door on the night of the event.
Mark your calendars and get your tickets today for these terrific concerts and lectures!
Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
Saturday, January 25, 7:00 pm
Music & Rebels
Friday, February 7, 7:30 pm
Around Hear
Saturday, March 22, 2:00 pm
Southern Rail
Saturday, April 26, 7:00 pm
We’re grateful to our sponsors!
We invite all music enthusiasts and businesses to sponsor our Concert & Lecture Series. If you’re interested, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (978) 369-0010. We would love to discuss how you can be part of this exciting series.
Lead Concert Series Sponsor
Music Supporter Sponsor
BEYOND THE NOTES brings another unique concert to Concord on Saturday, Nov. 16th at 7:30pm!
Beyond the Notes artistic director, Sarah Whitney, will join AUREA Ensemble for an eclectic concert that combines poetry with classical, folk and contemporary music. This program called Listen!, embraces the relationship of sound, nature, music and poetry. Music of Bach, Dohnanyi, Piazzolla, Caroline Shaw, and Chris Turner’s brilliant harmonica improvisations illuminate words of Linda Pastan, Wendell Berry, Galway Kinnell, Federico Garcia Lorca and more.
What do Fidelity, Raytheon, and State Street have in common?
They have matching gift programs.
Won’t you please consider giving the gift of music today?
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