Beyond the Keys: Discovering Growth and Community in Piano Connections at CCM

Sitting at the piano, it’s easy to think of it as a solitary pursuit—just you, the keys, and the quiet focus of practice. But music is meant to be shared, and CCM’s Piano Connections turns individual playing into a vibrant, collective experience. Guided by faculty member Kitty Cheung-Evans, this biweekly gathering brings adult pianists together to exchange ideas, inspire one another, and deepen their musical journey through collaboration and community.

Beyond honing technique, Piano Connections invites participants to engage with a broad spectrum of musical ideas. Whether sharing works in progress, tackling thought-provoking assignments, or exploring the rich history of composers and styles, adult pianists gain fresh perspectives that enrich their personal and collective musical journeys.

The magic truly happens through collaboration. Members actively participate in 4-hand duos, generously share their insights, and bring their own discussion topics to the group, creating a unique and supportive learning ecosystem. CCM student, Paul LoVecchio, a participant who embarked on his piano studies just two years ago, beautifully captures this spirit: “Kitty always gives the class an assignment to stretch our understanding of music both historically and across musicians and composers within a given period. It helps a lot to hear the other students say they also get anxious when playing before the other students in class… we newer students are often given hints at overcoming a problem by the more experienced students and we have started ‘bonding’ as a group sharing piano books we have found useful and generally encouraging each other on.”

A cornerstone of Piano Connections is the brave and rewarding opportunity to perform works in progress for a supportive audience of peers. While the initial thought of this can feel daunting, especially for those new to performing, it quickly becomes an invaluable catalyst for growth. Elaine Asen shared her powerful experience: “We shared positive feedback when we performed for each other, as each of us needed to deal with performance anxiety. The encouragement was invaluable.” Sandra O’Donnell echoed this sentiment, revealing, “As a relative novice, I had not played any pieces for ‘an audience,’ and the thought of doing so was daunting. But we support each other through really good performances and ones when our brains freeze (it happens!).”

Beyond the technical skills, the program cultivates a profound sense of community and mutual encouragement. Participants learn to truly listen to a piece, uncovering the composer’s intent, and they collectively inspire each other to new heights. As Elaine Asen eloquently put it, “Many thanks to our kind and generous instructor who inspired us to improve our skills and gain a new perspective on the importance of music in our lives.” Sandra O’Donnell added a heartfelt testament to the program’s impact: “The Piano Connection class has been a wonderful addition to my private lesson. We are at different levels, but everyone brings something to the class, and with Kitty guiding us, we all learn from each other. I’m really glad CCM offers this class.”

Piano Connections is more than a class—it’s a place where adult pianists come together to explore, learn, and inspire one another. It’s about the joy of playing, the thrill of progress, and the deep connections forged through shared musical experiences. Whether refining technique or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow musicians, every participant finds something truly meaningful in the journey.