Concord Conservatory of MusicConcord Conservatory of Music“I was shocked when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s,” recalls Helena Chan. “Despite a healthy lifestyle of yoga and cycling, I was facing a degenerative disease. My biggest challenge was to accept Parkinson’s as part of my life, but not let it define me.”
A lifelong love of music had been overshadowed by a traumatic childhood experience. “I was haunted by a memory in junior high when I sang the wrong words in music class,” she shares. “This instilled a deep self-consciousness that prevented me from pursuing my passion for singing.”
Then came Singing With Parkinson’s (SWP). “I remember the moment when I truly felt like a singer,” Helena recalls. “During a private lesson, my voice soared effortlessly. It was exhilarating!”
Beyond the joy of singing, SWP has had a profound impact on Helena’s Parkinson’s journey. “I’ve come to realize that my voice was losing volume,” she explains. “But thanks to SWP, my voice has improved significantly.”
Helena emphasizes the importance of finding a qualified instructor. “SWP instructor Jay Lane follows the McClosky Technique, which relaxes the body and frees the voice.” This approach has not only improved her singing but also enhanced her overall well-being, boosting her confidence and helping her manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
“It’s common to hear that the world gets smaller for Parkinson’s patients,” Helena observes. “But for me, it’s been the opposite. Singing, along with dance, tai chi, and art, has opened up new possibilities. Parkinson’s has led to new experiences, skills, creativity, and confidence.”
Helena’s story is a testament to the power of music and the importance of finding joy and purpose even in the face of adversity. The Singing with Parkinson’s Chorus thrives at CCM thanks to the generosity of our community.
By understanding the fundamental building blocks of music – scales, chords, rhythms, and form – musicians can make informed creative choices, communicate effectively with other musicians, and deepen their appreciation for the art form. While theory provides a framework, it also encourages experimentation and breaking the rules, fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of musical expression.
“Music theory is integral to our understanding of music. It helps us learn music faster, aids in memorization, and provides us a deeper understanding of how music can communicate emotions and narrative. Plus, it’s fun!” – Keith Kirchoff
At CCM, we are firm believers that music theory empowers musicians with the knowledge and skills to perform, compose, and appreciate music on a deeper level, enriching their musical journey and enhancing their overall artistic expression. Through our music theory classes, students develop crucial skills such as reading music notation, identifying intervals and chords, and understanding musical form. We’re enhancing the overall musical understanding and enjoyment for our students!
Throughout the year, students, parents, jammers, concertgoers, and all visitors will enjoy seeing framed photos of our talented faculty displayed on the walls. Each photo features a faculty member sharing their unique perspective on the importance of music theory.
“My music theory skills allow me to learn a piece without the influence of another artist’s performance. I love thinking through the why behind the composer’s choices, and music theory allows me to understand the composer’s language. Your musical world really opens up when you have some music theory under your belt!” – Holly Jennings
Next time you visit CCM, be sure to take a moment to admire these inspiring images and discover why our faculty believes music theory is a vital part of every musician’s journey.
“What would music sound like if composers followed all the ‘rules’?” asks Anthea Kechley, Manager of Programs and Community Partnerships at Concord Conservatory. “To honor the people of Concord who rebelled and launched the path to American independence in 1775, Concord Conservatory is presenting Music & Rebels on February 7 at 7:30pm. Beethoven, Monteverdi, and John Cage were unwavering in their artistic ideals and defied tradition! Concert-goers will witness how each composer paved the way for the next generation of artists all the way up through the contemporary, concluding with the music of Reena Esmail and a world premiere of Unrest by Aaron Jay Myers. Music & Rebels celebrates progress and possibility.”
Aaron Myers, a composer whose music reflects a lifetime of personal and societal rebellion, will premiere his new work, Unrest, at this groundbreaking concert. Commissioned by Concord Conservatory, Unrest promises to be a powerful exploration of resistance and freedom.
“I come from a poor working-class background,” Myers shares, “My parents divorced when I was four, and I bounced around between parents and locations, so I was always the ‘new kid’ and consistently bullied. My home situation was rough at times too. So, I had much to rebel against!” This early experience, coupled with a lifelong fascination with rebellious artists, deeply informs his music.
“Artists of all kinds,” Myers explains, “including many of my favorite composers, musicians, and bands, have been, and are, ‘rebels’ against the oppressive forces that be.” This spirit of rebellion resonates deeply with him as a composer, influencing his unique and uncompromising musical voice.
Unrest reflects the anxieties of our current era, exploring themes of resistance and freedom without glorifying violence. Myers encourages audiences to experience Unrest freely, emphasizing the importance of individual interpretations. “I want people to have their own reactions,” he says.
For Myers, this commission marks a significant milestone. “I’m excited to share my creation with the world,” he says, eager to showcase his unique voice to a wider audience. To aspiring composers, Myers advises: “Be yourself. Don’t treat others horribly.”
Unleash the rebel within on Friday, February 7 at Music & Rebels!
A Night of Bluegrass Bliss
Concord Conservatory hosted a thrilling Bluegrass Band Scramble on January 25th, setting the stage for the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys concert later that evening.
This unique event brought together musicians of all levels for a lively afternoon of impromptu band formation. Participants were randomly assigned instruments and tasked with quickly learning and performing a few bluegrass tunes. The energy was high as musicians of varying experience levels collaborated, laughed, and created some truly unexpected and delightful musical moments.
The Bluegrass Band Scramble served as a fantastic warm-up for the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys concert, fostering a sense of community and excitement amongst music lovers in Concord.
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys brought their high-energy bluegrass to the Concord Conservatory of Music on Saturday night. The band, known for their captivating stage presence and unique blend of traditional and modern sounds, delivered a thrilling performance that left the audience wanting more.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for a night of toe-tapping bluegrass! We hope the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys’ infectious energy left you smiling and humming long after the final note.
Get your tickets today for our upcoming concerts and lectures!
Music & Rebels Friday, February 7, 7:30 pm
Meet music history’s rebels – from Monteverdi to Beethoven to John Cage. Witness how these composers broke the rules and changed the course of music. In honor of Concord’s 250th anniversary, the program will also feature the world premiere of Unrest by local composer Aaron Jay Myers, commissioned by Concord Conservatory of Music.
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
A Special Offer from Our Friends at CCMS
On Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM, enjoy an afternoon of diverse classical music featuring works by P.D.Q. Bach, Aaron Copland, Florence Price, and Henri Vieuxtemps hosted by Concord Chamber Music Society.
Special Offer: 10 free student tickets and a 50% discount for parents!
What do Fidelity, Raytheon, and State Street have in common?
They have matching gift programs.
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