Concord Conservatory of MusicConcord Conservatory of Music
What is a community music school? It’s a question we at the Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) have been asking ourselves, and one that resonates far beyond our walls. While academic studies and international perspectives offer valuable insights, the true essence of a community music school lies in the lived experience, the shared joy, and the transformative power of music within our own community.
Studies show that participation in community music school programs can enhance cognitive development, social skills, and emotional well-being in children and youth. It’s a vibrant ecosystem where passion ignites, creativity flourishes, and connections deepen. It’s where a four-year-old discovers the magic of a violin for the first time, and a seasoned musician finds renewed inspiration. It’s where students of all ages and backgrounds come together, drawn by the universal language of music, to explore their potential, express their unique voices, and build lasting friendships.
While definitions may vary across cultures – from England’s emphasis on collaborative music-making to Wales’ focus on creative exploration – the core remains the same. A community music school is a haven for musical exploration and growth. It’s a place where learning is driven by passion, not rigid curriculum, and where the joy of making music is celebrated above all else. It’s a place where self-expression, confidence, and a sense of belonging are nurtured through the shared experience of creating and appreciating music.
But perhaps the most powerful definition of a community music school is the one written in the smiles of our students, the dedication of our faculty, and the vibrant energy that fills our halls. It’s the feeling of connection when a student masters a challenging piece, the shared excitement of a group performance, and the profound sense of community that comes from making music together. At CCM, we’re not just teaching music; we’re building a community, one note at a time.
At the Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM), we see music education as a transformative journey. It goes beyond merely understanding notes on a page; it’s about nurturing invaluable life skills and igniting a passionate, lifelong connection to music. This fall, CCM faculty member Ryan Urato introduced the Overture String Orchestra, a testament to this philosophy and a powerful example of the transformative impact of music education.
Urato’s vision for the orchestra stems from his own experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and rewards of musical development. He emphasizes the importance of ensemble playing, stating, “Playing in groups is by far the most common way that music is played, and of course, is the most fun!” This simple statement highlights a core truth: music is inherently social and collaborative.
Beyond the joy of performance, Urato recognizes that music education instills invaluable skills that extend far beyond the practice room. String students, for example, learn discipline, perseverance, and the importance of consistent effort. They develop critical listening skills, learning to discern subtle nuances in sound and to harmonize with others. Through ensemble playing, students learn to communicate effectively, to lead, and to follow—skills that are essential in any aspect of life.
Urato emphasizes the inspirational power of music. He recalls being motivated by listening to professional recordings of orchestra pieces, a testament to the ability of music to ignite a spark of creativity and drive. By providing access to high-quality musical experiences, CCM empowers students to reach their full potential, both as musicians and as individuals.
Ryan Urato’s dedication to music education reflects CCM’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals who are equipped to thrive in a complex and ever-changing world. By providing opportunities for students to engage with music in meaningful ways, CCM is shaping the future of our community, one note at a time.
Udayan Basu’s musical journey began with a simple childhood fascination: a violin in a shop window. At four years old, he embarked on a path that would shape his life, proving that youthful curiosity can blossom into a lifelong passion. Now, at 16, Udayan is a tenth grader at Acton-Boxborough High School and has been a volunteer at the Concord Conservatory of Music (CCM) for two years. “Playing the violin gives me a sense of calm and ease,” Udayan reflects, “and I wholeheartedly believe that it has made me a better person.”
His connection to CCM has been instrumental in his growth. He cherishes the close relationships he’s built with his teachers, particularly his long-time mentor, CCM instructor, Angel Valchinov. “It is due to his tremendous support and guidance that I have reached a high level of musical maturity,” Udayan acknowledges.
Like any dedicated musician, Udayan has faced challenges. Moments of doubt and discouragement threatened to derail his progress, but he learned to confront them head-on. “Whenever I felt overwhelmed, or felt I had lost my love for the instrument, I would ask myself a question: why?” he explains. This introspection revealed that his demotivation often stemmed from the inherent difficulty of mastering the violin. Recognizing this, he found a renewed sense of purpose, learning to persevere through moments of uncertainty.
Udayan’s musical aspirations extend beyond performance. He aims to maintain his connection with the violin throughout his life, envisioning himself playing even in his later years. Drawing from his experience volunteering with CCM’s outreach and marketing department, he also expresses a keen interest in music promotion. “In future, I hope to stay involved in music promotional and awareness initiatives within local communities,” he says.
For aspiring musicians, Udayan offers words of encouragement: “If you are a young musician who is feeling discouraged or struggling to start, know that it will always be an uphill task when you start. But once you gain more mastery over the instrument, the satisfaction from being able to play a piece easily is something that can’t be described in words. If you’re discouraged, keep going, it will get better.”
Udayan describes his musical style as “Melodic, Dreamy, and Elegant,” citing Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Le Cygne” as an example. His favorite piece to play is Edward Elgar’s “Salut D’Amour,” a composition that resonates with him deeply. “This is a piece that I feel has so much Elegance,” he says. “I feel the notes and dynamics express so much emotion and its rhythm gives such a sense of beauty.”
Udayan Basu’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of music education. His dedication, perseverance, and passion serve as an inspiration to fellow students and the entire CCM community.
The Sounds of Rebellion
The Music & Rebels concert, as part of Concord250, took place on February 7th. Guided by CCM faculty speaker Jackson Carruthers, the event explored musical revolution. Carruthers recounted how pieces from Monteverdi to Cage broke conventions, propelling music into new eras. CCM faculty artists soprano Rose Hegele and cellist Steve Marotto, joined by guests violinist Nicole Parks, pianist Elaine Rombola Aveni, and percussionist Matt Sharrock, performed these boundary-breaking selections. Celebrating Concord’s Revolutionary War anniversary, the program also featured the world premiere of Aaron Jay Myers’ “Unrest,” commissioned by the Concord Conservatory of Music, linking musical and historical rebellion.
A special thank you to our sponsors, the Concord 250 Committee and Lead Sponsor, Emerson Health for making this event possible. And thank you to everyone who joined us for our night of music and rebellion! We were thrilled to share the stories of music’s revolutionaries with you.
Get your tickets today for our upcoming concerts and lectures!
Around Hear, Saturday, March 22, 2:00 pm
Explore music with all your senses. Families are invited to listen to chamber music, see images, and create their own floor art at this energetic concert adventure! The Somerville based chamber ensemble Around Hear will perform works by J.S. Bach, Dvořák, and local composers Mike Kelley and Dan Sedgwick, whose musical subjects range from exoplanets to pigeons!
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.
Won’t you please consider giving the gift of music today?
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