Concord Conservatory of MusicConcord Conservatory of MusicThis May, CCM proudly celebrates the remarkable achievements of our graduating class of twelve seniors. It’s a significant milestone for these dedicated young musicians, many of whom have called CCM their musical home since their earliest years. We’re thrilled to spotlight five of these outstanding individuals – Catherine, Grady, Claire, Christopher, and Mei – who, along with their seven equally talented classmates, embody the dedication and passion fostered here at the Concord Conservatory of Music.
These seniors, some having spent over a decade honing their craft with us, exemplify the profound impact of early and sustained musical education.
Catherine Weng (Piano): “The piano was something that looked and felt magical when I was young… it holds the most loving voice that lends itself to every little component of a piece.”
Grady Flinn (Viola): “Music can be what you want it to be. You may feel pressure from others to make music fit in a certain box in your life, but always remember that that doesn’t have to be the case. Don’t let an expectation or tradition of what music is supposed to be limit your own musical journey.”
Their journeys, filled with the discipline of practice and the thrill of performance, underscore the transformative power of a long-term commitment to their instruments.
Claire Jennings (Piano): “Learning an instrument is hard, but if you learn to enjoy the music you’re playing, the hard work really pays off over time. I also think that playing an instrument has taught me how much hard work it takes to fuel a passion.”
Christopher Kanki (Piano): “Even if you can’t practice a lot, do what you can and keep playing.”
Mei Reed (Piano & Cello): “Sometimes the sheet music seems terrifying, but learning to read sheet music is crucial to become a proficient musician.”
Their insights offer invaluable inspiration to our younger students, demonstrating the rich rewards that come from embracing the musical journey from a young age. We celebrate their dedication and the exceptional foundation the CCM community has provided in shaping these accomplished young artists.
In more than a decade at CCM, piano instructor Melissa Tucker has seen many high school students mature into confident young adults. They are also confident young musicians who are dedicated to continue performing — and improving — for the rest of their lives. And while no two students ever follow exactly the same path to graduation, Melissa’s guiding principles remain the same. “Each student brings their own unique personality, interests, abilities, and challenges,” Melissa says. “Meeting students where they are, and acknowledging who they are, is integral to building trust, enthusiasm, and a foundation for musical and personal growth.”
In addition, she says, “Teaching is a continual feedback loop. Staying connected with students as individuals is the key. Their response to a particular piece or musical subject will show you what they need and how to move forward.”
A Traditional Starting Position
Melissa says it’s not surprising that so many beginning students still choose the piano, even with so many digital devices vying for their attention. “The piano is a natural choice for young musicians because it allows them to play deeply moving melodies, rich and varied harmonies, and create a compelling rhythmic groove,” she says. “It is also incredibly versatile, at home in a wide variety of genres: classical, blues, jazz, gospel, popular, rock, and country.”
And in that respect, the Internet can be a useful tool in small doses. “It provides unprecedented access to artists in all styles, as well as different music learning applications,” Melissa says. “So in that sense it can be a source of motivation for young people.”
Still, she says, “Developing students’ love of classical repertoire, which requires focus and dedication, is particularly satisfying in our age of digital distraction. And there is simply no substitute for real-time contact with your instrument or in-person learning and playing. Whatever sparks a student to begin music lessons, it is meaningful interchange with teachers and musical peers that promotes connection and nurtures a musical life.”
A Method for All Ages
Another key to Melissa’s success in connecting with her students is the Dalcroze method, which encourages musicians to feel what they are performing — not just recite it. “Dalcroze is a very important aspect of my teaching,” Melissa says. “Dalcroze techniques are endlessly flexible and creative. That allows for spontaneity and active engagement within the lesson — for example, creating an activity on the spot to aid a student in becoming proficient with a new rhythm pattern or polyrhythm.”
In short, Melissa says, “Improvisation is essential to the Dalcroze approach. It’s also a fun and exciting way to engage students and develop their expressive voice. I feel fortunate to be able to draw upon my Dalcroze training within my piano studio.”
The Start of a Life-Long Journey
Just as a successful student must learn to read music, a successful instructor must learn to read musicians. “Again, connecting with students as individuals is at the heart of my approach,” Melissa says.
In encouraging students to reach their full potential, Melissa acknowledges that “there are occasional moments of overreach that require a step back.”
On the other hand, she says, “There are also inspired leaps of faith which catapult the learner into a whole new level of playing. For these magical moments there is no turning back — only joyful journeying forward.”
Joyful journeying forward. Could there be a better description of what lies ahead for those in the Class of 2025 who have learned to love music through Melissa Tucker and other faculty at CCM?
Our Honors Recital on April 29th was a truly wonderful evening showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of our honors students. The program featured a diverse range of musical performances, from classical masterpieces to contemporary pieces, each delivered with impressive skill and artistry. The energy in the room was palpable as performers poured their hearts and souls into their music, captivating the audience. It was a proud moment for everyone involved, celebrating the hard work and passion of these exceptional young musicians.
To our students, faculty and parents, we extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the Honors Recital.
CCM will be joining the Spring into West Concord celebration on Saturday, May 17th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in front of the future Guitar Museum of New England! Concord Conservatory of Music graces West Concord visitors with a variety of student performances by the Overture String Orchestra, members of the West Side Strings program, jazz and classical ensembles, and student soloists. Join us for a glimpse into what goes on in the conservatory and enter a raffle for a semester of free music classes! As a special treat, we’ll be holding a raffle offering the exciting opportunity to win a free Fall semester for one of our group classes.
Don’t miss this chance to explore the world of music at CCM! We look forward to seeing you there.
Southern Rail Electrified Audience at CCM
CCM was filled with the vibrant sounds of bluegrass on Saturday, April 26, 2025, as Southern Rail took the stage for an evening of high-energy music. Celebrating over four decades of performing together, the quartet delivered an exuberant and fun performance that lived up to their reputation. The audience was treated to their signature riveting harmonies, interspersed with moments of irrepressible humor and sparkling instrumental solos.
It was especially rewarding to witness the artistry of CCM faculty member Rich Stillman on banjo and harmony vocals, alongside the impressive talents of Jim Muller, Sharon Horovitch, and John Tibert. Their performance featured intricate instrumental work and rich vocal harmonies in creatively arranged bluegrass standards.
We are deeply grateful to Emerson Health, our Lead Sponsor, and Mass Cultural Council for bringing this exceptional musicianship to our community.
Stay tuned for our upcoming 2025/ 2026 concerts and lectures! If you haven’t already, sign up today for our newsletter to receive updates on upcoming concerts.
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 Elaine Lawrence at Elawrence@ConcordConservatory.org. We would love to discuss how you can be part of this exciting series.
Lead Concert Series Sponsor
Music Supporter Sponsor
Celebrating 5 Years of our Monday Morning Message
April 28 marked an exciting milestone for us: the fifth anniversary of the Monday Morning Message! We’re thrilled to celebrate with you—our wonderful community, who’ve turned our weekly tradition into something truly special.
Born during the challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Monday Morning Message started as a simple way to keep us connected through music, even when we couldn’t be together.
To celebrate this special anniversary, we thought it would be fun to take a stroll down memory lane and revisit how our Monday Morning Message first began. Here’s a snippet from our inaugural message back in April of 2020. If you’d like to receive our Monday Morning Message, subscribe here!
2024 Annual Report
We’re delighted to share the recently published 2024 Annual Report, offering a detailed reflection on the Concord Conservatory of Music’s journey and achievements throughout the past year. Within its pages, you’ll discover a comprehensive overview of our diverse programs, the inspiring stories of our dedicated students and faculty, and the unwavering support of our cherished community. The report illuminates the profound impact of music education, highlighting how it enriches individual lives and strengthens our collective spirit. We encourage you to explore the successes and milestones outlined, gaining insight into the breadth and depth of CCM’s commitment to fostering a lifelong love of music. To learn more about our accomplishments and the vital role you play in our mission, please visit our website to access the complete 2024 Annual Report. We extend our sincere gratitude for your continued partnership in making the transformative power of music accessible to all.
Be the Reason Someone Experiences Music This Spring
Imagine the joy of a child learning their first instrument, the spark in a senior’s eye as they reconnect with cherished memories through music, or the strength in the voice of someone with Parkinson’s finding their melody.
You can make these moments possible with a gift to CCM.
By making your very first gift to CCM, you have the opportunity to:
Science & Sound Exploration of the Universe!
Our own CCM faculty member, Keith, has a friend offering FREE tickets to a fascinating event: “Growth in the Universe: A Journey Through Science and Sound.”
Join an astrophysicist, a biologist, and live musicians for a unique exploration of growth – from cells to galaxies – through science and electro-symphonic music. Center for Astrophysics composer David Ibbett brings together science and sound, featuring pianist Will Hume and violinist Erin White. It’s for all ages!
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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