Concord Conservatory of MusicConcord Conservatory of MusicThere is a particular kind of magic that happens when musicians step out of the private studio and into a circle of their peers. At the Concord Conservatory of Music, Group classes represent more than just a curriculum; they are the heartbeat of a community where students find shared energy, lasting friendships, and the confidence that comes from making music together.
The Freedom to Explore
For many students, the shift from individual practice to group music-making is a pivotal moment in their development. Armando Ortiz, director of the CCM Overture String Orchestra and West Side Strings, sees this every week. He notes that this ensemble setting provides a vital sense of security. As he explains, “Having a space where students can feel the freedom of making mistakes and explore musical possibilities in a fun and creative way has been the most noticeable aspect of their group learning.”
Over time, he has watched as his students become more attuned to each other, “building a healthy community based on those needs.”
Families feel this transformation as well. Aaron Ziulkowski, whose sons Jack and Henry participate in West Side Strings, shared that while the instruction is rigorous, “it is a more relaxed, playful atmosphere playing with other kids than in private lessons, which can feel a bit more intense.”
A highlight for the boys this year was performing Rain, Rain, a piece composed by CCM faculty member Manuel Garcia Baro. “The piece included technical elements that were new and fun to them, as well as singing,” Aaron says. “Performing that as a group was a highlight of the year.”
Learning Through Connection
Group learning also enriches the experience of our adult students, who discover that the classroom environment offers a breadth of insight that solo practice cannot. This is especially evident in the Guitar Explorations class, where technical discipline and human connection go hand in hand.
For instructor Lautaro Mantilla, teaching the group is a weekly highlight. He approaches fundamentals like posture, tone, and rhythm as part of a larger process of intentional engagement. “What defines the class is the environment the students create together,” Lautaro says. “There is a shared understanding that growth requires vulnerability, and that mistakes are an essential part of progress. Within that space, students build a quiet resilience that extends beyond the instrument itself.”
Student Kelly Western believes this group setting is the best way to begin. “The biggest benefit I’ve found is that other people ask great questions that I never thought to ask,” she says. This collective curiosity fosters the deep musical awareness Lautaro aims for, cultivating a sensitivity rooted in how each student’s playing exists alongside others.
As Lautaro observes, the result is a space where technical growth and belonging are inseparable. Kelly agrees, noting that the social connection is just as meaningful as the music. She loves seeing the same friendly faces each week and exchanging encouragement. “The CCM community is very warm and welcoming,” she says. “The teachers make everyone feel capable, even the very beginners. When you learn in a group, you get to learn from the others as well as the teacher.”
By developing a collective investment in the group’s sound, these students leave with more than just foundational skills—they gain a deeper understanding of how to learn, listen, and create within a shared space.
A Foundation of Trust
This sense of belonging is a core component of the Piano Connections program as well. Instructor Kitty
Cheung-Evans observes that her students “built trust and friendships by supporting each other through shared knowledge and opinions.” By creating a safe space to discuss performing, practicing, and listening, the students are able to “cheer each other along the way.”
In Kitty’s view, this environment is a place “where music and friendship flourish.”
Anne Cayer, a member of the class, has experienced this magic firsthand. “No matter how nervous I am or how many mistakes I make, everyone cheers me on and helps me feel successful,” Anne shares. Beyond the classroom, these bonds have led to new musical adventures. “One of the other students in Piano Connections introduced me to the CCM Bluegrass & Jazz Jams. I and one of the other Connections students have even been practicing a duet together for the upcoming ‘Pianos on the Town’ performance.” For Anne, the group setting provided a breakthrough she might not have found alone: “It involves keeping the same time as my partner… after practicing together, I can play in time with her and the other students. I’m much more comfortable now playing for and with others.”
The Heart of Our Community
Group classes embody what makes CCM special: people learning side‑by‑side, discovering their own voices while supporting one another. Whether a child picking up an instrument for the first time or an adult returning to music after many years, students find a place where they belong — a place where music becomes a shared experience, not a solitary one.
From May 25 to June 13, take advantage of our Early Bird discount with 10% off our Fall Group Classes!
For Aaron and Rachel Ziulkowski, music education is not just an extracurricular activity for their sons, Jack and Henry. Instead, it has become a central pillar of their family life. What started as a quest to build discipline and a sense of pitch in their young boys has blossomed into a multi-generational musical journey. This even includes their father, Aaron, who decided to pick up the violin right alongside them.
Leading by Example
The Ziulkowskis joined the CCM community in the fall of 2022 when Jack was a complete beginner in pre-K. Aaron soon followed suit, enrolling in lessons himself. He believed that the boys would be more likely to stay engaged if they saw him in the trenches with them. “Aaron also believed that the boys would be more likely to practice and enjoy music if they saw their father practicing, and struggling too,” the family explains. While daily practice is not always easy, the family finds that the time spent making music together has become their shared language. As they put it, “Even 10 minutes of music together can completely transform an evening.”
Growth Beyond the Music
Over the past four years, the family has worked with instructor Angel Valchinov, affectionately known as
Mr. V. Under his guidance, the boys have grown from struggling to finish a ten-minute lesson to seeing thirty-minute sessions fly by. The growth extends far beyond technical skill. “The boys can see that they are progressing in ability and are proud of their work on the violin,” the family says. “They are building confidence in their ability to take on challenging tasks.” Their interests now range from Star Wars themes to the classical humor of the YouTube duo Two Set Violin. They often delight in challenging Mr. V to play the world’s hardest pieces during their lessons, and he is often up to the challenge.
The Conservatory Advantage
What makes CCM unique for the Ziulkowskis is the ability to immerse themselves in a holistic environment. Jack and Henry have flourished in Rhythmic Solfege and the West Side Strings group program, while Jack is currently exploring the Media Lab in the Introduction to Music Creation class. Aaron has even deepened his own understanding through adult music theory. “While the boys have changed teachers each year in school, Mr. V has been a steady presence for them for nearly their entire memory,” the family notes. This continuity, combined with the exposure to other instructors and high quality local concerts, provides a “holistic learning opportunity” that goes far beyond private study in a home.
A Message to Our Community
When asked what they would say to the supporters who make CCM’s work possible, the Ziulkowskis emphasize that music provides a solace and refuge that is vital for the entire town. “We believe music has intrinsic and enduring value,” they say. “Supporting CCM and being part of the CCM community contributes to the future of music in our community.” For the Ziulkowskis, the investment is clear. Music enables participants to develop creatively and share their creations, providing a community of friends and a way for families to connect. “It doesn’t always sound good,” they admit, “but it possesses an enduring value that stays with us.”
Pianos on the Town: The Creative Vision is Taking Shape!
The Pianos on the Town project is officially moving into its most colorful phase! After an extensive selection process, we are thrilled to announce that eight talented local artists have been chosen to transform our upright pianos into unique works of public art. These artists are now hard at work in our CCM 2 studio space, beginning the painting process and bringing their creative designs to life.
We are especially excited to invite the community to experience Piano X—a spectacular performance where CCM students, both kids and adults, will perform on the painted pianos in perfect synchronicity. Join us for this official launch day highlight on Saturday, May 30, at 10:30 am at Brookside Square. This performance represents the heart of our mission, showcasing the talent and collaborative spirit that spans all generations within our community.
Once the pianos are placed, the celebration continues throughout the month with a series of scheduled pop-up concerts featuring local musicians, bringing even more life and melody to our streets.
These pianos will serve as more than just instruments; they are an open invitation for neighbors to gather, for students to perform, and for passersby to find a moment of unexpected joy. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and our cultural collaborators for making this event possible. We also want to thank our donors and volunteers who understand that public art and music education are essential to a thriving community.
We look forward to seeing you all at the pianos very soon. Stay tuned for more to come!
2026 Concert and Speaker Series Continues with Our Season Finale
Chatham Rabbits Friday, May 29, 2026 at 7:30 pm
Partners in life and music, the acclaimed North Carolina duo Sarah and Austin McCombie have captivated fans nationwide with four celebrated albums, critical praise from outlets like No Depression, and a community-focused work ethic highlighted by their innovative “Stay at Home Tour” and current PBS series, On the Road.
Thank you 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.
We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
Be the Reason Someone Experiences Music
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:
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