Concord Conservatory of MusicConcord Conservatory of Music
When Nick Walters first came to Concord Conservatory of Music in 2008, he was eleven years old and eager to learn piano and violin. He couldn’t have known then how much CCM would shape his relationship with music—or that he would one day return as a member of our staff.
Nick studied piano with Lorna Henderson, violin with Raluca Dumitrache, and later composition with Keith Kirchoff. Along the way, he found more than excellent musical instruction. He discovered a welcoming community where teachers encouraged his curiosity, challenged him to grow, and helped him develop a lifelong love of music.
From performing keyboard concertos in duet recitals with his teacher to preparing for Bay State piano competitions, Nick gained confidence and musical skills. Just as importantly, he came to understand that music is about more than technical achievement or competition. It is a way to express ourselves and connect with others.
After living and studying in the UK, Nick returned to the area and found himself drawn back to the community that had played such an important role in his early musical life.
Today, as CCM’s Interim Programs Coordinator, he works alongside our faculty and administrative team, helping create meaningful musical experiences for a new generation of students.
“CCM’s core values are just as strong today as when I was a student here,” Nick reflects. “It’s about creating a sense of belonging and helping people develop a deep love and understanding of music. Reconnecting with this community makes me want to share that philosophy with as many people as possible, especially the next generation.”
Nick’s journey reminds us that the value of music education extends far beyond the years spent taking lessons. The encouragement of a teacher, the confidence gained through performance, and the friendships formed through music can remain with a student for a lifetime.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, CCM continues to provide these experiences for students of all ages. Nick’s return is a wonderful example of how the musical community we build today can continue to enrich lives for years to come.
Thanks to your amazing support, our HAAS Duo concert was a completely sold-out show, and the room was packed with so much warmth and energy! We are so grateful for our vibrant community.
Marvento Duo *Family Concert
Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 11:00 am
Is talking the only way to have a conversation? Conversations happen in music, too!
Join us for an interactive flute and piano family concert with the Marvento Duo as we explore musical dialogues across cultures, history, and even science! Through playful movement activities and listening games, young listeners and their families will discover the many ways instruments communicate.
Check out our full 2026-2027 lineup:
Red Skies
Friday, January 29, 2027 at 7:30 pm
Music & Earth
Friday, March 5, 2027 at 7:30 pm
Around the World in 60 Minutes *Family Concert
Saturday, March 20, 2027 at 11:00 am
The Brandee Younger Trio
Friday, April 2, 2027 at 7:30 pm
We are grateful to the sponsors who help make these performances possible and welcome individuals and businesses interested in supporting the series. Please contact Elaine Lawrence to learn more Elawrence@ConcordConservatory.org
Saturday, October 31 was a bustling day of music-making across our community! We kicked off the morning with our Adult Chamber Music Play-In, where adult instrumentalists collaborated in small ensembles before bringing everyone together for a final large-group reading session. Later in the day, our halls were filled with festive spirit and creative costumes for our student recitals.
A huge thank you to all of our students, adult participants, and supportive families who joined us on stage and in the audience to make October 31 such an inspiring and fun-filled day of music!
Check out the latest single from CCM faculty member Manuel Garcia-Baro, featuring percussion faculty member Giuseppe Paradiso! Manuel is working toward completing his full-length album and is raising funds to bring the project to life. Give the new track a listen, share the music, and support our talented faculty!
Caleb joins CCM with a teaching philosophy rooted in patience, enthusiasm, and genuine collaboration. Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska, he views music as an accessible, shared journey where growth happens through curiosity, practice, and the simple satisfaction of making music with others. At CCM, Caleb teaches mandolin, fiddle, and guitar, and will also be leading our weekly bluegrass jams! Learn more about his background here.
Step into one of CCM’s Musical Gateway or Music Makers classes, and you’ll find children marching, singing, moving, listening, and discovering music with their whole bodies.
There is plenty of laughter and excitement, but something important is happening beneath all that joyful activity. Children are developing skills that extend well beyond music.
Led by CCM faculty member Weronika Balewski, these early childhood classes use a Dalcroze-based approach that connects music with movement, imagination, and creative expression. Children discover rhythm, melody, and musical patterns while building coordination, listening skills, confidence, and connections with one another.
Learning Through Play
In Weronika’s classroom, children might gallop to a lively rhythm, move slowly like snails, or leap like 
tigers as the music changes. They play percussion instruments, move colorful scarves through the air, and explore musical ideas through games and creative activities.
These experiences help children develop coordination and physical awareness while introducing important musical concepts.
They also learn to recognize patterns, distinguish between high and low sounds, and describe what they hear. Long before they begin reading musical notation, they are developing the listening and thinking skills that form the foundation of musical learning.
And the benefits go beyond musical understanding.
“All of these activities add a little abstract analysis and description to our shared experiences,” Weronika explains. “At the same time, we nurture emotional growth by paying attention to what brings us joy, helping each other, and learning patience—like waiting for your turn even when you’re bursting with excitement.”
Building Connections That Last
Weronika creates a welcoming environment where each child is recognized and encouraged to participate. Classes begin with a personalized hello song, and children’s spontaneous ideas often become part of the musical activities.
Families are part of the experience, too. At the end of each class, parents, grandparents, and caregivers join the circle and receive simple activities to continue exploring music together at home.
“Singing at home is one of the most valuable ways to foster a child’s musicality and connection to music,” says Weronika. “By building that early connection, you give your child a lifelong source of joy, comfort, and community.”
At CCM, we believe the benefits of music begin long before a child plays their first instrument. Through movement, creativity, and shared musical experiences, our youngest students are discovering the joy of learning, expressing themselves, and connecting with others.
Your support helps CCM sustain the exceptional teaching and welcoming musical community that make experiences like these possible.
Interested in learning more about our early childhood programs? Contact our office or visit our website to view our offerings for winter and spring.
Your support makes our work possible. If you haven’t made a gift this year, please consider supporting us today.
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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