Concord Conservatory of MusicConcord Conservatory of Music
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Friday, October 2nd, for an unforgettable evening at Music & Beer! It was a fantastic night exploring the fascinating interplay of sound and taste alongside musician Keith Kirchoff and Amory’s Tomb brewer Allen Quinn.
Guests were treated to an interactive journey showing how music and craft brewing bring out the best in each other. From curated pairings to live demonstrations, Keith and Allen guided the room through an incredible sensory experience, proving just how much depth, creativity, and connection can be found when great tunes and great brews collide.
Events like these bring people together, introduce new audiences to CCM, and help support the educational and community programs that enrich our region throughout the year. Thank you for making the evening such a success.
HAAS Duo: A Multi-Genre Dialogue of Fiddle & Cello
Experience an extraordinary evening of high-energy acoustic music as acclaimed sisters Natalie and Brittany Haas take the stage at CCM! Known for their expressive depth, technical brilliance, and seamless stage chemistry, the HAAS Duo weaves together a vibrant program bridging Celtic, classical, contemporary, and original works. From world-renowned traditional fiddle camps to Juilliard, Crooked Still, and Punch Brothers, these virtuoso sisters bring a lifetime of world influences and groundbreaking artistry to an unforgettable performance.
Check out our full 2026-2027 lineup:
Marvento Duo *Family Concert
Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 11:00 am
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
At its highest level, music is far more than technical mastery: it is a language of deep human connection. A common misconception is that world-class musical instruction must be rigid, intense, or intimidating. But true mentorship flips that idea on its head, using high-caliber artistry to create supportive, joyful spaces where students of all ages can thrive, explore, and discover their authentic voices.
For CCM violinist Angel Valchinov, mentorship begins with understanding the whole person.
“Mentorship means looking at the whole person, soul and heart first. It starts with being an example of a good mentor myself.”
In his teaching, Angel encourages students to move beyond self-doubt and develop the mindset needed to achieve their goals. His focus extends far beyond technical skill.
“Pay attention to your thoughts. The thought is where the battle begins and ends.”
A similar philosophy guides CCM piano faculty, Kitty Cheung Evans, who encourages students to become thoughtful, independent musicians.
The impact of that approach can be seen in longtime CCM student Oliver Rodriguez, who has studied with Kitty Cheung Evans since 2017.
“I’ve learned that making music is meant to be joyful, and not a stressful chore,” Oliver shares. “Kitty has taught me that there are many different ways to practice, but it’s always important to appreciate and savor the music you are making.”
Through their partnership, Kitty has helped Oliver look beyond notes and rhythms, explore the history and context behind the music he plays, and tackle increasingly challenging repertoire by breaking ambitious goals into achievable steps.
“Mentorship in music is about engaging a student’s original ideas. It isn’t about being ‘right’. We are in lessons to explore possibilities in search of genuineness in music.”
When asked what advice he would give to fellow students considering working with a mentor, Oliver emphasizes finding a genuine connection. “If music is your passion, a mentor is extremely nice to have, especially when learning the pieces of music that you love — not just the ones you need to get better. Look for a mentor who you connect with, share musical taste with, and someone you think you will be open to learn from.”
Stories like Oliver’s reflect what makes CCM special. Through lessons, ensembles, performances, and community programs, students develop discipline, confidence, creativity, and a lifelong connection to music.
Interested in finding the right musical mentor? Contact our office or visit our website to learn more about CCM’s faculty and programs.
Every musician remembers the moment a piece of music finally clicks. But behind every sudden breakthrough is usually a quiet process of patience, curiosity, and a teacher who knows how to light the way. For pianist Jei-Yern Ryu, the newest addition to our faculty, teaching isn’t about pushing students down a rigid, one-size-fits-all path; it is about uncovering how each individual mind connects with music.
“Some students learn best by analyzing music, some by listening, and others by observing,” says Jei-Yern. “My goal is to help students build confidence while developing all of those skills over time.”
When students encounter challenges, she encourages them to slow down and focus on one small step at a time.
“Learning piano is not a race.”
Jei-Yern is particularly passionate about helping students discover music as a source of self-expression, creativity, and lifelong enjoyment. Whether working with children, teens, or adult beginners, she strives to create a welcoming environment where students can experience the excitement of steady growth and meaningful accomplishment.
As she steps into the studio to lead private lessons and new group classes for both youth and adults, Jei-Yern is most excited for the quiet transformations ahead. She looks forward to helping students experience the reward of seeing themselves grow over time, especially during those sudden, bright moments when a student lights up and realizes, “I can do this!” Together with her students, she is eager to build a positive, supportive environment where those breakthroughs can be celebrated every week.
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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