CMC Notes Newsletter – February 2025 - Classical Music Conservatory

CMC Notes Newsletter - February 2024

In this issue

1. Important Upcoming Dates

2. Summer Camp Registration & Discount

3. Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases!

4. Featured Student

5. Featured Teacher

Important Upcoming Dates

Saturday, February 15th: Lessons are still ON as scheduled, but NO Musical Preludes classes today!

Monday, February 17th: CMC is closed for Family Day!

Tuesday, March 4th: Deadline for registration for the May/June 2025 Session of RCM Exams

Click HERE for our private lesson 2024-2024 CMC School Year Calendar!

Click HERE for our Musical Preludes Schedule!

Click HERE for our Suzuki Cello Group Class Schedule!

Summer Camp Registration & Discount

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN: EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT!

Music & Art Creations Summer Camp:

A magical fun-filled week for 4-7 year olds with music, art, movement, drumming and instruments exploration!

Monday to Friday from 9am to noon,

$325/week.

SAVE $30 by registering before February 14th and pay $295!

Week 1: July 7-11, 2025
Week 2: July 14-18, 2025
Week 3: August 11-15, 2025

Please click HERE for more information or to register – space is limited to only 8 students per week!

Teachers Upcoming Gigs & Releases!

Chris

CMC teacher Chris has an event playing a new piece by Kalaisan Kalaichelvin entitled Poitu Varen on February 5th at Hugh’s Room presented by Soundstreams.

Check it out here: https://soundstreams.ca/events/td-encounters-poitu-varen/

Enjoy!

Featured Student!

Adriana (Drums)

1. How old were you when you first started music?

I first started when I was 6 to learn how to play the guitar. Then I started learning ukulele at 9. Then I took a very long break and started music lessons again 2 years ago.

2. Why did you choose the instrument you currently play?

I have always wanted to learn how to play the drums. Being able to keep the beat and create beats is something I think is so cool. I also love a challenge and learning how to play drums definitely pushes me to try new things and develop new skills.

3. What do you like most about your music teacher?

Hiro is just cool. He’s open to trying out different genres of music and is good at providing tips to help me improve. He’s also good at providing different exercises that challenge me. I’m also always impressed at how he can figure out the drum patterns by just listening to a song once.

4. Do you have a favourite piece to play?

I really enjoy playing Maps by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana because I feel like such a boss when I play it.

5. If you could play any other instrument, what would it be?

I’m interested in percussion drums so maybe conga drums or the cajon.

6. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Exploring indie coffee shops, traveling to big cities, growing fruits and vegetables on my balcony, and spending time with my partner and my almost 5 year old.

7. Who are some of your musical inspirations?

Groups like Sleater-Kinney and Metric. I’m also a big fan of Latin music like salsa and of course, Shakira. I’ve recently been into K-Pop like Blackpink and Stray Kids, so it varies.

8. What do you like most about CMC?

Everyone is so supportive and welcoming, which I really appreciate as an adult student.

If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com!

Featured Teacher!

Brandon Wall (Guitar)

1. How old were you when you first started music?

I first picked up a guitar when I was 12, but didn’t start lessons until I was 13

2. Why did you want to make music your career?

I couldn’t imagine doing anything else without at least giving music a shot as it truly was my dream.

3. Which groups are you currently playing with, if any?

This has changed a lot over the years, but my current main project is a Strokes cover band called The Brokes which has been a lot of fun. I also play in the Suitcase Sam Band, Marlon Chaplin, a folk duo called Beth James, and am working on my own self titled EP.

4. What do you enjoy most about teaching?

I love coming up with multiple approaches to the same challenge/problem. Every passage, rhythm, melody or concept can be explained or thought about in a variety of ways, and often something that is confusing to someone when explained one way will make perfect sense from a different angle when it “clicks”. I love finding the pathway to that moment.

5. Some students have challenges with consistent practicing. What advice would you give them?

Keep your guitar or instrument out on a stand in plain view and not in a case. You’ll be way more likely to grab it and play it for 5 minutes if it’s easily accessible, and often times if you grab your instrument to play for a few minutes, you’ll end up playing for longer. And then just strive to play a little bit every day instead of big chunks once or twice a week.

6. What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love seeing concerts, going to baseball games, playing board games, video games, working out, and as cliché as it sounds I really love playing guitar in my spare time.

7. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would it be?

This answer changes a lot over time as well… currently I’d say Japan or New Zealand is at the top of my list.

8. Anything else you want to add?

My favourite food is sushi, the best Taylor Swift album is Folklore, and I hope to one day see someone get a 29 point hand in cribbage.

If you are interested in being featured in our CMC Notes, please email us at cmc@cmccanada.com!

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