Thank You to the Burns Memorial Fund and an Invitation to Join Us This Summer!

At Cassa Musical Arts, we believe in the power of music to inspire, uplift, and transform. As Karma, one of our students and mentor-in-training, beautifully shared:

"Cassa has helped me with my musical theatre journey with its kind mentors, its positive atmosphere, and its enthusiasm!"

We are thrilled to hear such heartfelt reflections from our students, and it’s with deep gratitude that we thank the Burns Memorial Fund for making these transformative experiences possible. Their generous contribution has helped us to provide bursaries and to expand our mentorship program, ensuring that more students have access to the wonderful opportunities we offer.

Cassa Musical Arts has been delivering high-quality music programming for 32 years, and this summer, we are excited to continue that tradition by offering a wide variety of programs designed for all ages and skill levels. Our offerings include:

• Cassa Guitar: A program designed for beginner guitarists to start their musical journey.

• Cassa Creative Music: A space for songwriters and composers to develop their craft.

• Cassa at Play: A program for musicians seeking to broaden their musical horizons.

• Cassa Musical: A program for performers who love to be on stage and bring musical theatre to life.

• Cassa Piano: A five-day in-person program for students aged 9–19, focused on developing piano skills.

• Cassa Adult Piano: A three-day program tailored to older learners who want to pursue piano playing.

• Online Cassa Piano: A virtual offering for students outside the Calgary area to join us remotely.

• Cassa Pedagogy: A specialized program for music teachers, available both online and in person.

Cassa Musical Arts has always been committed to making our programs accessible to all students, regardless of financial circumstances. Thanks to the support of the Burns Memorial Fund, we are able to offer bursaries that make it easier for everyone to experience the joy of music.

If you’re interested in joining us this summer, we encourage you to get in touch with us at https://www.cassamusicalarts.com/. Don’t let financial access stand in the way of your musical dreams—let us help you find a way to participate!

Thank you again to the Burns Memorial Fund for helping make these experiences a reality. We can’t wait to see what this summer holds and look forward to welcoming new students into our musical community.

Register for Cassa Piano Summer Programs Today!

Thank you to all the students and attendees who joined us for Dr. Wheeler's masterclass! We sincerely value your passion and participation.

Don’t miss out—join Dr. Wheeler, our team of Cassa experts, and fellow piano lovers for more exciting piano programming this summer. We can't wait to see you there!

Register today!

The Cassa Online Masterclass with Dr. Dale Wheeler is Now Full!

We’re excited to announce that the Cassa Online Masterclass with Dr. Dale Wheeler is officially FULL! Due to an overwhelming response, we’ve reached our maximum capacity for participants in the program. But don’t worry – you can still be a part of this incredible learning experience!

Join Us as an Audience Member – Registration is FREE!

While the participant slots are filled, we’re thrilled to offer the opportunity to attend the Masterclass as an audience member for FREE! This is a great chance to learn from Dr. Wheeler’s expertise, interact with other attendees, and gain valuable insights from a highly sought-after expert in the field.

Register Online Here to secure your spot and enjoy the event from the comfort of your home. We gratefully welcome any donations here. Please register to receive your zoom audience link.

The program for the day is outlined below.

A Special Thanks to the Alberta Piano Teachers Association

Did you know that Cassa Musical Arts was co-founded by two members of the Alberta Piano Teachers Association (APTA) 32 years ago? To this day, we are proud to have many APTA members as part of our expert piano instruction team and Board of Directors. Their ongoing dedication and commitment to excellence in music education play a key role in shaping the quality of our programs.

As we look ahead to 2025, Cassa Piano has so much to offer! From exciting masterclasses and workshops to intensive summer programs, there are opportunities for both piano students and teachers alike.

Cassa Masterclasses and Workshops
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of opportunities for piano students and teachers to grow and connect. Make sure to check out our website and follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming events and workshops. These are fantastic opportunities to deepen your musical knowledge and refine your teaching skills!

Cassa Summer Piano Programs
Our summer programs offer students the chance to experience intensive, hands-on learning with expert piano teachers and guest artists. Here’s a look at what’s coming up this summer:

• Cassa Piano (July 14–19): A five-day intensive program designed for students aged 9-19. Students will bring their repertoire for in-depth coaching, participate in duets, duos, and trios, and engage in workshops on composers, performance techniques, improvisation, and even singing!

• Cassa Adult Piano (July 15–17): A three-day intensive program for adult students to learn in a supportive and welcoming environment.

• Online Cassa Piano (July 21–24): A virtual option for students outside of Calgary, allowing them to participate in our renowned program from anywhere!

• Cassa Pedagogy (In-person: July 14 | Online: July 21–22): For music educators looking to refine their teaching skills, our Pedagogy sessions offer workshops on the following topics:

• The Secret Life of the Left Hand

• Do You Hear What I Hear? Teaching Students to Listen

• Proactive or Reactive: What Type of Teacher Are You?

• It’s a Numbers Game: Developing Artistic Counting

Register Now and Join Us This Summer!
Spaces are filling up quickly, so don’t wait! Visit our website to register for these amazing programs and secure your spot. Whether you're a student or a teacher, we would love to see you this summer as we continue to build upon the incredible legacy of music education that Cassa Musical Arts has fostered for over 30 years.

Join us for Cassa Musical this Summer!

Cassa will premiere a new musical written by Meredith Taylor-Parry and Arthur Bachmann: 

Whispers at Golden Groves
At the lavish Whim family estate, an engagement celebration takes a chilling turn when mysterious events shatter the festivities. As long-buried secrets come to light and whispers of the past echo through the halls, those gathered must untangle truth from legend before the night is over. Is Golden Groves merely steeped in a history of regret, or does something—or someone—still linger?

Join us! Students age 9-21 are welcome to register for our summer musical theatre program running: July 24, 25, 28, 29, 30 & 31, 2025 at GCA Theatre. Register Now!

Experience the Magic of Chopin’s New Valse in A Minor

We are thrilled to share a special performance by Dr. Karen Gerelus, a Cassa Piano Expert, as she performs Valse in A Minor by Chopin. This exquisite piece has been beautifully arranged by Han Ding and Dr. Gerelus.

Watch the performance here: Chopin Valse in A Minor – Dr. Karen Gerelus

Join Us for Cassa Piano Summer Programs!

Inspired by this performance? Come learn from Dr. Karen Gerelus and other Cassa Piano Experts this summer! Our Cassa Piano Summer Programs provide an enriching environment where pianists of all levels can refine their skills, explore new repertoire, and immerse themselves in the joy of making music.

Don’t miss this opportunity to study with top piano educators, enhance your technique, and connect with fellow musicians. Register today at https://www.cassamusicalarts.com/.

Be sure to subscribe and follow us for more incredible performances and learning opportunities!

Cassa Piano Masterclass with Dr. Dale Wheeler is on March 29!

Thank you to all the students and attendees who made Mr. Fridman's masterclass such a memorable experience! We truly appreciate your enthusiasm and engagement. Don’t miss out—join us at Dr. Wheeler’s masterclass on March 29th!

Register today! Limited spots remain.

Cassa Piano Masterclass with Joseph Fridman is on February 23!

Limited Spaces! Register Now!

Congratulations to Cassa Piano Participants!

Congratulations to Cassa Piano participants, Joel Cook and Gemma Konnert. Joel will compete as one of three performers in the ARMTA Provincial Piano Competition in Edmonton on January 26, 2025. Gemma is Runner-up, and needs to be ready to perform, should she be asked to at the last minute. Best wishes to both of you!

Introducing Dr. Dale Wheeler: 2025 Piano Clinician

We are delighted to welcome Dr. Dale Wheeler as our Piano Clinician for 2025! With decades of experience as a pianist and educator, Dr. Wheeler brings a wealth of knowledge to Cassa. A highly accomplished musician, he holds a Doctor of Music in Piano Performance from Northwestern University, a Master of Music from Indiana University, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Regina, along with ARCT and LRSM designations.

Dr. Wheeler’s career highlights include 26 years as a faculty member at Red Deer College, where he taught piano, keyboard literature, and pedagogy. Beyond the classroom, he has served as an adjudicator, clinician, and masterclass instructor across Canada. Known for his practical approach and focus on musical artistry, he is a respected voice in piano education.

As our 2025 Piano Clinician, Dr. Wheeler will share his insights through engaging workshops and sessions designed to inspire both pianists and educators. We are excited to have him join us and look forward to the invaluable expertise he will bring to this summer’s program.

Register for Cassa Concert, Cassa Piano, Cassa Adult Piano and Cassa Pedagogy today!

Cassa Musical Arts Newsletter Now Available!

We are thrilled to announce that the latest edition of the Cassa Musical Arts Newsletter is now available!

What’s Inside?

• Summer Programming: Get the scoop on our 2025 summer programs.

• Spotlight Stories: Meet the talented musicians, instructors and volunteers who make Cassa a vibrant hub for creativity.

Stay connected and informed by checking out the newsletter today. Whether you’re a student, instructor, or music enthusiast, there’s something for everyone.

Read it here: Cassa Musical Arts 2025 Newsletter

Thank you for being a part of our Cassa Musical Arts community. Let’s make music together!

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Cassa 2024-2025 Newsletter - Sneak Peak

A Family’s Journey Through Music with Cassa

At Cassa Musical Arts, we are proud to see the lasting impact our programs have on families and communities. Susan Savage, a dedicated Cassa board member, reflects on the incredible musical journey her children experienced through Cassa Piano. Her story highlights the joy of learning, the friendships formed, and the transformative power of music education. Here's her inspiring perspective:

"I have three grown children, but not too long ago they were youths engaged in an incredible musical journey. All three completed their ARCT in piano performance while in high school. In addition, one has her ARCT in piano pedagogy, and one has her LRCM. An important part of their journey was attending Cassa Musical Arts "piano camp" each summer for many years. Here they met other kids who were eager to learn, and who also wished to develop their piano skills. The fantastic instructors shared their knowledge and helped to shape the young musicians. The week ended with two concerts showcasing all that had been learned during the week. The transformation from the beginning of the week to these performances was simply amazing. The performers were thrilled to team up with other campers for performances of duets, trios, or 8-hand two-piano pieces. For my children, spending the week with other campers was an opportunity to make friends and to have fun. They always looked forward to piano camp, where they learned so much. Now that I have grandchildren, I am looking forward to when they will also attend Cassa Piano.”

Susan Savage

Cassa Board Member, December 2024

Inspiring Calgary's Youth Through Music

Inspiring Calgary's Youth Through Music: Your Role in the Cassa Legacy

For over 30 years, Cassa Musical Arts has been at the heart of Calgary’s cultural and artistic growth, shaping the next generation of musicians, composers, and performers. Our programs provide youth and young adults with unparalleled opportunities to master their craft, from instrumental music to composing and musical theatre. These experiences go beyond technical skills—they build confidence, spark creativity, and inspire excellence.

The impact of Cassa’s work is felt far and wide. With over 5,000 alumni, our community is a testament to the transformative power of music education. Many of our graduates continue to contribute to the arts, enriching Calgary’s cultural fabric and beyond.

But none of this is possible without the support of people like you. Parents, donors, and alumni play a vital role in ensuring Cassa continues to thrive as a unique and cherished institution. Your contributions—whether through donations or volunteer time—directly support high-level musical enlightenment for Calgary’s youth and secure the future of an organization that has nurtured talent and inspired dreams for decades.

As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in continuing this incredible legacy. Together, we can ensure that the next generation of young musicians has the tools and opportunities to shine.

Explore cassamusicalarts.com to learn how you can contribute today. Click here to donate now. Let’s keep the music alive for years to come!

Congratulations to Cassa Musical Arts Students on RCM Gold Medal Achievements!

We are thrilled to congratulate Cassa Musical Arts students Joel Cook, Jocelyn Zhou, and Davin Chan for their remarkable achievements in the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) exams! Joel received the RCM Gold Medal for Level 10 Piano, Jocelyn for Level 8, and Davin for Level 6.

The RCM Regional Gold Medal is awarded to the student who earns the highest mark on their practical examination within their level and region. Joel, Jocelyn, and Davin’s dedication and hard work throughout the year have culminated in this extraordinary recognition. Their passion for music and commitment to excellence is truly inspiring.

Well done, Joel, Jocelyn, and Davin! Your success is a testament to your talent and perseverance. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement!

Please Support Derek Stoll

Derek Stoll has been a volunteer for Cassa Musical Arts since its inception, and was our first Treasurer in 1996 when the Board of Directors was created. Derek has directed the jazz and creative music programs from their beginnings and continues to be on the Management Team as a Creative Advisor.

Derek unfortunately came down with Guillain Barre syndrome in August.  It is a mysterious condition that causes paralysis, but almost everyone who comes down with this recovers completely.  The recovery is usually lengthy lasting from a few months to a year or beyond.  Derek is recovering and starting to be able to play again, but will likely be out of commission for this full teaching year.

Derek Stoll has been a mainstay on the Calgary music scene for years and has taught jazz piano at MRU Conservatory for many years.  He has mentored many musicians and has given freely of his time to the musical community. 

If you are able to contribute at this time, please go to the Gofundme link below that colleague John Roggensack set up for Derek. Thank you for your consideration.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-derek-stoll-with-recovery-expenses 

Cassa Musical Arts: Inclusive Music Education for Neurodivergent Students

Cassa Musical Arts has a reputation for providing advanced arts education, especially popular among gifted youth. Now, it will expand its offerings to serve neurodivergent students, offering specialized programming.

Please help Cassa fund this specialized programming opportunity by voting for our initiative in the 2024 Field Law Community Fund Program. To vote and read more about initiative, please go to: https://fieldlawcommunityfund.com/ideas/cassa-musical-arts-inclusive-music-education-for-neurodivergent-students/

Thank you for your support!

New Athparia Music & Tantra Gallery Website

Cassa Musical Art’s 2024 Piano Clinician, Ms. Colleen Athparia, has some exciting news to share! She has launched her new website with the addition of their Tantra Art Gallery in India! There are also some new videos & piano duets to enjoy. Please check out her website at:

https://athparia.armta.ca/

Photo from: https://athparia.armta.ca/

Thank You to ProArts Society!

A huge thank you to ProArts Society for showcasing our Cassa Musical Arts students earlier this month. For amazing clips of the performances, please check out the Pro Arts Society and Culture House social media posts:

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/zzyNXLFCEUrMT6zP/

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/2rpuVgmHTE4canWK/

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBR5W8RBNu4/?igsh=amptZnZ4eW42Y3Vl

We invite you to follow Cassa Musical Arts on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube and Instagram for more updates on our program offerings and events.

New Book Release!

Cassa Instructor, Simon Rose, has a new book coming out!

An Untimely Death is an exciting science fiction and fantasy adventure for young adults.

When Peter’s great-grandfather, Ted, passes away, Peter is looking through his belongings in the attic. Peter knows about Ted’s experiences with the Canadian Army in World War II and absentmindedly flips a coin. To his astonishment, Peter finds himself in the heat of battle in 1944, where he embarks on a highly dangerous mission to ensure that history is placed back on track.

Learn more at https://simon-rose.com/books/an-untimely-death/