Summer Piano at Cassa Musical Arts

For more than 30 years, Cassa Musical Arts has inspired pianists through engaging summer programs built on a passion for quality music education. Founded in 1993 by Calgary music teachers in collaboration with a local piano dealer, Cassa has grown into one of Canada’s most comprehensive summer piano experiences while maintaining a welcoming, community-centered approach.

A defining feature of Cassa’s piano programs is our small teacher-to-student ratios, allowing each participant to receive personalized instruction, individual feedback, and meaningful mentorship from experienced professional faculty. Students benefit from focused learning tailored to their goals, whether they are beginners, advancing musicians, adult learners, or piano teachers seeking professional enrichment.

Cassa combines strong musical training with creativity, collaboration, and performance opportunities in a supportive and energetic environment. Pianists build confidence, strengthen skills, and deepen their love of music while connecting with a vibrant artistic community.

Join us this summer and discover how individualized attention can make piano study inspiring, rewarding, and fun.

Summer Music Programs for All Ages at Cassa Musical Arts

Summer is just around the corner—and there’s no better time to explore your creativity through music!

If you’re looking for an inspiring and enriching way to spend your summer, Cassa Musical Arts has an exciting lineup of programs designed for students, adults, and teachers of all levels.

Based in Calgary, Cassa Musical Arts is a registered charity dedicated to delivering high-quality music and performing arts education through immersive, hands-on experiences. With over 30 years of programming, their summer offerings continue to inspire creativity, build confidence, and develop musical skills in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Programs run throughout July and include both in-person experiences in Calgary and online options, making them accessible to a wide range of participants.

Register today! https://www.cassamusicalarts.com/

Expand Your Musical Horizons with Cassa’s Creative Music and Guitar Programs

Since 1993, Cassa Musical Arts has been offering inspiring summer programs that nurture young musicians and performers. Our renowned Cassa Piano and Musical Theatre programs have built a strong reputation for excellence and continue to be a highlight of the summer season.

But did you know that we also offer exciting opportunities in composition and guitar?

Cassa Creative Music is designed for students who are curious about songwriting, composition, and improvisation. This program encourages students to explore their musical ideas, experiment with sound, and develop the confidence to create and perform their own original music in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Cassa Guitar Immersive welcomes students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your technique, this program provides focused instruction and engaging musical experiences to help students strengthen their guitar skills and grow as musicians.

At Cassa Musical Arts, our summer programs are about more than learning music—they’re about creativity, confidence, and discovering your unique musical voice.

Join us this summer at Cassa Creative Music and Cassa Guitar Immersive!

A Special Invitation from David Bertram

At Cassa Musical Arts, once you’ve experienced one of our programs, you become part of our family — and we love celebrating the artistic journeys of our community members long after their time with us.

Our former Cassa Adult Piano student, David Bertram, has shared an exciting invitation for all Cassa Musical Arts instructors and participants. David is now singing barbershop with Calgary-based vocal ensemble Acappella Road, and he’s been loving every moment — creating art through harmony, resonance, and collaboration.

On June 4, 2026, Acappella Road will host a very special concert featuring the legendary Swedish vocal group The Real Group in a rare collaborative performance right here in Calgary. For more than 40 years, The Real Group has helped shape modern a cappella music worldwide, and Acappella Road is thrilled to share the stage with them for this unforgettable evening.

The concert will take place at the Bella Concert Hall at Mount Royal University, bringing a vibrant celebration of a cappella music to our city.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit:
www.acappellaroad.ca

We’re delighted to share this opportunity with our Cassa Musical Arts community and hope many of you will attend, to support David, and enjoy an extraordinary night of vocal music.

Congratulations to Our Cassa Guitar Immersive Winner!

Congratulations to Allie Marcoux, the winner of our Cassa Guitar Immersive Summer Program draw! Allie has earned the opportunity to join us this summer for an exciting and enriching guitar experience at Cassa Musical Arts.

During the program, Allie will learn from expert guitarist and instructor Brent Gunther, who will guide students through technique development, musical expression, and collaborative playing. The Cassa Guitar Immersive program is designed to help guitarists grow in confidence and skill while exploring a wide range of musical styles.

Open to students of age 9 to adult and various experience levels, the program provides a supportive and inspiring environment where participants can refine their guitar technique, expand their musical knowledge, and connect with fellow musicians. Whether students are just beginning their guitar journey or looking to deepen their abilities, the immersive format allows for focused learning, creativity, and musical discovery.

We are excited to welcome Allie this summer and look forward to seeing her musical journey unfold at Cassa!

If you’re interested in joining Allie and Brent this summer, you can learn more about the program and registration through: Cassa Guitar Immersive.

Celebrating Our Partnership with ARMTA

The Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association (ARMTA) has been a strong supporter of Cassa Musical Arts since our inception in 1993. Over the years, this relationship has helped strengthen music education in our community and provided meaningful opportunities for both our instructors and students.

Many members of the Cassa teaching team are proud ARMTA members. Through this shared commitment to high standards in music education, we continue to foster an environment where students receive exceptional instruction and mentorship.

ARMTA has also played an important role in supporting Cassa’s operations through financial contributions. In addition, their generous scholarships provide valuable encouragement to our students, helping young musicians pursue their studies and celebrate their achievements.

This past month, ARMTA featured an article from Cassa that highlights the many benefits of music education during the summer months. The feature also showcased the wide variety of summer programs we offer, designed to help students continue learning, stay inspired, and grow musically throughout the season.

We are incredibly grateful for ARMTA’s continued support and partnership. Their dedication to music education helps make opportunities like ours possible, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration for years to come.

Thank you, ARMTA, for championing music education and supporting our community of musicians.

Read ARMTA’s full March Issue of Impromptu Magazine here. Cassa’s article is featured below.

Teachers: Know anyone with great potential?

Cassa’s musical arts programs nurtures talent and enables the creation of original works. Students access support from industry experts for collaboration, connection and skill-building. From musical theatre performance, songwriting, piano and guitar skills, and everything in-between, our programs create inspiring experiences for youth to develop their skills in all aspects of musical arts. Participants build team and leadership skills and establish lifelong connections. Connect your students with us and watch them soar!

Cassa is a registered Charitable Organization with an active Board of Directors that practice high regulatory and inclusivity standards along with exceptional impact measures.

Bursaries are available for students requiring financial assistance.

Elevate Your Playing — Join Our Guest Artist Masterclass with Gregg Pauley

Are you ready to take your piano skills to the next level? We’re thrilled to invite intermediate to advanced pianists of all ages to a special online Guest Artist Masterclass featuring internationally respected performer, teacher, and mentor Gregg Pauley!

• Date: April 18, 2026

• Time: 9:00 am – 1:15 pm

• Cost: Free for observers (student masterclass participants cost is $120/hour)

Student participants will receive focused and personalized feedback designed to strengthen technique, interpretation, and performance confidence. Observers — including teachers, parents, and fellow musicians — are welcome to attend at no cost and will benefit from the shared learning experience.

Masterclasses are a powerful way to grow as a musician. They foster artistic development, encourage thoughtful interpretation, and inspire new approaches to performance.

Space is limited. We encourage interested students and observers to register soon to secure their place in this enriching musical experience.

Learn more and register here.

Online Masterclass with Gregg Pauley

from $0.00

April 18th from 9:00am to 1:15pm

Students are invited to participate in an online piano masterclass with our 2026 Cassa Piano Guest Artist, Gregg Pauley, on April 18, 2026.

Each student will receive a full one-hour session with Mr. Pauley. This masterclass is open to students of all ages and experience levels—Mr. Pauley teaches students from ages 4 to 94 in his private studio!

Gregg Pauley was born and raised in Southern California where his piano studies began at the age of four. A graduate of The University of Southern California (BM, 1989) and Mason Gross School of the Arts (MM, 1991), Mr. Pauley’s primary teacher was world renowned pianist Ilana Vered. He has performed extensively throughout the US including performances at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall (Lincoln Center), Merkin Hall, Steinway Hall, and Yamaha Artist Studios in New York City. Mr. Pauley is in demand as a masterclass teacher and competition adjudicator.

Note: Cassa welcomes observers to Cassa Masterclass. Audience registration is free, and we gratefully welcome any donations here. (Our suggested donation for auditors is $20, and a tax receipt will be issued.) Please register to receive your zoom audience link.

Registration:

Select Registration Student Registration Audience Registration

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Thank You, Joseph Fridman — See You in Calgary This Summer!

A heartfelt thank you to Joseph Fridman for leading this past weekend’s inspiring masterclass. We’re also grateful to the many students, teachers, and piano enthusiasts who attended and contributed to such a vibrant learning environment. The session sold out quickly, and we were delighted to extend the class to accommodate additional participants — there is always a lot to learn from Mr. Fridman.

We are especially thankful to Mr. Fridman for generously sharing his time and expertise with our Cassa learning community. For those who would like to continue learning from him, he will be traveling from Edmonton to join us this summer in Calgary for our in-person Cassa Piano Immersive and Adult Piano programs at Brentview Baptist Church.

This summer’s distinguished faculty will also include Dr. Laura Bell, Linda Kundert, Darcy van Helden, Dr. Karen Gerelus, Marianne van der Sloot and Carlo Santos, along with special guest artist Gregg Pauley. As always, enrollment is limited to maintain low teacher-to-student ratios, so we encourage you to register soon to secure your spot.

Register today by clicking on the programs below!

Piano Immersive

$479.00

Cassa Piano Immersive (Ages 9-19)

July 13-17, 2026 9:00am-5:00pm Recitals: Thursday July 16, 2026 at 7:00 pm & Friday July 17, 2026 at 2:00 pm Brentview Baptist Church‍ ‍

Early Bird Registration Fee: $479, Fee After June 15: $529

Cassa Piano is an exciting five-day experience for pianists level 3 RCM/CC and up, to explore the many facets of piano playing in a supportive, fun atmosphere that promotes a positive attitude towards practising and performing. Students are coached in prepared solo repertoire and new ensemble pieces. Students attend classes in musical style, interpretation, memorization, technique and performance anxiety. Classes in choir, art, and improvisation are also offered.

The Cassa Piano composer of the year will be Franz Schubert. Students will learn more about the featured composer and will perform a piece written by Schubert during the program.

Guest Artist: Gregg Pauley

Experts: Dr. Laura Bell, Joseph Fridman, Linda Kundert, Darcy van Helden, Dr. Karen Gerelus, Marianne van der Sloot and Carlo Santos.

Instructor/Supervisor: Georgeanne van Helden

Assistant Coaches: Justine Cherry-Delisle, and Maria Bustos

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Adult Piano

$349.00

Cassa Adult Piano (for Students Age 18+)

July 14-16, 2026, 9:00am-5:00pm Musicale: Thursday July 16, 2026 at 2:00 pm Brentview Baptist Church

Early Bird Pricing: $349, Registration After June 15: $399

Cassa Adult Piano is an exciting three-day experience for adult pianists to explore the many facets of piano playing in a supportive, fun atmosphere that promotes a positive attitude towards practising and performing.

The Cassa Piano composer of the year will be Franz Schubert. Students will learn more about the featured composer and may perform a piece written by Schubert during the program.

Guest Artist: Gregg Pauley

Experts: Dr. Laura Bell, Joseph Fridman, Linda Kundert, Darcy van Helden, Dr. Karen Gerelus, Marianne van der Sloot and Carlo Santos.

Instructor/Supervisor: Georgeanne van Helden

Assistant Coaches: Justine Cherry-Delisle, and Maria Bustos

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The Broader Impact of High-Level Music Education

High-level music education plays a vital role in developing cognitive flexibility, collaboration, and creative leadership. These outcomes align directly with public-interest goals across education, mental health, and workforce readiness.

Cassa Musical Arts embeds these benefits within a creator-first model that supports original musical theatre development. Through mentorship, training, and performance opportunities, young artists gain professional skills while contributing to Canada’s cultural landscape.

Support from partners and funders allows Cassa to reduce barriers to access, support neurodivergent learners, and invest in sustainable pathways for original creation.

The result is not only stronger artists, but stronger systems.

Register for Cassa Musical Arts Programs today!

https://www.cassamusicalarts.com/cassa-musical-arts-programs

Sharing the Sound: Introducing Our New Social Media Manager!

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Karen Gerelus to the Cassa Musical Arts team as our new Social Media Manager!

Karen is passionate about amplifying the voices and stories within Cassa—celebrating music, learning, and the meaningful relationships that grow through our programs.

Be sure to follow us to stay up to date on the latest news and happenings at Cassa!

Welcome Regina Chan, General Manager of Cassa

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with the Cassa Musical Arts community: Regina Chan has joined Cassa as our new General Manager.

Regina’s connection to Cassa runs deep. As a teenager, she attended Cassa Piano Immersive—then known as Piano Camp—an experience that helped shape her lifelong appreciation for music. Years later, that connection has come full circle. Today, Regina’s own children are avid music enthusiasts who attend Cassa programs every year. Her personal journey gives her an authentic, lived understanding of the impact Cassa has on students and families across generations.

Professionally, Regina brings strong leadership experience and an operational mindset to Cassa. As our General Manager, she joins our small but mighty Cassa team to support and deliver creative, high-quality programming for our community and beyond.

Please say hello to Regina at our next event! We’re excited for what lies ahead and we are grateful to continue building, growing, and making music together.

Why Serious Music Training Is Also Serious Fun

High-level music education challenges you in the best way. It pushes your focus, your creativity, and your ability to work with others.

At Cassa Musical Arts, students learn by doing. You collaborate, analyze, experiment, and create original work. You gain skills that matter whether you pursue the arts professionally or take these strengths into other fields.

This is a place where your ideas are taken seriously and your growth is supported.

Bring your curiosity. We will meet you there.

Register for Cassa Musical Arts Programs today!

https://www.cassamusicalarts.com/cassa-musical-arts-programs

Help Shape the Future of the Musical Arts: Join Our Board as Treasurer

Do you believe that music has the power to connect, inspire, and transform communities? Are you passionate about supporting artists and expanding access to the musical arts? If so, we invite you to consider joining the Cassa Musical Arts Board as our next Treasurer.

Interested? Please review our posting below and contact us at info@cassamusicalarts.com

Let’s work together to ensure “that” musical arts continue to flourish—for today, and for generations to come!

Congratulations to our Cassa Students on their ARMTA Achievement!

We are so proud to celebrate our students’ outstanding achievements with the Alberta Registered Music Teachers’ Association (ARMTA). Congratulations to Wynn Phung (Bronze Medalist, Advanced Piano), Kaslyn Chan (Silver Medalist, Advanced Piano), and Sorena Cook (ARCT Graduate) for their exceptional accomplishments. These achievements reflect months of dedication, focused practice, and a genuine love of music.

Congratulations to all our students on this well-deserved success. We look forward to seeing how you continue to grow and shine in your musical journey!

A New Harmony: Classical Guitar Society of Calgary & Cassa Musical Arts Inspire Musicians Across Calgary

We’re thrilled to announce a new collaboration between the Classical Guitar Society of Calgary (CGSC) and Cassa Musical Arts (Cassa) that celebrates creativity, learning, and connection through music.

Founded in 1974, the Classical Guitar Society of Calgary was established with the goal of fostering enthusiasm for, and exploration of, classical guitar music. CGSC regularly brings some of the world’s finest classical guitarists to Calgary to perform concerts and to lead masterclasses, enriching the city’s cultural and educational landscape.

Since 1993, Cassa Musical Arts has delivered high-quality musical arts programming within the community. Beginning in 2023, this partnership has enabled Cassa to offer a week-long, half-day guitar program led by CGSC’s Artistic Director, Brett Gunther. At Cassa Guitar Immersive, students dive deep into the world of guitar through hands-on instruction, creative exploration, and collaborative music-making in a supportive and inspiring environment.

With small teacher-to-student ratios, Guitar Immersive balances technical skill-building with creativity, helping students to grow in confidence while developing strong musical foundations. Participants learn proper technique, chords, scales, strumming and picking patterns, rhythm, and music theory, while also exploring improvisation and ensemble playing.

Cassa is proud of this collaboration with CGSC, which brings together the best of both organizations: CGSC’s deep roots in performance and community engagement paired with Cassa’s dynamic, education-focused programming. Together, they are expanding opportunities for guitarists of all levels—from beginners just discovering their passion to seasoned players seeking new creative challenges—to learn, perform, and grow.

Whether you’ve come to love classical guitar through a CGSC event or have been inspired by Cassa’s musical arts programs, there has never been a better time to connect with Calgary’s guitar community and explore where your musical journey can take you.

Learn more about CGSC and explore their latest events here.

Cassa Guitar Immersive runs July 6–10, 2026. Register today!

Guitar Immersive

$249.00

Cassa Guitar Immersive (Ages 9 - Adult)

July 6-10, 2026 9am-12pm Brentview Baptist Church
Fees: Early bird $249, after June 15 $299

Ignite your passion for music this summer with Cassa Guitar Immersive, a fun and engaging half-day program designed for players at all skill levels. Students will dive deep into the world of guitar through hands-on instruction, creative exploration, and collaborative music-making—all in a supportive environment. 

With small teacher-to-student ratios, each day blends skill-building and creativity, helping students grow in confidence while developing real musical ability. Students will learn proper technique, chords, scales, strumming and picking patterns, rhythm, and music theory, while also exploring improvisation, and ensemble playing.

What Students Will Experience

• Daily guitar instruction tailored to skill level

• Learning popular songs across multiple styles

• Rhythm training and ensemble playing

• Music games and creative challenges

• Performance skills and confidence building

The week culminates in a casual showcase, where students get the chance to perform for friends and family to celebrate their progress.

Whether you are picking up a guitar for the first time or ready to take their playing to the next level, this immersive program offers the perfect mix of learning, creativity, and summer fun!

Expert: Brett Gunther

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Congratulations to Cassa Piano Instructor - Dr. Karen Gerelus!

We are thrilled to celebrate Dr. Karen Gerelus, whose article, “Envisioning a Future Musical Self: Identities of Dropout and Continuing Adolescent Piano Students,” has been named MTNA e-Journal Article of the Year for 2026.

Her publication examines how imagining a future musical self influences students’ present musical experiences. Drawing on two studies, the findings show that students who continued piano study had a stronger musical identity and long-term vision, while those who dropped out struggled to see music as part of their future. Read her publication here.

We congratulate Karen on this well-deserved honor and thank her for advancing important conversations about student identity, persistence, and the future of music education! Dr. Karen Gerelus will be one of the instructors on the 2026 Cassa Piano Summer Programs team.

Register for Cassa Piano Immersive and Cassa Adult Piano today to learn more from Dr. Karen Gerelus and other Cassa piano experts!

Why High-Level Music Education Matters

Research consistently shows that sustained music education supports cognitive development, emotional intelligence, and academic success. Students who engage deeply with music develop stronger executive functioning, pattern recognition, memory, and self-regulation.

At Cassa Musical Arts, we intentionally connect these benefits to real creative practice. Students are challenged to analyze, interpret, collaborate, and reflect — skills that serve them far beyond the stage.

Cassa offers a space where high standards and compassionate teaching coexist.

Performance is not the end goal.
It is the visible outcome of deep learning.

Register for our programs today!

Join us for an Online Piano Masterclass with Joseph Fridman!

Are you a pianist seeking fresh inspiration, expert guidance, and a chance to grow your artistry? Cassa Musical Arts is thrilled to present an Online Piano Masterclass with acclaimed pianist and educator Joseph Fridman!

• Date: February 22, 2026

• Time: 9:00 am – 1:15 pm

• Location: Zoom (fully online, accessible from anywhere!)

Whether you’re an intermediate or advanced pianist, this masterclass offers something special:

• One-on-one performance coaching – Each student receives a full hour of personalized feedback, helping you refine technique, musical expression, and performance confidence.

• Learn from a seasoned expert – Mr. Fridman has earned two Master’s Degrees – as a pianist and opera director – both from the world-renowned St. Petersburg State Conservatory (Russia). He is a concert pianist, teacher, vocal coach and accompanist, currently residing in Edmonton, Alberta.

• Free audience access – Everyone is invited to observe! Register to receive your Zoom link and watch the masterclasses in action — this is perfect for teachers, parents, and fellow musicians.

Don’t miss your chance to learn from Mr. Fridman from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re ready to refine your repertoire or simply love watching great music come to life, this online masterclass is an opportunity to elevate your artistry in a supportive and inspiring environment.

Reserve your spot today and join us online February 22! Register and learn more, by clicking here.

Congratulations to our Cassa Musical Arts Students!

Congratulations to Cassa Musical Arts students Maya, Serenity, Davin, Olivia, Joel, Kaslyn, and Aurelia on their participation in the Kawai Piano Stars Competition! We are incredibly proud of each student for their dedication and hard work.

A special congratulations to Serenity Zhang for earning the Regional Intermediate Top Prize—an outstanding achievement!

A huge thank you to Brian Schmidt for hosting the awards event, and to Dave Mitchell in Vancouver for running the Kawai Piano Stars event that will take place again next fall.