A collection of reviews from our students & team!

We choose to open with a review from Marco, who attended our very first camp: “I wish piano camp could be all year long.” So do we, Marco, so do we - with your support, we hope one day to make that a reality.

Reviews 2024

Cassa Piano

“I learned a ton over a small period of time, there was also a very supportive and inclusive atmosphere. You can tell that the experts and clinicians love what they do.” (Ethan)

“I enjoyed meeting people that enjoy music/piano as much as I do. Having access to many different pianos and getting help from multiple mentors was great too!” (Anon)

“I liked the new friends that I made and all the masterclasses I had with the clinicians. I liked having different musical activities such as choir.” (Jeremy)

“I liked all the good tips and techniques in the masterclasses, and how fast I improved being around other supportive piano players.” (Naomi)

“I loved everything. The choir was great. The masterclasses were amazing. I learned so much and I always have at Cassa.” (Abram)

Cassa Musical

“I loved the people, the experience, literally EVERYTHING!! I loved everything. The people are so nice, being a part of a musical is awesome, and I had a blast!!” (Savannah K)

We wanted to share that we had the most magnificent experience with the company. Our son walked in nervous and unsure, but was met with kind, excited and compassionate friendly faces. To which they inspired him to be an Amazon, a dragon or a pirate. He was certainly sold on the the last one pirate!!! After the first few days he became more and more excited about not only his part, but memorising his lines, acting and singing with his group. He said that being a part of a group like this and performing in front of up to 500 people gave him “energy to learn more”. Cassa gave our son the opportunity to grow outside of his comfort zone, shine with confidence and most importantly enjoy learning and became inspired to be himself and an actor. Our favourite part of this experience has been watching him get in the car with stories about the day, his gleaming smile about how cool things were today and how he wants to come back every day/every year!!! For a kid who is totally into baseball, showing him the theatrical side of life has been life evolving!!! Thank you for our gift and your support in making this happen !!! Count us in your next!!! (EP)

“I liked the efficiency of the program, watching the fun scenes coming together, and the brilliant people taking part in the play.” (Jack B)

“I liked taking the mentor role, I loved being a leader for the little ones.” (Daniel Dennison)

Cassa Adult Piano

“Feedback from other teachers and expectation to apply feedback the next day led to better practice for me.” (Anon)

“I liked the masterclasses with different teachers and the performance opportunities.” (Anon)

“I liked the intensive experience with heavy focus on piano practice and music. I liked spending time around accomplished pianists and artists to hear them speak about music and piano playing. I also liked doing the ensembles.” (Dorothy)

Reviews from our Volunteers

"It was a great learning experience for me to be part of Cassa board; thank you for the opportunity and all the best to you and the team. I am sure Cassa will continue to be a cornerstone of musical journey for Calgary and beyond in coming years.” (Nafiseh Dadgostar, June 30, 2024, Second Cassa President, 2023/2024)

Older Reviews

Cassa Piano

Please let me offer my sincere gratitude to you for organizing such a fantasic piano camp.  My son, Julian enjoyed it so much.  He was inspired by the instruction he received and the musical experiences he had.  I particularly appreciated the extended curriculum of art, composition, and song-writing.  He particularly enjoyed the time spent making new friends.  I only wish we could have stayed for the entire Friday recital.  It broke my heart that Julian had to leave early without saying goodbye to his new friends.

I can’t say enough about your program.  We will certainly do our best to have Julian participate in Cassa Piano next year.  Thank-you again! -Melissa

My favourite experience at Cassa Piano Camp was my ensemble piece.  First of all, I liked the ensemble piece because it was nice to finally be able to play one.  My piece was called In the Groove by Robert Vandall and I would describe it was fun and jazzy.  Now I am playing a grade 7 piece by the same composer.  The instructors helped us when one of us lost our spot in the music.  They were inspiring and helpful.  I really liked the part where we got to make our posters.  The posters were meant to tell people what the ensemble pieces were.  I had an incredible time at piano camp. -Julian

Jack had a ***fabulous*** time at Cassa Piano!! He is all excited about learning a lot of repertoire with Barbara and learning theory.  He really “found his tribe” this week.  It was so much fun and so engaging. Thank you so much. -Nancy and family

Great teachers, and I liked the talks and the insight that they gave you.  The masterclasses were good, and it was good to learn to trust your partner in the ensemble. -Casper

I liked the way Cassa Piano helped me discover new ways to play my piece, and everything else they did. -Anonymous

Well I did like that I was able to use different points of view and ideas for my piece.  That could be used to improve that piece. -Anonymous

The masterclasses were great – lots of useful feedback.  I learned so much from the lectures.  Amazing teachers/clinicians. -Riley

I liked how the recitals are and that we get to choose what song we want and how kind the teachers are... J -Anonymous

I liked how I got taught so much.  I learned so many more skills since the first day coming here.  The teachers are really nice and supportive with helping me.  I had a lot of fun doing the ensemble piece. -Anonymous

It was interesting to get feedback from lots of different teachers and to hear all their comments.  I also really liked the ensemble pieces that were played! -Lisa

It was so much fun playing all my pieces. -Gustavo

The instructors/clinicians pushed me to improve and helped my music become alive. -Georgeanne

I lived the masterclasses with Mr. Fridman and Dr. Snow (can we have her again?).  I had fun, and I learned a lot in just one week.  I also enjoyed the lectures, specifically Dr Snow’s. -Anonymous

The instructors are what make this program so magnetic and I feel so fortunate to be among them this year!  What a special learning environment-full of laughter and celebration. -Karen

I loved how it wasn’t stressful and it is very nice to be here.  I love all the nice instructors, they made my songs even better. -Elizabeth

So much wonderful, open, inviting, collegial energy and atmosphere.  Instruction is top notch, and time is managed very efficiently. -Eric

Great Staff!!  Great Pianos and Facility!! -Dr. Laura

Doing the Concert -Chanan

I liked the fast intense workshops, and how there was visible improvement within days.  The clinicians and instructors gave feedback that was doable and improved the pieces greatly.  I loved the performance by the trio at the end. -Ivy

I liked how I got to experience different teachers and opinions. -Ian

The input from the experts that clarifies how things should be played – also the lectures. -Anonymous

Well rounded, versatile program.  Positive attitude, well organized, demanding, yet cheerful.  Great clinicians!  Long live Cassa! -Joseph

The growth mindset everyone has, and the students that will help one, if ever asked.  The environment we were in guided us to learn.  The people: all bright and talented.  Cassa Piano has the best of the best. -Jack

One of my favourite parts of camp was being around people like me!  I walked in, sat down, and we all got talking...I asked, ”What’s your favourite subject?” and they all said, “English!” Do you like country music?” “No!” “I hate the gym.” “Us too!”  I was like...My people!  Where have you been!

Another aspect I loved about Cassa were the teachers, also passionate about music.   It was infectious!  I always walked out of those lessons energized, and wanting more!  I just loved it! -Satai

Each day was more insightful than the last, and in addition to the priceless learning experience, we made friendships to cherish. We were also reminded that learning is a lifelong journey.

I like how you get to work together for your ensemble pieces. I think it teaches you really good friendship and working together skills. Also, the different teachers for the masterclasses are really cool - Asha

The chance to work with professionals who truly love music and who are inspiring. Also, the opportunity to meet peers who are also on a musical journey. - Jakob

Cassa Adult Piano

The people, the passion, expert, insightful and inspiring clinicians, grateful to Linda, the team and to Michele

I liked the clinicians, the instructors, the blend of masterclasses and ensemble work, working with others, and the talk. -Anonymous

I loved all the main instructors and the other instructors. -Sandra

Instructors were amazing, knowledgeable, motivating, very positive, and supportive. -Vern

New perspectives on different aspects of practice and performance.  Learned a lot. -Michele

Several sessions of feedback (master classes).  Opportunity to play an ensemble.  Performance practise. -Kristi

I really enjoyed all the clinicians and instructors.  The exposure to all that experience gives me so many ideas to put into my lesson plan for the upcoming year. -Edel

Cassa Musical

Wow, Wednesday evening was so superbly great and enjoyable.  My guests, grandchildren Nicholas 14, and Sophie 16, with her friend supremely enjoyed the evening and were singing some of the tunes in the car on our way home.  We also knew some of the performers.  Loved your choreography, stage sets and the live music!  Students did a fine job of acting and singing, learning their parts in such a short time.  A great show for all, both the actors and audience.  You shared the fun with everyone.  Great job by the ‘boss’, and all directors!!! -Donna

I like the acting and the play. -Quinn

Being with friends - Anonymous

The staff and student actor people - Anonymous

Seeing everybody -Anonymous

A nice location for me with easy access -Anonymous
Great place for this type of camp.  Fun musical! -Anonymous

Cassa provides an opportunity to learn about music, dance and production.  A great place to make friends. -Anonymous

With this opportunity I have been able to support others through a hobby I adore and see others have the same love and spark. The skills I have gained through experience such as leadership, positivity and communication will help me throughout the rest of my life and any career I choose to go into. - Elena

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

I am so grateful to have been a part of Cassa. It has given me the wonderful opportunity to work on my craft and help the next generations of actors and singers grow. The new music that CASSA finds never ceases to amaze me and supporting new composers is so important in this industry. - Maria

Cassa Guitar

My son liked learning all the different ways to read guitar music and playing different pieces with new people. - Regina

The instructor, Brett Gunther, was excellent! Brett was a great guitar teacher! Guitar is great because it can be cool, and it can be beautiful! I appreciated the exposure to different forms of reading guitar music. - Sharon

It was a great experience for my son! The camp offered small and personalized classes. Learned some cool pieces in a fun environment. Brett was a fantastic teacher! - Jaelyn

Cassa Jazz

I attended Cassa’s jazz keyboard camp and pedagogy workshop last year and I had a really great experience in the sessions.  I wasn’t sure what kind of first steps I could take in order to learn more about playing jazz, and the jazz keyboard workshop was exactly what I was looking for.  This year, I was able to expand on the knowledge I learned last year and challenge myself in practicing more of the techniques we learned in class.  I felt there was improvement in my comfort level in exploring different rhythms, style, and complexity of my music selection.  It’s also great to hear other musicians play with their different styles and coming from different backgrounds.  Thanks Cassa! - Gabriela

Loved learning about jazz and listening to different compositions.  Teachers were great.  Thank you. - Sasha

Relevant material, given technical devices to practise and continue developing, mixture of background & views (teachers and students), hands on, feedback from teachers on what I’ve been working on. - Anonymous

All the theory hands on with Derek, Michelle, and access to all the pianos. -Douglas

The information that will help my piano playing was clear and anything I did not get my teacher showed me. -Ben

I liked that we learned so much about chords and scales, and how we learned to improvise.  I also liked the director Derek Stoll.  He was really good.  I would come back, it was fun! -Sarah

I liked being able to work with others and yet I still get one on one instruction.  I liked the in depth study of jazz as well, not just the easier basses.  I got to play lots and try newer styles. -Hannah

Cassa Kids/Playwrights

3 words: Creativity, Expression, FUN - Anonymous

I felt the instructors are very experienced and extremely supportive! - Anonymous

Quality programs that was very engaging for kids.  My kids loved the variety of art, dance & music. - Anonymous

Acting, playwrighting, music, art and everything! -Leighton

I liked being able to make a play and I loved art. -Elsa

The Children loved the activities and the different activities (compared to sports camps) -Kurt

Always a positive experience – organized, less “formula” than other camps.  Passionate instructors with vital skills.  Bravo! -M.

Very entertaining- great storyline! A great chance for the kids to see what playwright camp is for next year.   Enjoyed the music too – including composers worked! -Anonymous

Cassa Composers

I am really grateful for all the advice I received from all the instructors and composers.  It really helped me develop my piece and my composing style. -Aurora