Celebrating Student Success at Cassa Musical Arts!

At Cassa Musical Arts, we welcome students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels to explore and deepen their love for music in all its forms. Our inclusive and inspiring programs aim to nurture creativity, confidence, and excellence.

This year, we are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of many Cassa students at the Alberta Music Festival Association! Congratulations to Ian Quon, Wynn Phung, Joel Cook, Kaslyn Chan, and Ethan Young for their remarkable performances and accomplishments. Their dedication and artistry were truly inspiring!

A special shout-out goes to Joel Cook, who also received the prestigious Ann Southam Senior National Award for 2024. The adjudicators praised Joel for his “immense range of tone, articulation, and dramatic energy,” noting that he brought everything together into an “engaging and enthralling performance.”  Please see Joel's performance below.

We couldn’t be more proud of our students and their passion for music. Here's to continued growth, creativity, and success in the years ahead!

Thank You, Amaris & Madeleine — And Welcome, Rachel!

As the seasons change, so too does the leadership at Cassa Musical Arts. With heartfelt gratitude, we bid farewell to two of our dedicated board members, Amaris Cook and Madeleine Grace Cañete, whose time, talent, and heart have enriched our organization. 

At the same time, we are thrilled to welcome our newest board member, Rachel Baljeu! Rachel brings a dynamic background in collaborative piano and music education. Her energy and experience will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow and evolve. We’re excited for what the future holds with Rachel on board.

As we look ahead, we invite others to join us in building a vibrant and welcoming musical community. Whether you're interested in volunteering, supporting our programs, or sharing your talents in other ways, Cassa Musical Arts thrives because of people like you.

Interested in volunteering or getting involved?
Contact Linda Kundert at info@cassamusicalarts.com. 

Thank you for being part of our journey!

With gratitude,
The Cassa Musical Arts Team

Unleash Your Musical Creativity This Summer with Cassa Creative Music!

Are you an aspiring songwriter, composer, jazz musician, or simply eager to explore the art of improvisation? This summer, Cassa Musical Arts invites you to elevate your musical journey through an inspiring and hands-on program designed just for you.

Cassa Creative Music runs from July 7–11 at Brentview Baptist Church and offers an immersive experience guided by some of Calgary’s most respected musicians: Derek Stoll, Tim Janz, and Lorna MacLachlan. Whether you're interested in writing songs, composing your own music, diving deeper into jazz, or experimenting with improvisation, this program is built to spark creativity and expand your musical toolkit.

But the experience doesn’t stop in the classroom. Participants will have the opportunity to showcase what they've learned at the end of the week! On Friday July 11, the participants will perform with a live band at Brentview Baptist Church.  Then on Saturday, July 12, perform live at the Jazz Jam at Kawa Espresso Bar. 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow as a musician, meet like-minded peers, and perform with a live band!

Read more about Cassa Creative Music and register today!

https://www.cassamusicalarts.com/cassa-creative-music

Make Some Music this summer!"

Make Some Music this Summer! - Early Bird Pricing ends on June 15

View our list of Summer Programs and Register Here!

Why Do Students Choose Cassa?

Cassa Musical

“I loved the people, the experience, literally EVERYTHING!! I loved everything. The people were so nice, and being part of a musical was 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 last one, pirate!!! After the first few days he became more and more excited about not only his part, but memorizing his lines, and acting and singing with his group. He said that being part of a group like this and performing in front on 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 to become inspired in himself and as an actor. Our favourite part of this experience has been watching him get into the car with stories about the day, his gleaming smile about how cool things were, 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!!!” - E.P, C.A.P AND CP

Cassa Piano

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

“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 Young

“I loved the one-on-one time with instructors - to really improveour pieces. I can see the improvements I made.” - Mixia Li-Heinrichs

Cassa Adult Piano

“I liked the intensive experience with heavy focus on piano practise 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 Wong

Cassa Pedagogy Online

“Thank you for the wonderful workshops. I really enjoyed Colleen’s concert and her lecture yesterday. There were many useful tips that I will use! Again, thank you very much for this opportunity.” - Minako Hulkenberg

Volunteer with Cassa Musical Arts and Help Make a Difference!

Cassa’s biggest fundraiser of the year is happening on August 29 and 30 at PURE Casino (1420 Meridian Road NE), and we need your help to make it a success!

🙋 How You Can Help

Whether you're a longtime supporter, new to Cassa Musical Arts, or just looking for a unique way to give back, we welcome volunteers of all experience levels.

To sign up, visit our Volunteer Sign-Up Page here:
🔗 volunteersignup.org/W9YRB

It only takes a moment to register, and your time will make a lasting impact.

📍 Event Details:

• Dates: August 29 & 30, 2025

• Location: PURE Casino, 1420 Meridian Road NE

Thank you for being part of our incredible community!

Why Choose Cassa?

Register for Summer Programs today!

The Heart of Beautiful Music: A Partnership Built on Quality Instruments

The Heart of Beautiful Music: A Partnership Built on Quality Instruments

At Cassa Musical Arts, we believe that beautiful music begins with the finest instruments, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Steinway Piano Gallery. As our highest-level Gala Sponsor, Steinway Piano Gallery Calgary plays an integral role in supporting our music programs by providing access to world-class pianos and digital instruments for our students and teachers alike.

Through this partnership, Steinway Piano Gallery helps bring our summer programs to life, including Cassa Piano for students aged 9-19, Cassa Adult Piano students, and Cassa Pedagogy workshops designed to inspire and educate music teachers. The quality and craftsmanship of Steinway pianos elevate the musical experience for every participant, whether they are beginners or seasoned pianists.

For the past 32 years, Cassa Musical Arts has had the privilege of working with incredible piano dealers in Calgary, but it is the ongoing support from Steinway Piano Gallery that continues to enrich our programs. Their generosity and commitment to excellence ensure that our students and teachers have the tools they need to reach their full potential.

We are deeply appreciative of Steinway Piano Gallery’s partnership and look forward to continuing to create beautiful music together.

Ready to Create Beautiful Music? Register Today!

If you’re inspired to take your musical journey to the next level, we encourage you to join us this summer! Registration for our programs is now open, and we’d love for you to be part of the Cassa Musical Arts community. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn, grow, and perform with the finest instruments available.

Visit https://www.cassamusicalarts.com/ to sign up and secure your spot in one of our exciting programs today!

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!