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.

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.

Online Piano Masterclass with Joseph Fridman Online Piano Masterclass with Joseph Fridman Online Piano Masterclass with Joseph Fridman
Online Piano Masterclass with Joseph Fridman
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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.

Introducing our 2026 Piano Guest Artist - Gregg Pauley

We are thrilled to welcome Gregg Pauley as the piano guest artist for this year’s Piano Summer Programs. With a distinguished career as a performer, teacher, and mentor, Mr. Pauley brings a wealth of artistry and experience that will inspire pianists of all levels.

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. In addition to his work with Ms. Vered, Mr. Pauley had the good fortune and pleasure of working with many other great artists including Andre Watts and Jean-Yves Thibodet. In addition to participating in festivals in Aspen (1986-87) and Rutgers Summerfest (1990-1994), Mr. Pauley served as Director of Programs for Music Fest Perugia (2008-2012).

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. In addition, Mr. Pauley has performed in venues from Maine to Florida to California, as far north as Calgary, Canada. During his tenure as Director of Programs at Musicfest Perugia, Mr. Pauley was a featured soloist in concerts at  the Sala dei Notari and the Basilica di San Pietro. He has also made concerto appearances with the Portland Symphony (Maine), the Granite State Symphony and NH Philharmonic, as well as many other orchestras throughout the eastern seaboard. Mr. Pauley has been heard on WNYC and WQXR (NYC), WEVO (NH), WKPM (ME) and on CBC radio and television in Calgary. 

Mr. Pauley maintains two private studios in Swampscott, MA and Newmarket, NH. His students have been prize winners in local, state and national competitions and have performed at both Zankel Hall and Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall, NYC, Merkin Hall, NYC and at Boston’s historic Symphony Hall. He is on the faculty at Vivace! International Music Festival, (vivacefoundation.org) and is a former faculty member of Tufts University, St. Paul’s School and the Concord Community Music School. Mr. Pauley is in demand as a masterclass teacher and competition adjudicator.

We are honored to have Gregg Pauley join us this summer. Cassa summer piano participants can look forward to insightful masterclasses, individualized musical guidance, and the opportunity to learn from an artist whose passion for piano performance and pedagogy is both deep and inspiring.

Learn more about Cassa Piano Immersive, Cassa Adult Piano, Online Cassa Piano Immersive and Cassa Piano Pedagogy and register today!

Cassa Musical Arts Supports Young Writers and Composers Through New Program: Cassa Creates

Cassa Musical Arts (Cassa) has a long history of supporting local composers and playwrights. Each year, the Cassa Musical summer program showcases original musicals created by artists from our community and offers young performers the chance to bring new works to life on stage.

With generous support from Calgary Arts Development and the Rozsa Foundation, we are excited to expand our commitment to emerging creators through a brand-new initiative called Cassa Creates.

Led by Meredith Taylor-Parry and Michelle Delisle, Cassa Creates is designed to nurture budding young composers, musicians, and playwrights as they develop their own musical theatre works. Through mentorship, hands-on workshops, and guidance from guest experts, participants will learn how to transform creative ideas into fully realized musical productions.

This program continues Cassa’s mission to empower the next generation of artistic voices—helping young creators grow their skills, collaborate with peers, and see their original stories come to life.

For more information on Cassa Creates, please visit: https://www.cassamusicalarts.com/cassa-musical-arts-programs/cassa-creates-musical-theatre-productions


Registration for this program is ongoing. For inquiries, contact Michelle Delisle at 403-669-8153.

Mark Your Calendars: Cassa Musical’s “Whispers at Golden Groves” Performance is this Thursday!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, drama, and heartwarming storytelling! The Cassa Musical production of Whispers at Golden Groves takes the stage this Thursday at 7:00 PM, and you won’t want to miss it.

Bring your family, friends, and fellow arts lovers to witness the incredible talent of our performers in this original production!

Online Cassa Piano and Online Cassa Pedagogy Start July 21 - Register Now!

What a Week! Today marked the end of Cassa Youth Piano, Cassa Adult Piano, and Cassa In-Person Piano Pedagogy — and what a fantastic week it was! Our programs were filled with music, creativity, and joy as students of all ages dove into immersive learning, performances, and musical camaraderie.

If you weren’t able to join us this time — don’t worry! There’s still time to be part of the music-making. Online Cassa Piano and Online Cassa Piano Pedagogy begin this Monday, and spaces are still available. These virtual programs offer the same high-quality instruction, and supportive community — all from the comfort of your own home.

Learn more and register now:

And be sure to check out our social media for behind-the-scenes highlights, student performances, and memorable moments from this week’s in-person programs!

Let’s keep the music going — we can’t wait to see you online!

Join Us for the Cassa Concert – Sunday, July 13!

Mark your calendars for a truly inspiring evening! The Cassa Concert is happening Sunday, July 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM), at Brentview Baptist Church (3512 Charleswood Drive NW, Calgary)

What to Expect:

  • An all-ages, three-hour showcase featuring performances by Dr. Dale Wheeler, Sharon Braun and Angela Siemen.

  • A post-concert mingle, where guests can chat with performers and learn more about Cassa’s array of musical programs.

  • Free parking at the venue.

Why Attend?

  • Support Cassa Musical Arts – 100% of ticket proceeds go back into Cassa’s charitable programs (Charity No. 88490 6249 RR0001), helping to enrich music education across Calgary.

  • Experience heartfelt performances in a welcoming, community-minded setting.

Tickets

  • General Admission: $25

  • Student/Senior: $20

  • Family (4–6 members): $60

Don’t Miss Out!

Get your tickets now—this magical evening is just around the corner! Whether you're a music lover or looking to support arts education, the Cassa Concert offers something for everyone.

Cassa Creative Music & Cassa Guitar for Beginners Start Next Week – Don’t Miss Out!

Cassa Creative Music and Cassa Guitar for Beginners are kicking off next week – and there’s still time to join the fun! Led by passionate instructors, our sessions focus on building foundational skills, confidence, and a love for making music.

Cassa Creative Music offers participants the opportunity to develop their musical creativity through composition, song writing and improvisation.

Cassa Beginner Guitar offers hands-on learning for beginners age 10+ to start their guitar journey in a fun, encouraging group setting.

Spots are limited, but a few are still available – so don’t wait! Register here today! Secure your place today and make music this summer!

Missed the Cassa Musical Auditions? There's Still Time to Join!

Auditions for this year’s Cassa Musical took place last week — and what an incredible experience it was! We saw amazing talent, big energy, and lots of excitement for what’s shaping up to be an unforgettable production.

But if you weren’t able to make it, don’t worry — it’s not too late to get involved! Whether you’re interested in performing, helping behind the scenes, or just want to be part of something fun and creative, there’s still a place for you.

Our Cassa Musical team is actively welcoming new registrants and will work with you to find the perfect role — no experience necessary, just a passion to participate!

Sign up here today and let’s make some music this summer!

View some auditions highlights below on our Instagram:


Cassa Creative Music Instructor Performing at Jazz on Lincoln Park

Cassa Creative Music Instructor, Derek Stoll, is the feature performer at Jazz on Lincoln Park on Friday June 27.

Cassa Creative Music is a summer program for students, aged 10 to adult, running from July 7-11, 2025. Cassa Creative Music instructors are experienced composers, song-writers, jazz musicians, and improvisors. You may choose to specialize in one aspect offered in the course, but all participants will have the opportunity to explore their own creativity in each of these domains. There will be a final concert to showcase everyone’s creations from the week. Read more about Cassa Creative Music here.

Purchase tickets to Jazz on Lincoln Park here.

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!"