Thank You Gregg Pauley and A Look Ahead to Summer at Cassa

Thank you to Gregg Pauley for leading this past weekend’s inspiring masterclass! We are thankful to Mr. Pauley for generously sharing his time, insight, and expertise with the Cassa Musical Arts community. Opportunities like this enrich our students’ musical journeys and strengthen the spirit of learning and collaboration that defines Cassa.

We are also excited to welcome Mr. Pauley as this summer’s special guest artist. He will be featured in this year’s Cassa Concert and will lead all of our piano programs, including our online programs (Cassa Pedagogy, Cassa Online Piano) and in-person programs (Cassa Pedagogy, Cassa Piano Immersive and Adult Piano) at Brentview Baptist Church.

This summer’s distinguished piano faculty will also include Joseph Fridman, Dr. Laura Bell, Linda Kundert, Darcy van Helden, Dr. Karen Gerelus, Marianne van der Sloot and Carlo Santos. 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!

Cassa Concert
from $20.00

In-person: July 12, 2026 7:00pm (Brentview Baptist Church)
Adults $25, student/senior $20, family (4-6 members) $60 - Tickets available online or at the door.

Pianist Gregg Pauley presents an unforgettable night of music, featuring Ravel’s Valses nobles et sentimentales and the hauntingly beautiful Pavane pour une infante défunte, alongside Schubert’s monumental Piano Sonata in B-flat Major, D. 960. This evocative program showcases some of the most expressive works in the piano repertoire. Join us for an evening of artistry, nuance, and captivating musical storytelling.  

This concert is generously supported by Cassa Musical Arts Sponsors, with all proceeds of ticket sales dedicated to support the musical arts programs at Cassa (Charity No.88490 6249 RR0001). That means 100% of your ticket purchases go to enrich our programs for our students. Patrons are encouraged to attend the concert at 7:00pm and the post-concert mingle, where they can meet our instructors, students, mentors-in-training, and mentors, and learn more about our programs. 

Come experience outstanding music led by our 2026 Guest Artist, and support our Cassa musical arts programming!

Piano Pedagogy
from $49.00

In-Person: July 13, 2026, 9am-4pm - lunch is included. Brentview Baptist Church
Fee for Teachers: Early Bird $99, after June 15 $119. Fee for Students: Early Bird $49, after June 15 $89.

Online: July 20-21, 2026, 9am-12pm
$89 both sessions, $49 per individual session

Cassa Piano Pedagogy

Cassa Pedagogy offers thoughtful exploration of artistry, interpretation, and student development at the piano. This year's guest artist, Gregg Pauley, will present the following topics:

Session I: All About Franz Schubert This session examines Schubert’s life, his piano works and stylistic voice, with a special focus on the depth and structure of his final sonata.

Session II: The Use of Narrative in Creating a Cohesive Structure Mr. Pauley will explore how narrative, or storytelling, can shape structure in performance repertoire. Participants will explore connections within the music that reflect real or imagined experiences we can relate to personally, and they will learn how to apply these experiences in a linear way to create a cohesive and logical narrative that aligns with the musical content of any piece. Examples participants will work through include Chopin’s Second Piano Sonata and Schumann’s Arabeske.

Session III: Sound and Listening This talk centers on musical sound through active listening, encouraging participants to refine their own tonal awareness. Mr. Pauley will discuss and demonstrate how to develop a “speaking” sound and how to create “colour" at the piano.

Session IV: Enrolling Students in High Achievement at the Piano In this session, Mr. Pauley will address strategies for motivating students toward high achievement, which includes effective goal-setting and the development of good practice habits. He will also talk about preparing students both mentally and physically for competitions.

Guest Artist: Gregg Pauley

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.

Supervisors: Georgeanne van Helden, Jakob Springett

Special Guest Instructors: Jennifer Aumentado (Piano Improvisation Instructor), Lorna MacLachlan (Choir Director), Leanne Simpson-Cole(Movement Instructor)

Cassa Piano Mentors: Abram Schwonik, Kaslyn Chan, Joel Cook, Lucy Zabawski, Nate Lopaschuk

Online Piano Immersive
$349.00

Cassa Online Piano Immersive (Ages 9-Adult)

Online: July 20-23, 2026

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

Online Cassa Piano is an exciting four-day experience for pianists level 3 RCM/CC and up, to explore the many facets of piano playing in a supportive atmosphere that promotes a positive attitude towards practising and performing. Students receive some online masterclasses and talks from our Cassa Guest Artist and Expert throughout the week.

Students from age 9 to adults are welcome to join this exciting online piano program. The Guest Artist talks and online masterclasses will culminate with a recital performance on July 23. Dependent on enrollment, students may be split into different age groups for their performances.

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: TBA depending on enrollment, along with Linda Kundert

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, Jakob Springett