Cassa Creative Music (Age 10 - Adult)

In Person: July 6-10, 2026 9:00am - 3:30pm Early Bird $349, after June 15 $399 Brentview Baptist Church‍ Cassa Cabaret — Live Band Performance & Reception July 10, 2026 7:00 PM

Have you ever wanted to compose your own music? Do you have ideas for songs, melodies, rhythms or chord progressions that you would like to be able to develop into a complete piece? Are you a player or singer who would like to explore your own musical creativity, but do not know where to start?

Explore songwriting, composition and improvisation while learning how musical ideas grow into complete pieces. Guided by experienced composers and musicians, students develop their creativity and showcase their original work in a showcase.

The Cassa Cabaret performance with a live band will take place on July 10, 2026 7:00pm at Brentview Baptist Church.

This program is for students, aged 10 to adult. Some musical experience is helpful, but it is not necessary. All instrumentalists and voice students are welcome to attend.

Experts: Lorna MacLachlan,‍ Lyudmyla Heath

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

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

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