Posts by info@thecaliforniaconservatory.com

Django Reinhardt stands as a monumental figure in the world of jazz music, renowned for his influence on jazz guitar. Born in Belgium and raised in a Manouche Romani family, his music represents his rich cultural background. Despite facing tremendous personal challenges, including a severe injury to his hand, Django’s innovative techniques and compositions have…

Unsuk Chin is a name that resonates with innovation and avant-garde composition in contemporary classical music. Born and educated in Seoul before moving to Europe to refine her craft, Chin has consistently pushed the boundaries of musical expression. Her works are celebrated worldwide for their technical complexity and vibrant imagination, making her one of the…

As December rolls in, you can hear the melodies of Vince Guaraldi’s jazz compositions all around. You may especially recognize the famous melodies from “A Charlie Brown Christmas”! Vince Guaraldi is a jazz pianist and composer whose tunes have become synonymous with holiday cheer and childhood nostalgia. His unique jazz contributions have left an indelible…

For December’s Student of the Month, we are honoring CCM guitar student, Anay Sourya Pillutla! Anay has been taking guitar lessons for almost 6 years now and is currently studying with teacher Mario at our Sunnyvale location. Anay happily takes on any challenges in his lessons with a smile on his face. Teacher Mario says, “He is…

Stepping onto the stage for the first time can be a defining moment for any music student. This blog offers essential tips to prepare for your first student performance, ensuring you deliver a memorable and confident presentation. The Importance of Preparation The key to a successful student performance lies in thorough preparation. Begin to discuss…

Joan Tower is a beacon of innovation in American music!  For, CCM’s December Composer of the Month, we are deepdiving into Tower’s musical career and impact. Her compositions resonate with the boldness and intricacy that define contemporary classical music. Through her works, she has carved a niche that celebrates both complexity and accessibility in modern…

For November, we are excited to feature CCM piano student, Divye K Sood, as our Student of the Month! Divye has been taking piano lessons for 4.5 years now and has studied with teacher Jane at our Sunnyvale location for over 2 years. Teacher Jane says, “He’s consistently been diligent with his practice and his hard…

This November, we are proud to spotlight María Dueñas as our Musician of the Month at the California Conservatory of Music (CCM). María is a violin virtuoso that captivates audiences with her musicality and profound emotional depth. Her performances seamlessly blend technical precision with passionate expression, setting her apart in the world of classical music.…

In today’s fast-paced educational environment, balancing school with extracurricular activities can be a challenge for many students and their families. Music lessons, a popular choice among extracurricular activities, offer profound benefits while requiring time and dedication. This blog explores effective strategies to balance school responsibilities with music lessons, ensuring students can thrive in both arenas!…

For September and October, we’ve chosen to spotlight CCM voice and guitar students, Sharvari and Arjun, as our Students of the Month! Arjun has been taking guitar lessons at CCM for 8 years now and currently studies with teacher Tim at our Sunnyvale location. Arjun’s sister, Sharvari, has been taking guitar lessons for 5 years,…