Concordia-Chicago’s Community Piano Program celebrates 25 years with ongoing series of concerts
9/1/2011
Sept. 1, 2011— Believing that there is music in every child, Concordia University Chicago opened the doors of its Preparatory and Community Piano Program in the fall of 1986. This year the program celebrates its 25 years with several “Silver Jubilee” events.
“It has been a joy to provide musical education and performance to the surrounding communities over these many years,” said Craig Sale, director of the program since its inception. “As we celebrate this landmark we wanted to focus on music and on our students with some very special events that are open to the public.”
Students from the program will be performing a concert on Dec. 10, which will feature works written by Chicago area composers of piano music for children. On April 21, 2012, students will be performing a program of piano ensemble music.
The faculty of the Preparatory and Community Piano Program are not only specially trained in teaching children and adults, they also continue their own professional performances. As part of the Silver Jubilee, Concordia-Chicago faculty member Billie Howard will present a program of music for piano, violin and cello on Nov. 19. This program will present works written since 1900 and will feature the world premiere of two works commissioned by the ensemble. On Jan. 29, 2012, faculty member Emily Jane Morlan will be joined by Phillip Serna for a concert of music for harpsichord and viola da gamba.
The program’s philosophy is that through music all children can become more confident, more creative and happier human beings. Students of all levels receive weekly private lessons with a monthly group lesson. The curriculum used is one that focuses on comprehensive musicianship.
“I am a professional musician, and I wish I had learned to play piano the way my children are learning. They are not simply learning to read notes, they are learning technique and theory and most importantly the joy of music,” said Becca Kaufman Schonman of River Forest. “And my three children couldn't have more distinct personalities-and each one is thriving and learning and enjoying.”
Her son, Gabriel adds, “I love that I get to improvise, change keys and I feel like I am playing more than notes. I like that Mr. Sale plays with me and that we have group lessons with other kids. I love piano even though Mr. Sale is a pretty tough teacher.”
In addition to lessons for children, the program offers traditional piano study for adults as well as recreational music-making classes. “These classes are such a joy to teach,” said Sale. “Theses classes for older adults focus on making music without stress or any prior experience needed.”
The program serves as a laboratory for degree students and independent teachers pursuing the Certificate in Piano Pedagogy, a course of study in the art of piano teaching.
Julie Mastrangeli of Elmwood Park said, “My daughter’s love for music as a young child has been nurtured by Concordia's piano program. I am so grateful for Mr. Sale and the Concordia piano program. Their commitment to quality piano education is superior.”
For more information on the offerings of the Preparatory and Community Piano Program or about the Silver Jubilee events, contact Craig Sale at 708-209-3141 or at craig.sale@cuchicago.edu
About Concordia University Chicago
Concordia University Chicago is a liberal arts-based Christian university in the Lutheran tradition. Through its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Business, College of Education, and College of Graduate and Innovative Programs, Concordia offers more than 100 areas of study in small classes taught by professors who are passionate about teaching and student success.
With more than 5,000 full-time undergraduate and graduate students, Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. Learn more at www.cuchicago.edu.
Media Contact:
Sarah Hickman
Sarah.hickman@cuchicago.edu
708-209-3235