Events | School Breaks | Holidays

Winter Break
Dec
23
to Jan 3

Winter Break

Cascade School of Music closed for a two-week Holiday Break: Monday, December 19 - Friday, December 30. School resumes Tuesday, January 3, 2023.

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February Master Class (Drums)
Feb
2

February Master Class (Drums)

Register HERE for each FREE Master Class / Space is limited to 12 students per class / Students must be enrolled in private lessons at CSM.

DRUM DEPARTMENT / 1:00pm - 2:30pm / Studio 14

Music Styles - Explore Different Genres within a Percussion Ensemble

Dive into the diverse world of percussion with this master class that explores multiple music styles, from jazz and rock to Afro-Cuban and classical. Each segment will provide insights into the unique rhythms, techniques, and cultural contexts of different genres. Students will have the opportunity to play along with examples empowering them to become more versatile musicians. Get ready to expand your repertoire and discover new inspirations for your drumming journey!



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February Master Classes (Piano, Strings, Guitar)
Feb
9

February Master Classes (Piano, Strings, Guitar)

Register HERE for any of the below Master Classes / Space limited to 12 students per class /Students must be enrolled in private lessons at CSM.

PIANO DEPARTMENT / 3:00pm - 4:30pm / Studio 18

Looking Beyond the Notes

This master class will take you on a journey of understanding of your music on a much deeper level. Music is much more than just reading what notes are written on the page and in this class you will learn what to look for and how to apply that to your practice. Like usual, students will also have an opportunity to put all of this into practice by sharing a piece that they have been working on during the master class. Again, students are never required to perform, but strongly encouraged to do so!

STRINGS DEPARTMENT / 1:00pm - 2:30pm / Studio 18

Decoding Rhythm Patterns - Improving Playing Through Quicker Rhythm Understanding     

This Master Class is designed to help students improve their rhythm "reading".  Strings students will learn how to identify new rhythmic combinations, and how to break them down into smaller components.  Various techniques will be introduced to help students read and play challenging rhythms more confidently.

GUITAR DEPARTMENT / 1:00pm - 2:30pm / Studio 14

“Songwriting 101” – Crafting Your First Song

This master class is designed to empower beginner guitarists to start writing their own songs. Students will learn how to use chords, simple melodies, and basic song structures to create a piece of music that expresses their ideas and feelings. The session encourages experimentation, provides foundational songwriting tools, and gives students a chance to share their musical ideas.

All masterclasses are also a great opportunity for students to get some experience performing in a low-pressure situation — all students get a chance to show the class what they've been working on in their private lessons.

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March Recital
Mar
9

March Recital

A fun filled afternoon of student/teacher performances!

Please note our new location: First Presbyterian Church of Bend.

Three recitals: 1:30pm - 2:30pm / 2:45pm - 3:45pm / 4:00pm - 5:00pm. Please connect with your teacher on which recital you’re assigned.

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April Master Classes (Piano, Strings, Guitar)
Apr
6

April Master Classes (Piano, Strings, Guitar)

Register HERE for any of the below Master Classes / Space limited to 12 students per class / Students must be enrolled in private lessons at CSM.

PIANO DEPARTMENT / 3:00pm - 4:30pm / Studio 18

Playing by Ear, and Being a Good Listener

The main focus of this master class will be learning to play by ear. However, to be able to play by ear, you must also be a good listener. In this class you will be learning what to listen for and how to use your knowledge at the piano. You will also have an opportunity to perform

STRINGS DEPARTMENT / 1:00pm - 2:30pm / Studio 18

 Music is Better Together - Playing "Chamber-Style" music in Small Groups

This Master Class will be "rehearsal-based", grouping students together for small group playing.  Students will learn how to identify the lead player (which can change throughout a piece!), and how to put a piece of music together with other students.  Students will begin to lead themselves in playing chamber music pieces, collaborating with others for a musical experience they can take anywhere there are other musicians!

GUITAR DEPARTMENT / 1:00pm - 2:30pm / Studio 14

Improvisation for Beginners – Finding Your Voice Through Spontaneous Play

This master class will focus on demystifying improvisation for beginner guitarists, breaking it down into simple concepts that make it accessible and fun. The session will include exercises on musical exploration, building phrases, and developing listening skills, with the goal of helping students become comfortable with creating spontaneous melodies and expressing themselves on their instrument.

All masterclasses are also a great opportunity for students to get some experience performing in a low-pressure situation — all students get a chance to show the class what they've been working on in their private lessons.

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May Master Class (Drums)
May
18

May Master Class (Drums)

Register HERE for each FREE Master Class / Space is limited to 12 students per class / Students must be enrolled in private lessons at CSM.

DRUM DEPARTMENT / 1:00pm - 2:30pm / Studio 14

How to Tune Drums - Achieve the sound you want

Tuning your drums is essential for achieving the best sound, but it can be a daunting task! In this hands-on master class, you’ll learn the techniques and secrets behind tuning a drum set like a pro. Our experienced instructor will guide you through the tuning process, covering everything from understanding drum shell vibrations to adjusting tension rods. By the end of this class, you’ll have the confidence to achieve a perfect sound that suits your playing style, whether it’s for practice or performance.



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June Recital
Jun
1

June Recital

A fun filled afternoon of student/teacher performances!

Please note our new location: First Presbyterian Church of Bend.

Three recitals: 1:30pm - 2:30pm / 2:45pm - 3:45pm / 4:00pm - 5:00pm. Please connect with your teacher on which recital you’re assigned.

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November Recital
Nov
17

November Recital

A fun filled afternoon of student/teacher performances!

Please note our new location: First Presbyterian Church of Bend.

Three recitals: 1:30pm - 2:45pm / 3:15pm - 4:30pm. Please connect with your teacher on which recital you’re assigned.

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November Master Class (Guitar)
Nov
16

November Master Class (Guitar)

Register HERE for each FREE Master Class / Space is limited to 12 students per class / Students must be enrolled in private lessons at CSM.

GUITAR DEPARTMENT / 1:00pm - 2:30pm / Studio 14

The Art of the Jam - A Fun and Engaging Intro to Jamming for Beginners

This master class is all about getting students comfortable with the fundamentals of jamming in a supportive and non-judgmental setting. Students will learn the basic structures commonly found in jam sessions, how to play with others, and how to explore their own creativity in a low-pressure environment. By the end of the session, they’ll be able to participate in a simple, fun jam with their peers.

All masterclasses are also a great opportunity for students to get some experience performing in a low-pressure situation — all students get a chance to show the class what they've been working on in their private lessons.


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November Master Classes (Piano, Strings)
Nov
10

November Master Classes (Piano, Strings)

Register HERE for each FREE Master Class / Space is limited to 12 students per class / Students must be enrolled in private lessons at CSM.

PIANO DEPARTMENT / 3:00pm - 4:30pm / Studio 18

How to Make Your Playing “Musical”

Learn some tips and tricks for making your playing “musical.” This will include practice habits to really step up your practice time and performance preparation. Students will also have an opportunity to put all of this into practice by sharing a piece that they have been working on during the master class. Students are not required to perform, but strongly encouraged to do so!

STRINGS DEPARTMENT / 1:00pm - 2:30pm / Studio 18

Better Playing Through Sight Reading - Improving Technique and Increasing Fun Through Better Sight Reading

This Master Class is about removing stress from sight reading!  Students will learn how to look at a new piece of music, begin to decipher it, and quickly begin to play it. Players will learn ideas and techniques to jump into a piece of music solo, or with others.  By the end of the session, students will be able to confidently sight read music and enjoy playing new music.

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October Master Class (Drums)
Oct
20

October Master Class (Drums)

Register HERE for each FREE Master Class / Space is limited to 12 students per class / Students must be enrolled in private lessons at CSM.

DRUM DEPARTMENT / 1:00pm - 2:30pm / Studio 14

Playing with Others - How to Be an Amazing Bandmate!

Join us for an engaging master class that focuses on the art of being an exceptional bandmate. This session will cover essential skills such as listening, timing, and adaptability, which are crucial for cohesive performance. Participants will engage in interactive exercises as a group to develop their ability to support fellow musicians while expressing their own creativity. Whether you’re jamming with friends or preparing for a performance, this class will elevate your teamwork skills to the next level!

Performance opportunity



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Experience the Gift of Music Fundraiser
Oct
13

Experience the Gift of Music Fundraiser

CSM's fun-filled annual event in support of our nonprofit music school's mission of making music education accessible!

Thanks to our generous supporters last year, CSM was able to provide over 100 music scholarships to students in need. Please help us achieve our goal again this year!

Sunday, October 13 (5:00pm - 8:00pm)
Tetherow Club Pavilion

To purchase event tickets or donate if you can't attend, please click HERE.

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Cascade School of Music & High Desert Chamber Music  proudly announce Master Class opportunity for violinists and pianists with the Kaplan Duo!
Dec
16

Cascade School of Music & High Desert Chamber Music proudly announce Master Class opportunity for violinists and pianists with the Kaplan Duo!

Cascade School of Music & High Desert Chamber Music, in partnership with American String Teachers Association of Oregon, proudly present two Master Classes with the Kaplan Duo.

Violinist Mark Kaplan and his son, pianist David Kaplan, have concertized and performed in numerous chamber music series throughout the country.

Among the world’s leading violinists, Mark Kaplan has maintained a flourishing career as a soloist and chamber musician for almost five decades. He has recorded a wide range of repertoire and has been a sought-after professor at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music since 2005. His son, David Kaplan, is an accomplished soloist and recitalist, and currently serves as an assistant professor and chair of Piano Performance at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Saturday, December 16th
First Presbyterian Church
Violin Master Class: 10:00 AM - 11:30AM
Piano Master Class: 12:00PM - 2:00PM


Intermediate and advanced violin and piano students who wish to perform in either class are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be a student currently enrolled in a school located in Oregon. The application deadline is Friday, November 17th. 

Selected participants will be notified via email on Friday, December 1st.

Violin Master Class Application Link HERE
Piano Master Class Application Link HERE

General public are invited to attend the master class performances for free!

Additionally, all students who submit an application will receive complimentary admission to High Desert Chamber Music's  Kaplan Duo’s performance on Friday, December 15, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon.

Click here for a full list of upcoming High Desert Chamber Music events.

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MARVELous Musical Halloween Adventure
Oct
28

MARVELous Musical Halloween Adventure

Join us for a spooktacular event filled with musical games, prizes, and fun!

Dress up as your favorite Marvel character (or any character of your choice) and join us for lots of games & prizes including "Find Groot " and Best Costume.

Ages 5-12 welcome (parents too!)

Space is limited to 40 students, so participants will be selected by a random lottery.

Registration for the lottery ends on Wednesday, October 25th, and selected participants will be notified on Thursday, October 26th.

Click HERE to submit 1-2 student names for the lottery.

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