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St. Cecilia Music Conservatory

About the St. Cecilia Music Conservatory

The St. Cecilia Academy Music Conservatory continues a long tradition of excellence in music under the patronage of Saint Cecilia herself, the patroness of music. Since 1904, the St. Cecilia Music Conservatory has striven to cultivate a love for music through private and group music lessons, and we continue to this day. Our Music Conservatory studios, located by SCA's Legacy Hall, are open to Preschool-4, kindergarten, elementary, junior high, and high school students from across the Dominican campus and surrounding areas.

We offer private lessons in piano, voice, violin, guitar, upright bass, and ukulele as well as a Suzuki program for aspiring string players and even a Harp School. This year, we are excited to offer several after-school classes for students in grades 7-12, including Songwriting, Music Theory/Composition, and Fiddle.  

Our commitment to all students and families is to provide a joyful experience in the learning process, excellent training in various genres of music by highly competent musicians and instructors who have studied and performed with their own instruments for decades, and to foster a desire to glorify God through the gift of music.  

The practice of music adds joy to life. Many formal studies have shown that the study of music engages the whole brain and body while building individual confidence, personal discipline, and patience. At SCA, we believe that we were born to make music! 

"Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things… Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp, and the sound of singing, with trumpets and the blast of the ram’s horn.” Psalm 98: 1-7 (excerpts)

 REGISTER FOR THE MUSIC CONSERVATORY

 

Areas of Study

Piano

Piano Instructors:
Justin Alcorn
Marcina Hayden
John Pennell

Private Lessons - For 15 Weeks

30 min private: $675
45 min private: $1,012.50
60 min private: $1,350
Family Discount (3 or more children): 20% off rate

Suzuki Violin and Violin

Suzuki Private Violin and Group Class Instructors:

Deidre Bacco, private teacher & Bks 1-2 Group Class instructor
Toni Ferguson, private teacher & Pre-Twinkle-Early Bk 1 Group Class instructor

 Private and Group Lessons - For 15 Weeks

Suzuki Violin Instruction - (Levels determined by instructor)

Suzuki Beginner: 30 min private & 45 min group: $787.50
Suzuki Intermediate: 45 min private & 45 min group: $1,181.25
Suzuki Advanced: 60 min private & 60 min group: $1,575


Each 15 week semester concludes with a Solo Recital, a Group Recital, and local community performances, including playing for Overbrook Catholic School programs & musicals.
 

Private Lessons - For 15 Weeks

30 min private: $675
45 min private: $1,012.50
60 min private: $1,350
Family Discount (3 or more children): 20% off rate

Private violin instruction, without group, is available by prior permission of instructors only at the rates listed above.

Guitar, Upright Bass, or Ukulele

Guitar, Upright Bass, and Ukulele Instructor: John Pennell
Private Lessons - For 15 Weeks

30 min private: $675
45 min private: $1,012.50
60 min private: $1,350
Family Discount (3 or more children): 20% off rate

Voice

Voice Instructors:
Megan Calgaro (Mondays/Wednesdays)
Brianna Braun (Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays)

Private Lessons - For 15 Weeks

30 min private: $675
45 min private: $1,012.50
60 min private: $1,350
Family Discount (3 or more children): 20% off rate

Carol McClure The Harp School

Group and Private Lessons Instructor: Carol McClure

Click HERE to learn more about this program.
Click HERE for more information on each class.

Ages 3-4 – The Angel’s Harp™ Mommy & Me Class: $325
Kindergarten-Grade 1 - The Angel’s Harp™ Beginner Group Harp: $500
Grade 2-Grade 5 - Elementary School Private Harp I: $1050
Grade 2-Grade 5 - Elementary School Private Harp II: $1275
Grade 5-Grade 12 - Beginning Concert Harp: $1400
Grade 6-Grade 12 - Intermediate Concert Harp: $1500           
Grade 6-Grade 12 - Advanced Concert Harp: $1600
Ages 11-111 - St. Cecilia Harp Ensemble: $75

Music Theory Composition

Music Theory/Composition Class: Justin Alcorn

  • 45 min group: $506.25
  • Grades 7-12
  • Classes for 15 weeks

This class is for students looking to develop a deeper knowledge of their instrument and music as a whole. In class, we will cover a new topic every week to expand their musical knowledge and develop their ear. Students can use this to understand the music they already play, while also writing music of their own. At the end of the semester, they will perform a piece of music they have composed themselves.

Fiddle

Fiddle Class: Toni Ferguson

  • 45 min group: $506.25
  • Grades 7-12
  • Classes for 15 weeks

Get ready to turn up the energy and make some noise—our new fiddling class for grades 7–12 is where tradition meets total fun. Whether you’re brand new to the instrument or already sawing out a few tunes, you’ll learn how to play lively reels, foot-tapping jigs, and even put your own spin on modern songs. This is about feeling it, jamming with friends, and building confidence every time your bow hits the strings. Grab a fiddle, bring your curiosity, and get ready to play some breakdowns! 

Songwriting

Songwriting Class Instructor: Alivia Leigh

  • 45 min group: $506.25
  • Grades 7-12
  • Classes for 15 weeks

Students in songwriting class will have the opportunity to explore different writing styles, discover their unique sound, and express themselves creatively in a supportive and encouraging environment. Classes will include lyric writing, melody creation, storytelling, song structure, vocal expression, and collaborative writing exercises designed to help students grow both creatively and technically as songwriters and artists.

With an emphasis on both group collaboration and individual artistic development, students will participate in creative prompts, peer feedback, co-writing opportunities, and guided exercises that build confidence in sharing original ideas. Students will also have the opportunity to record demos of their songs and share their music with others in a positive and constructive setting.

Whether a student is brand new to songwriting or already writing original music, the class is designed to help each student develop their creativity, confidence, and authentic artistic voice. Private lessons are also available for students who prefer a more personalized one-on-one coaching experience.
 

Private Lessons
30 min private: $675
45 min private: $1,012.50
60 min private: $1,350
Family Discount (3 or more children): 20% off rate

 

pRIVATE AND gROUP lESSONS

The St. Cecilia Music Conservatory is pleased to present group and private lessons across several musical genres.

Lessons are not refundable. All students must inform their coaches and club directors of their commitments immediately. For a very limited range of issues, we will try to accommodate families (such as incremental athletic tournaments that could not be forecast in advance or serious personal illness with a doctor's note.)

If school is canceled, we will work with students to reschedule lessons.

Instructors

Justin Alcorn

Born and raised in Ohio, Mr. Justin has called Nashville home for the past seven years. With a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Lipscomb University, Mr. Justin brings a strong foundation in classical music to his teaching. Currently in his third year of teaching at St. Cecilia's, he has consistently demonstrated his ability to foster the growth of young musicians. Prior to his current position, he gained valuable teaching experience while pursuing his degree, working with a variety of students from beginners to intermediate levels. Additionally, his previous role as accompanist for the Willow Oak Center for Arts and Learning's Adult and Children's choirs has further honed his musical skills and understanding of various genres. While Mr. Justin specializes in classical piano, he has a versatile repertoire that includes musical theater, pop, and jazz. His approach to teaching is collaborative and supportive, believing that learning is a journey best traveled together.

Justin Alcorn

Justin Alcorn

Deidre Fominaya Bacco

Deidre Fominaya Bacco

Deidre Fominaya Bacco, a professional violinist and Suzuki violin instructor, Deidre teaches violin to SCA/OCS students, pre-k thru 12th grade. Deidre and her husband, NSO Principal Percussionist, Sam Bacco, moved to Nashville in 1982 to play with the Nashville Symphony. She joined the SCA Music Department faculty in 1987. Before the Nashville Symphony, Deidre played with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (AL), the San Jose Symphony (CA) and the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de Mexico (Toluca, Mexico). Deidre concluded a distinguished, 34-year tenure with the Nashville Symphony in 2016. Since her retirement, she performs regularly with the Nashville Opera, the Gateway Chamber Orchestra, the Bryan Symphony, Orchestra KY, as well as plays weddings, recording sessions, charity events & area church programs. Deidre Bacco holds a Performance Degree from Bowling Green State University, OH. Presently, she manages a private violin studio in West Nashville and co-teaches the Suzuki Violin Program at the SCA Music Conservatory. Having completed Teacher Training in all Suzuki books 1-10, Deidre continues taking numerous enrichment courses to maintain her commitment to lifelong learning. A comprehensive list of her registered Suzuki training credentials can be accessed on the Suzuki Assn of the Americas (SAA) website at https://suzukiassociation.org/people/deidre-bacco/. Deidre is an active member of the Suzuki Assn of the Americas, Middle TN Suzuki Assn, and the American String Teachers Assn.

Brianna Braun

Brianna Braun

Brianna Braun is a vocalist, songwriter, and educator originally from South Florida. A graduate of the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, she holds a Bachelor of Music in Modern Artist Development and Entrepreneurship (M.A.D.E.) and Vocal Performance, with a minor in Music Industry. Brianna has instructed students of all ages in voice, beginner piano, and songwriting. Brianna’s pedagogical approach is highly individualized, adapting to the unique interests and goals of each student—whether they are gravitating toward musical theatre, classical technique, pop, or country. She has served as a faculty member at Pro Music Plus in Weston, Florida, where she prepared students for studio showcases and live band performances. At Sound Craft, she coached vocal technique and performance interpretation. She served as a musical theatre instructor at Dancer’s Gallery, leading group acting exercises and character development for young performers. Her experience also includes serving as a vocal and performance instructor for the Frost Summer Institute, where she led songwriting courses and directed student ensembles to learn music theory, write, arrange, and rehearse original works. In addition to her work as a coach, Brianna is an active singer-songwriter and recording artist. She was selected as a vocalist for several premier ensembles at Frost, including the American Music Ensemble and the Coffeehouse (COHO) Ensemble, and has performed for large audiences at live events. She attended Catholic school from PK3 through high school and is thrilled to be a faculty member.

Megan Calgaro

Megan Calgaro

Megan Calgaro

Megan Calgaro is a Nashville-based vocalist originally from Wisconsin. She is a recent alumna of Belmont University, where she earned her Master of Music in Vocal Pedagogy. Prior to her graduate studies, she completed a certification program in Vocology from Lamar University. She also received her Bachelor of Music from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, where she double majored in Vocal Performance and Choral Music Education. She has successfully directed choral ensembles of varying ages and voice types, maintained a private voice studio, directed a traveling opera production, and remained an active performer of both opera and musical theatre. Recent roles she’s performed include Edith (The Pirates of Penzance), Fifi (The Merry Widow), Kate (Legally Blonde: The Musical), and the Queen of the Night / Papagena (The Magic Flute). Calgaro has been a member of the lessons faculty at St. Cecilia Academy Conservatory of Music since the fall of 2024.

Antonia Ferguson

Antonia Ferguson

Mrs. Antonia Ferguson—Private Violin (K-12), Group violin, Recording Studio Techniques, Toni Ferguson is a professional violinist with over 35 years of teaching and performing experience. She is the co-founder of the Suzuki Center of Nashville, on the faculty of the Overbrook School and the director of the St. Cecilia Academy Chamber Ensemble. She has been recognized and received twice, the Tennessee Governor’s School Outstanding Teacher Award.  In addition to teaching, Mrs. Ferguson has performed in Washington, D.C. at The Kennedy Center and currently performs with regional orchestral groups, professional theatrical productions, private events, weddings, wedding receptions and charitable fundraisers. Mrs. Ferguson attended the University of South Carolina (BME 1980) and was awarded the Maria Monkton Scholarship for Music Education. She has also continued her violin teacher training through the American Suzuki Institute at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point.  Mrs. Ferguson and her husband Jim, have one daughter who is an accomplished violinist.

 

Marcina Hayden

Marcina Hayden

Marcina Hayden

Marcina Hayden – Piano An Indiana native, Mrs. Hayden has lived in Nashville for more than 30 years. She holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Belmont University, with a major in Piano Pedagogy and a minor in voice. She has been an accompanist for the children’s choirs of the W. O Smith Nashville Community Music School and Blair School of Music, as well as for local Chorister’s Guild Festivals. For the past 15+ years, she has served as Coordinator of Music at St. Ann Catholic Church, where she leads an adult choir and is a paid soloist. Prior to teaching at Overbrook Catholic School, Mrs. Hayden taught PK-8 Music & Guitar Lab and directed both an elementary and middle school choir at St. Ann Catholic School. She has sung with the Nashville Symphony Chorus, The Chapel Sessions Singers, where she also served as accompanist, and the Charles Heimmerman Chorale. As the choral director and general music teacher at Overbrook Catholic School, Mrs. Hayden brings years of liturgical, choral, vocal, Kindermusik and Orff experience to the SCA Music Lessons Program. Mrs. Hayden came to Overbrook Catholic School in 2017. She teaches music to PK3-8th grades and is music director for the school musical, the hand bell ensembles and other various musical programs.

Alivia Leigh

ALIVIA LEIGH

Alivia Leigh is a singer-songwriter, worship leader, and creative mentor with over a decade of experience in songwriting, live performance, and worship leading. For more than four years, she has coached students in songwriting and vocal performance, helping young artists grow in confidence, creativity, and technical skill in a supportive and encouraging environment. Working with students in grades 7-12, Alivia combines strong songwriting foundations with individualized mentorship tailored to each student's unique voice, goals, and artistic style. Students learn key elements of songwriting including lyric writing, melody creation, song structure, storytelling, vocal expression, and artist development while being encouraged to explore their creativity authentically. With a background in Biblical Counseling, Alivia understands the deep connection between music, emotional expression, and personal growth. She believes songwriting can be a powerful outlet for creativity, confidence-building, and self-expression, and she strives to create a space where students feel safe to grow both artistically and personally. Whether a student is just beginning their songwriting journey or already creating original music, Alivia helps them strengthen their skills, develop their authentic sound, and gain confidence in sharing their voice through music. Private lessons are also available for students seeking more personalized coaching and artist development support.

Carol McClure

Carol McClure

Carol McClure, BA, MCM, founder/director of The Harp School learning program for beginning through professional harpists and founder/director ABRSM National Summer Harp Academy, University Lecturer in Harp, is a concert and recording harpist, competition-preparation specialist teacher, international adjudicator, composer, editor, arranger, conductor., and church musician. A harp student of Marcel Grandjany and Mildred Dilling, and a prize-winner in both concert harp and Celtic harp competitions, Carol’s career has taken her to the UK, Europe, the Caribbean, and both American continents as solo recitalist, chamber musician, orchestral player, master teacher and competition judge. With a career spanning three decades as a busy Nashville recording session musician, Carol has also produced a discography of more than twenty solo recordings, (sacred, classical, and seasonal) for both US and UK labels. Author of The Angel’s Harp™ curriculum for beginning harpists, in use around the world and recently adopted as the official harp curriculum of the Music Institute of Chicago, Carol has built a career teaching beginning through professional students, preparing them to win auditions and competitions, including coveted entries and scholarships to major conservatories in North America and the UK, principal chairs in national youth orchestras, awards and prizes in major national and international. Her students routinely win principal chairs in local youth orchestras and all-state orchestras. Carol and husband Wes Ramsay are Representatives of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools.

 

John Pennell

John Pennell

John Pennell

Mr. John Pennell—Private/Group Guitar, Group Ukelele John Pennell has been a member of the Overbrook/St. Cecilia lessons faculty since the Fall Semester of 2014 teaching Guitar, his primary instrument. John has a Bachelor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University(1979 Magna Cum Laude) in theory/composition with a minor concentration in Classical Guitar. In 1980, Mr. Pennell was accepted into the Master of Music program at The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he received a diploma in Musical Composition and Theory. During his tenure at the U of I, John picked up the Double bass as a secondary instrument to guitar and has become proficient in performing the instrument in various ensembles and genres since. In November of 2020, John received an Emmy Award for his song ‘Backroads’, (co-written w/ Graham Edwards) as part of a PBS documentary ‘Illinois Country’ , which began airing in March of 2020. Mr. Pennell also performs with his wife Julie Pennell (Julie and John Pennell) and they have released two albums worth of mostly original material. John was born in rural, east central Illinois, about two hours south of Chicago. He has lived in Nashville, TN since 1996 where he has pursued a career in songwriting. John was the original bass player in Union Station with Alison Krauss.

 

REGISTER ONLINE

We’re excited to welcome you to the St. Cecilia Academy Conservatory of Music. Registration is quick and easy through our online form.
Please complete the registration form and submit payment using the links below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation and additional details about scheduling and placement.

REGISTER AND PAY

Questions?
Crystal Kurek
kurekc@stcecilia.edu | 615.298.4525

Resources

Music Conservatory Handbook

Reference the handbook for more information.

Media Release Form

Please access the form.

Medical Release Form

Please access the form.