Create yourself
at Kanack!
A music community where boundless creativity meets technical discipline in a warm, fun, nurturing environment. Join us!
The Kanack School of Musical Artistry is a community music school in Rochester, NY, and the headquarters of the worldwide Creative Ability Development Method.
Here, we strive to create true artists. We provide an enriching, nurturing, and inclusive environment where all can grow to reach their fullest potential: artistically, creatively, socially, and intellectually.
Through our unique blend of disciplined creative practice and individual instruction, our students search for truth and beauty in themselves and in the world, using music as a language. Our students have gone on to “create themselves” in successful careers as musicians, engineers, scientists, teachers, and business owners, but more importantly, they are confident, friendly, and full of possibility.
Opportunities at the Kanack School
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![Student musicians in a circle with instruments]()
Fiddle Class
Take your instrument to class and learn to fiddle! Folk music is a great way to make friends and socialize. Tunes are taught traditionally by ear in a call-and-response format, followed by a review of tunes. A variety of folk styles are taught at Kanack from New England to Irish to Old Time. Open to all instruments!
Photo by Azalea Dietz
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![Children in a choir group standing in front of a colorful butterfly mural, wearing white shirts and black pants or skirts, with the overlay text "BACH CHILDREN'S CHORUS."]()
Bach Children's Chorus
Rochester’s premier children’s chorus resides at the Kanack School, open to all students in the region. This elite ensemble regularly performs with the Rochester Philharmonic and other professional groups as well as hosting their own concerts. A short audition is required for participation in the BCC; all children are welcome!
Director Karla Krogstad has been an educator in the Rochester area for over 35 years and was honored by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra with the 2025 Award for Outstanding Music Educator of the Year.
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![A young boy with a red sweater smiling with eyes closed in front of a colorful art display on the wall.]()
CAD Arts for Pre-School
Kanack’s own Creative Ability Development Method starts early, encouraging your child to express their unique artistry and share with peers in an entertaining and musical environment. Students collaboratively experiment with visual art, music, movement, and storytelling.
Photo by Norah Gebel
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![A young girl playing a violin indoors with colorful butterfly decorations on the wall behind her.]()
Music Hour
Musicians learn to perform well by performing a lot! Kaleidoscope Music Hours feature all kinds of performances with easy accompaniment. Advanced Music Hours give students the opportunity to perform with a professional accompanist. This opportunity is available for any student enrolled in individual private lessons. Check the school calendar for Kaleidoscope and Advanced dates! There’s a paper sign-up form on the bulletin board at Kanack.
Photo by Henry Scott Smith
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![Two boys playing violins in front of a colorful butterfly wall mural, with white text overlay reading 'CAD TOUR GROUP.']()
CAD Tour Group
The Tour Group is the top demonstration ensemble for CAD improvisation teaching and practice techniques, and has performed at yearly national and regional music educators’ conferences all over the United States and Canada for nearly 20 years. Students in Tour Group are adept improvisers. Participation in Tour Group is by permission only; students can learn the skills required by joining our weekly improv classes!
Photo by Zachary Gilbert-Mahoney
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![A mashup showing one child playing violin, one playing a cello, and another adjusting a bass guitar, with colorful lights in the background.]()
Small Group Coaching
Playing music with others is at the heart of all musical traditions. Students can sign up with their friends to be placed in small group ensembles focused on classical chamber music, traditional and modern folk music, and rock band! These groups receive weekly coaching by experienced and dedicated teachers. Students often remember their experience in small group ensembles for years afterwards.
Photos by Ken Tryon, Azalea Dietz, Henry Scott Smith
