Holiday Harmonies: 2025 Christmas Piano Party

Holiday Harmonies

2025 Christmas Piano Party Recap

The 2025 Christmas Piano Party was a heartfelt celebration of music, growth, and community at Con Brio Piano Studio. The evening brought together students, families, and friends for a joyful showcase honoring our emerging pianists and their dedication throughout the season.

Students took the stage to perform beloved holiday selections — from classic carols to playful winter favorites — each sharing a piece they’ve been thoughtfully preparing in lessons. For several performers, this marked their very first time performing for an audience, while others returned to the stage with growing confidence and artistry.

Olivia — Guest Prelude Performer

The evening began with a special prelude by Olivia, whose performance of Star of Wonder beautifully set the tone for our Christmas Piano Party.

With over eight years at Con Brio Piano Studio, Olivia joined the stage not just as a performer, but as a mentor — modeling musicianship, calm confidence, and generosity of spirit for our youngest pianists.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas — Trio

This festive trio marked the first ensemble experience for all three performers. Playing together with confidence and joy, they kicked off the program with teamwork and holiday cheer.

Liam — Deck the Halls

Liam returned to the stage for his second Christmas Piano Party showcase, delivering a confident and cheerful performance that showed his growing comfort and musical presence.

Nolan — Good King Wenceslas

This performance marked Nolan’s first Christmas Piano Party, and his thoughtful rendition captured the traditional character of this classic carol beautifully.

Ryan — Winter Wonderland

Ryan’s playful performance made this his second Christmas Piano Party, showing continued growth and confidence at the piano.

Grizzly — Up on the Housetop

Grizzly brought bright energy and enthusiasm to his first Christmas Piano Party, delighting the audience with this lively holiday favorite.

Mila — O Christmas Tree

Mila’s timeless selection of O Christmas Tree marked her first Christmas Piano Party, offering a calm, expressive, and heartfelt moment in the program.

Audrey — Jingle Bells

A joyful choice for her first Christmas Piano Party, Audrey’s Jingle Bells performance was full of excitement and holiday spirit.

Amelia — Go! Tell It on the Mountain

Amelia brought joyful energy and confidence to Go! Tell It on the Mountain, marking her second Christmas Piano Party performance. Her lively playing and festive spirit made this a bright and uplifting moment in the program.

Claire — We Wish You a Merry Christmas

Claire returned for her second Christmas Piano Party performance, delivering a classic and confident performance that reflected her growing ability.

Paxton — Jingle Bell Hop

Paxton brought a fun twist to a familiar tune with Jingle Bell Hop. This marked his second Christmas Piano Party, and his rhythmic flair made it a standout moment.

Maddox — The 24th of December

Maddox joined the celebration for his second Christmas Piano Party, sharing a festive and flashy performance.

Keira — Once in Royal David’s City

Keira’s elegant and expressive performance marked her first Christmas Piano Party, showcasing musical sensitivity and poise.

Theoren — Over the River and Through the Woods

Theoren delighted the audience with his performance, making this his first Christmas Piano Party and a joyful milestone in his performance journey.

Raelynn — Away in a Manger

Raelynn’s gentle and classic rendition of Away in a Manger marked her first Christmas Piano Party, offering a sweet and reflective moment.

Emelia — Frosty the Snowman

Emelia brought the program to an energetic close. This was her second Christmas Piano Party, and she impressively performed both a trio and a solo, showcasing confidence, finesse, and stage presence.

Malee — Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

Malee’s performance had the audience smiling from start to finish. This marked her second Christmas Piano Party, and like Emelia, she skillfully performed both a trio and a solo — a wonderful display of versatility and confidence.

We extend our sincere thanks to Heron’s Key, and to Katie Anagnost and Marilyn Colyar, for graciously hosting us and helping create such a warm, welcoming setting for our pianists.

Some candid post-recital moments filled with joy, accomplishment, and well-earned celebration.

Following the performances, families gathered for photos at the piano, refreshments, and a festive ornament exchange.

The Christmas Piano Party continues to be a cherished Con Brio tradition — a joyful bridge between early performance experiences and future concert milestones. We are so proud of every student who took the stage and can’t wait to watch their musical journeys continue to unfold.

See you next year!

2025 Music Olympics

Celebrating Excellence at the 2025 Music Olympics!

On November 15th, Con Brio Piano Studio shone brightly at the 2025 Music Olympics, hosted by the Gig Harbor Music Teachers Association. It was a weekend filled with music, learning, and celebration, and we couldn’t be prouder of our students’ achievements!

Congratulations to all twenty-four Con Brio Piano students for their outstanding passion and excellence in piano!

〰️ 🎶 〰️

Congratulations to all twenty-four Con Brio Piano students for their outstanding passion and excellence in piano! 〰️ 🎶 〰️

About Music Olympics

The Music Olympics is an annual event designed to nurture well-rounded musicianship. Participants are challenged in nine essential disciplines, from performance, theory, and rhythm, to scales, chords, arpeggios, sight-reading, and much more!

FOR THE STUDENT

The Music Olympics provides students with a valuable framework for growth and celebrates their dedication to their craft.

Comprehensive Musicianship

Students develop skills across multiple musical disciplines creating well-rounded pianists.

Goal Setting and Achievement

Preparing for the event sharpens student’s ability to set specific goals and see tangible results, boosting their confidence and self-discipline.

Personalized Feedback

Adjudicators provide detailed feedback, helping budding pianists identify strengths and areas for improvement to guide their proficiency and growth.

Friendly, Supportive Competition

Students are motivated to strive for personal excellence in a positive, encouraging environment, fostering a healthy sense of accomplishment.

Increased Confidence

The experience of performing and being evaluated helps students build self-assurance in their abilities.

Sense of Community

Participants interact with peers who share their passion for music and the piano, building friendships and a sense of camaraderie.

Resilience Under Pressure

Performing in front of judges and peers helps students manage nerves and develop poise under pressure, a skill that extends beyond music.

Recognition of Effort

Earning rankings, certificates, or trophies reinforces the value of hard work and consistent practice.

Encouragement to Explore Music Further

Participation often ignites greater enthusiasm for music, inspiring students to tackle new challenges in their studies.

Long-Term Inspiration

Students carry the lessons and experiences from the event into future musical and non-musical endeavors.

“One of my favorite things about Music Olympics was getting the opportunity to exercise my talents in all different areas like theory and performance. I enjoyed mastering the different disciplines and having the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from adjudicators. It helped me grow because it required me to be disciplined and focused on specific aspects of good musicianship. Also, winning a trophy truly made me feel accomplished and made me see all my hard work pay off!”
— Award Winning Music Olympian, Aspen Greene

Acknowledging All Our Music Olympians

A huge round of applause goes to:

Claire Ruland, Grizzly Campen, Mila Tarasova, Haakon Kvinsland, Ryan Nguyen, Theoren Lachendro, Nolan Parisot, Maddox Wyckoff-Kirkevold, Liam Burker, Harper Ryan, and Joseph Lopez.

“Music Olympics benefits the student by giving them a goal and then showing them how much they actually have learned and retained. It reinforces that studying piano can be abstract and there can be a healthy competition even against themselves.”

~ Music Olympian Parent

Until next time…

Thank you to the Gig Harbor Music Teachers Association for hosting such an inspiring event!

“It was great to see the process of the Music Olympic tournament. My son learned to be more focused and driven. The confidence in him is palpable! It’s everything I wanted him to experience in learning piano. ”
— First Time Music Olympian Parent

2025 Summer Session Highlights

Summer Certification Success

A Season of Achievement at Con Brio Piano Studio

July - August 2025

This summer was one of remarkable growth and milestone accomplishments for our musicians. Across two major performance evaluation paths — Faber Performance Certificates and Royal Conservatory of Music Exams — Con Brio students showed what steady practice and artistic expression can achieve.

We are thrilled to celebrate both groups of certificate earners and the incredible results they achieved.

FABER PERFORMANCE CERTIFICATES

2025 Award Recipients:
Emelia Bromberger • Harper Ryan • Malee Behning • Olivia Marino • Paysen Hwang

Faber Performance Certificate evaluations assess student playing across five key musical domains:

Notes • Rhythm • Dynamics & Expression • Posture • Technique

Each category is scored as Excellent, Very Good, or Developing, with feedback designed to be positive, helpful, and thoughtfully coach-guided. Students prepare three performance pieces which are evaluated by a certified Piano Adventures Exam Coach.

One highlight of the program is The Bravo Board — a national recognition gallery featuring performances that demonstrate standout artistry, rhythmic confidence, beautiful technique, and expressive playing.

Every Con Brio student who completed the Faber Performance Certificate was nominated to The Bravo Board.

Head to Bravo Board Now to Watch Performances

RCM CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

2025 Exam Graduates
Christianne Delacruz • Yifan Monroe • Wambui Ndegwa • Aspen Greene

The Royal Conservatory of Music curriculum is one of the most rigorous and globally respected music evaluation systems. Exams include technical work, repertoire performance, musicianship skills, ear training, and sight-reading. Students receive a numerical score as well as a designation.

RCM Scoring:
Distinction 90+ • First Class Honours 80–89 • Honours 70–79 • Pass 60–69

This year, Con Brio participants earned First Class Honours or First Class Honours with Distinction — the highest levels awarded.

These results reflect countless hours of work at the keyboard, attentive practice routines, and strong foundational development. We are proud of the professionalism and maturity each student demonstrated in preparing for such an intensive assessment.

A Season to Celebrate

Both certificate pathways represent not only achievement, but also growth — discipline built slowly, confidence earned, and musicianship strengthened day by day.

To every student who stepped into certification work this year:
We see your effort. We celebrate your progress.
And we are so proud of you.

Here’s to even more music, courage, and beautiful playing ahead.

2025 Annual Spring Concert

2025 Annual Spring Concert Highlights

Presented by the students of Con Brio Piano Studio

Saturday, May 17, 2025 · Gig Harbor, Washington

Our 2025 Annual Spring Concert was a beautiful afternoon of music and celebration. Students performed an inspiring mix of classical selections, contemporary works, collaborative, and personal favorites, filling the day with artistry and energy.

A Peek at the Program

Senior Spotlight Showcase

A highlight of the afternoon was the Senior Spotlight Showcase, where Aspen Greene and Christianne Delacruz shared three milestone works that traced their journey from their earliest recital memories to the repertoire that defines them now. Their reflections were heartfelt, inspiring, and a beautiful reminder of the impact long-term musical study can have on a young artist’s life.

Watch & Celebrate

Experience the concert as if you were in the audience! Enjoy the full recital, cheer for your favorite performers, and share in the pride of their accomplishments.

Our Annual Concerts celebrate the artistry and growth of every student at Con Brio Piano Studio. From first experiences to polished performances, each recital moment reflects dedication, creativity, and the joy of making music.

Wishing everyone a wonderful start to summer!

2025 Music Fashion Piano Party: Keys & Couture

Keys & Couture: 2025 Music Fashion Piano Party Recap

Presented by the students of Con Brio Piano Studio

Saturday, May 10, 2025 · Gig Harbor, Washington

If there was ever an event that radiated personality, sparkle, and joy — this was the one.

On May 10th, we transformed the performance space into a runway-meets-recital hall for our Keys & Couture Music Fashion Piano Party, where performance was only half the show — the style, creativity, and bold self-expression made the day unforgettable.

Students arrived dressed in outfits that oozed music, color, and confidence. And the music? Every piano player showcased with heart, joy, and artistry, proving that confidence shines best when music meets self-expression.

What is a Piano Party?

Piano Parties at Con Brio Piano Studio are joyful showcase celebrations honoring the dedication and growth of our students as they take the stage for their early recital experiences. For many of these students, Keys and Couture marked their very first performance!

Learn more about Con Brio Piano Party Series

The Fashion Contest.

Students could win in two categories:

Most Musical Outfit

Best Piano-Themed Look

Winners received a trophy of sweet treats + a new piano performance book to expand their music libraries.

But here’s the part no one knew until the end…

〰️

But here’s the part no one knew until the end… 〰️

There Were Secret Judges in the Audience!

Hidden among students and guests were discreet evaluators who selected stand-out students for additional surprise honors. These awards captured the fun, personality, and individuality of each performer.

Some of the categories below

(Just a few examples pictured — there were more!)

Seeing students laugh, cheer for friends, and receive uniquely personalized awards made the room glow. The certificates were playful, light-hearted, and celebratory — the perfect finish to a showcase filled with joy.

Guest Student Recitalists

We also welcomed a set of advanced guest performers, sharing polished works including:

Burgmüller's Arabesque, Op. 100 No. 2
Chopin’s Waltz in A Minor
Chopin’s Waltz in C# Minor, Op. 64 No. 2
Beethoven’s Alexander March Duet!

These guest students joined us to encourage and inspire our newest pianists—demonstrating how steady dedication over time blossoms into artistry.

A Day of Music, Style & Joy

The Keys & Couture Piano Party reminded us that music is not only technical — it is playful, personal, artistic, and wonderfully fun.

Our students didn’t just play pieces — they told stories, took risks, expressed themselves, and owned the stage.

2024 Annual Christmas Concert

2024 Christmas Concert Highlights

Presented by the students of Con Brio Piano Studio

Our 2024 Christmas Concert was a magical evening filled with music, joy, and unmistakable Con Brio sparkle. Students from across all programs took the stage to share the holiday selections they’ve been polishing all season.

A Showcase of Dedication and Joy

The historic Wurlitzer Manor, with its extraordinary backdrop and musical legacy, provided the perfect setting for a night of artistry and celebration. From festive favorites to elegant classical works, every performance reflected weeks of dedication, growth, and musical pride.

Here you’ll find a full concert program and a few photo highlights from the evening.

Thank you to all parents, families, and guests who joined us in celebrating our musicians—your support made the night truly special.

A huge congratulations to all of our performers for their dedication and passion—you made this holiday season magical!

A Celebration of Firsts

Holiday Harmonies

A Celebration of Firsts at Con Brio Piano Studio

This December, we celebrated the season in the most heartwarming way possible—with our 2024 Christmas Piano Party! Held on December 8th in beautiful Gig Harbor, Washington, this event marked a milestone for many of our students as they took the stage for their very first recital. The festive atmosphere, coupled with inspiring performances, made this celebration a resounding success.

A Showcase of Dedication and Joy

The program was filled with delightful holiday classics, lovingly prepared by our first-time recitalists. From Malee’s lively rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" to Amelia’s cheerful "Jingle Bells", each performance brought smiles to the audience. Paxton’s “Up on the Housetop” and Claire’s “I Love My Candy Cane” reminded us of the joy and whimsy of the season, while Nolan’s “Rudolph’s Little Brother” and Dominik’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” kept the festive energy alive.

Paxton’s “Up on the Housetop” and Claire’s “I Love My Candy Cane” reminded us of the joy and whimsy of the season, while Nolan’s “Rudolph’s Little Brother” and Dominik’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” kept the festive energy alive.

The program also featured beautiful moments of reflection, such as Emelia’s touching “Silent Night” and Ryan’s graceful “Winter Wonderland.” The crowd enjoyed a laugh during Liam’s playful “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” and Maddox gave a joyful performance of “Deck the Halls.”

Inspiring Performances from Advanced Students


To complement the first-time recitalists, our advanced guest performers—Wambui and Yifan—added an extra layer of inspiration. Wambui’s stunning rendition of “O Holy Night” showcased her artistry and poise, while Yifan’s elegant “Snowman” brought a modern touch to the program, leaving the audience in awe

A Community Celebration


The event concluded with a music theme ornament gift exchange and refreshments, offering students and families an opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate the season together. The Piano Party was more than just a recital—it was a testament to the hard work, growth, and community spirit that make Con Brio Piano Studio so special.

As we prepare for the upcoming Annual Christmas Concert at Wurlitzer Manor, this Piano Party served as a perfect kick-off and a celebration of our students' progress.

A huge congratulations to all of our performers for their dedication and passion—you made this holiday season truly magical!

2024 Music Olympics

Celebrating Excellence at the 2024 Music Olympics!

On November 16th, Con Brio Piano Studio shone brightly at the 2024 Music Olympics, hosted by the Gig Harbor Music Teachers Association. It was a weekend filled with music, learning, and celebration, and I couldn’t be more proud of our students’ achievements!

Congratulations to all twenty-three Con Brio Piano students for their outstanding passion and excellence in piano!

〰️ 🎶 〰️

Congratulations to all twenty-three Con Brio Piano students for their outstanding passion and excellence in piano! 〰️ 🎶 〰️

About Music Olympics

The Music Olympics is an annual event designed to nurture well-rounded musicianship. Participants are challenged in nine essential disciplines from performance, theory, and rhythm, to scales, chords, arpeggios, sight-reading, and much more! This year’s event brought together numerous young pianists from the community, and Con Brio students truly stood out, showcasing their hard work, dedication, and passion for music.

FOR THE STUDENT

The Music Olympics provides students with a valuable framework for growth and celebrates their dedication to their craft.

Comprehensive Musicianship

Students develop skills across multiple musical disciplines creating well-rounded pianists.

Goal Setting and Achievement

Preparing for the event sharpens student’s ability to set specific goals and see tangible results, boosting their confidence and self-discipline.

Personalized Feedback

Adjudicators provide detailed feedback, helping budding pianists identify strengths and areas for improvement to guide their proficiency and growth.

Friendly, Supportive Competition

Students are motivated to strive for personal excellence in a positive, encouraging environment, fostering a healthy sense of accomplishment.

Increased Confidence

The experience of performing and being evaluated helps students build self-assurance in their abilities.

Sense of Community

Participants interact with peers who share their passion for music and the piano, building friendships and a sense of camaraderie.

Resilience Under Pressure

Performing in front of judges and peers helps students manage nerves and develop poise under pressure, a skill that extends beyond music.

Recognition of Effort

Earning rankings, certificates, or trophies reinforces the value of hard work and consistent practice.

Encouragement to Explore Music Further

Participation often ignites greater enthusiasm for music, inspiring students to tackle new challenges in their studies.

Long-Term Inspiration

Students carry the lessons and experiences from the event into future musical and non-musical endeavors.

Excellence Across

the Board

Beyond the trophies, it is worth celebrating that all our students—regardless of placement—achieved first- or second-place rankings across the nine evaluated disciplines. This is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to our student’s consistent effort, passion, and commitment.

“One of my favorite things about Music Olympics was getting the opportunity to exercise my talents in all different areas like theory and performance. I enjoyed mastering the different disciplines and having the opportunity to receive constructive feedback from adjudicators. It helped me grow because it required me to be disciplined and focused on specific aspects of good musicianship. Also, winning a trophy truly made me feel accomplished and made me see all my hard work pay off!”
— Award Winning Music Olympian, Aspen Greene

Acknowledging All Our Competitors

A huge round of applause goes to:

Ryan Nguyen, Dominik O'Block, Nolan Parisot, Haakon Kvinsland, Shane Grogan, Elliott Bush, Ayla O'Block, Harper Ryan, Paysen Hwang, Anirudh Rengarajan, McKinzie Grogan, Christianne Delacruz, and Hope Griffin.

Each of you embodied the values of Con Brio Piano Studio: integrity, enthusiasm, and excellence. You’ve set the bar high for what it means to pursue piano proficiency!

“Music Olympics benefits the student by giving them a goal and then showing them how much they actually have learned and retained. It reenforces that studying piano can be abstract and there can be a healthy competition even against themselves.”

~ Music Olympian Parent

“It was great to see the process of the Music Olympic tournament. My son learned to be more focused and driven. The confidence in him is palpable! It’s everything I wanted him to experience in learning piano. ”
— First Time Music Olympian Parent

“It is so fun and I enjoy competing against myself as well as other musicians.”

~ Award Winning Music Olympian

Until next time

Thank you to the Gig Harbor Music Teachers Association for hosting such an inspiring event!

Con Brio Piano Studio is a membership-based piano academy in Gig Harbor, Washington—dedicated to inspiring artistry, proficiency, and lifelong musicianship. Proudly serving Gig Harbor, Tacoma, Port Orchard, Bremerton, and the Greater South Sound region.