Events > Summer Sizzle: A Piano Pedagogy Symposium

MINI SUMMER SIZZLER!
​2026 - EDMONTON

Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 9:30 am (Registration 9:00) 

Location:  Meadowlands Baptist Church, 2215 17 St NW, Edmonton, Alberta
 
Guest Composers:  Lynette Sawatsky (Saskatoon, SK); Carolyn Garritano & Keri Puckrin (St. Albert, AB)
Additional Guest Clinician:  Elizabeth Freiter (Edmonton, AB)

Northern Lights CNCM is proud to announce our latest Canadian music program:  the Mini Summer Sizzler! The post-COVID era has created challenges for music studios, families, performers and even composers. The Mini Summer Sizzler! is a program that offers popular sessions from our Summer Sizzle event in a simpler and more economical format with easier access for families.
What is a CNCM Mini Summer Sizzler?
Originally created as an alternative to our popular full Summer Sizzle event, Northern Lights Canadian National Conservatory of Music (CNCM) continues to offer Mini Summer Sizzlers as part of our ongoing promotion of Canadian music. The CNCM goal is to bring together students, teachers, families, and composers through new publications of Canadian works.


How does a CNCM Mini Summer Sizzler work?

The Edmonton CNCM Mini Summer Sizzler is a full day event that includes 3 student workshops as follows:

1)  Follow the LEAD Sheet . .  to great musical adventures!
Host: Elizabeth Freiter
How do we work with that melody line that has chord symbols above it?  How do we make it sound like the song we know?  

Hands on. . . small steps. . . full sound.  We will break the lead sheet down into easily understood concepts and work together to produce the music.  Play the melody and harmony, or just sing the tunes and harmonize - this is putting the “fun” into functional piano playing.

With the use of two keyboards and percussion, we will relay through the positions to get everyone experiencing each part of the lead sheet, while supporting each other in the process.  Expect a lot of laughs, some silly mistakes, and some wonderful learning.  
​​
2)  Meet the Composer   
Host Composer: Lynette Sawatsky
  • This session will feature a work by the workshop host composer, Lynette Sawatsky OR any work from a Northern Lights CNCM publication composed by one of the online composers listed here.
  • If choosing an Online Composer, this session will include opportunity for a 20-minute online session prior to the CNCM Mini Summer Sizzler with the composer of the chosen work. The composer will offer times of availability for this session. Please note there is no additional fee for this online meeting.
  • Each student will perform their selected work.
  • The host composer will share ideas and back stories about their personal works.
  • Students performing works by Online composers will be asked to share what they gained/learned from their online session with the composer of their selected work.
  • This is NOT a master class but rather a sharing of ideas regarding composition and inspirations.
  • Student groups will include various levels and ages.

3). Composition Class ​
Host Composers: Lynette Sawatsky; Carolyn Garritano/Keri Puckrin
  • students will be inspired and led by a visiting composer in 'where to start' in writing an original piano composition

CNCM Mini Summer Sizzler concludes with a student recital:
  • all registrants have the opportunity to perform
  • family and friends are invited to attend the recital
  • students may perform one of the works prepared for the workshop sessions OR another Northern Lights CNCM publication work (solo or duet)
  • this performance should be well prepared and rehearsed

Copyright Information:
All works included in the CNCM Mini Sizzler are protected by International and Canadian Copyright Laws. All participants MUST bring their ORIGINAL scores ONLY. Photocopies are illegal and will NOT be allowed at this event.

Attire:
Attire is casual throughout the event. You are encouraged to bring appropriate footwear for all sessions and are welcome to ‘dress up’ for the closing recital. 

General Schedule:
Registration: 9:00 – 9:30 pm
Session 1: 9:30 – 11:00 pm
Snack Break:  11:00 – 11:15 pm
Session 2:  11:15 – 12:30 pm
Lunch & Activity Break: 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Session 3:  1:30 – 3:00 pm
Snack, Activity and Recital Prep: 3:00 – 4:00 pm
​Mini Sizzler Recital:  4:00 – 5:00 pm ​
10 benefits of the CNCM Mini Summer Sizzler!
  1. students, teachers, parents and grandparents, composers and community learn and enjoy Canadian music
  2. students, teachers, parents and grandparents, composers and community meet Canadian composers working in the industry
  3. students meet other students with similar interests, creating lifelong musical memories – they find their people!
  4. students not only meet living Canadian composers but also interact with them one on one
  5. students experience nurturing and exciting performance opportunities
  6. students hear new music, inspiring them to seek out these new works at a later time
  7. the local setting makes the event affordable
  8. the local setting eliminates time consuming travel which makes the event fit more easily into busy schedules
  9. music is intended to be shared – what better way to do this than through the teacher, student, parent, and composer connection!
  10. Northern Lights CNCM Mini Summer Sizzler provides the greater community an opportunity to truly enjoy a 100% Canadian music event! 

​

Resources

Download a PDF of this information and a registration form:
Includes Registration and Media Release forms.
mini_sizzler_2026_edmonton_registration_form_.pdf
File Size: 1237 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
CNCM would like to ​thank the Socan Foundation for its ongoing financial support of Keyboard Kamp.