Mission Statement
The mission of the Rochester Conservatory of Music is to encourage, inspire and develop the musical potential of every student regardless of age or ability.
The RCM fosters an atmosphere that encourages artistic growth, love for the arts, creative expression, poise, and the satisfaction of achievement. We offer a broad spectrum of performing experience through festivals, performance workshops, and recitals by students, faculty, and visiting artists.
We are pleased to offer this unique musical and cultural institution, and we are grateful to the parents for the trust that they place in us. We look forward to developing and nurturing the talents of student who have been entrusted to us.
About Cliff and Kay Ellen
Owners Cliff and Kay Ellen Wilkins delight in their roles as Directors of the Rochester Conservatory of Music. With over 70 years of combined piano teaching between the two, their long-time commitment to quality music education is obvious.
In addition to the daily management of the Conservatory, Cliff and Kay Ellen are also active piano teachers at the Conservatory – piano and voice for Cliff, and piano for Kay Ellen. They are active chamber music performers and accompanists. Numerous awards and honors include Employer Award from Oakland County Business and Finance, Who’s Who Among American College Students, Who’s Who Among Female Executives, Distinguished Musician Award from Oakland University, Distinguished Alumni Award from Oakland University, Exemplary Program Awardfrom Musikgarten to name a few.
Over the years they have watched the Rochester Conservatory grow, they have nurtured and guided 1000’s of music students – many who started as toddlers in the Musikgarten classes and continued in private music lessons until graduating from high school. Some of these students have gone to college, gotten married, had children and now those children are Conservatory students! They have created a piano class curriculum for ages 4-6. They have started an interstate music festival, Michigan Music Festival, involving over 2000 music students each year. They have created a comprehensive achievement testing program, including exams in solo performance, music theory, ear training, sight reading and technique.
Cliff and Kay Ellen believe in a holistic music education. Piano lessons are tailored to suit each individual student, and piano lessons are not just about music, but also discipline, organization, confidence, problem solving, poise, and accomplishment.