Director's Message
Nikki Puchkov
M.A., Ph.D. Candidate in Applied Performance Science
Festival Director
In addition to performing and teaching, Nikki conducts research in performance science. In 2023, her study on the effects of group singing on children’s mental health was presented at the SysMus Conference in Sheffield, United Kingdom. Nikki holds a Master of Performance Science from the Royal College of Music and a Bachelor of Music in piano with a double minor in historical keyboard (harpsichord and organ) from the University of Toronto.

Dear Parents, Students, and Teachers,
I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome you to Festival 25! This exciting new music festival is all about celebrating and nurturing musical talent. We can’t wait to provide this wonderful platform where students of all backgrounds and skill levels can come together, share their passion for music, learn from each other, and grow as musicians.
Get ready for a week of live performances! It’s not just about showing off what you can do—it's about building confidence and learning how to perform in front of an audience. Every note played in front of others is a step toward becoming a better musician!
Each participant will receive helpful feedback from amazing professional musicians. Our adjudicators will offer personalized feedback highlighting what you’re doing well and areas you might want to work on. This kind of insight is beneficial for growth and improvement and will be helpful for both participants and their regular teachers.
Unlike other music festivals, we will offer exciting masterclasses with talented instrumental and vocal experts. These sessions will be fun, interactive, and packed with valuable tips on technique, musical expression, and everything in between. To make your experience even better, we’ll host pre-performance talks, which are all about caring for you as a musician! We’ll dive into topics like managing performance anxiety and effective practice habits. It's all about giving you the tools to feel your best and shine on stage.
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And, of course, who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? With scholarships and awards up for grabs, you’ll be motivated to put your best foot forward. It’s a great way to strive for excellence while having a blast!
Whether you’re stepping on stage for the first time or you’re a seasoned performer, this festival is here to support you and celebrate your unique musical journey. We can’t wait to see you shine on stage and cheer for each and every one of you along the way!
Best of luck to all the performers!

Nikki Puchkov,
Festival Director
PhD Candidate in Applied Performance Science
RCM Certified Specialist