by Jeff Selesnick
Since the founding of Concord Community Music School in 1984, a strong piano department has been a hallmark of the organization. Over the years, the piano faculty has been replete with skilled accompanists, classically trained artists, and jazz-influenced professionals, ready to meet the ever-present demand for piano instruction.
New England native Kyle Trombley is the latest musician to join the CCMS piano faculty, bringing his eclectic style to Concord ahead of the 2026-27 academic year. After earning his degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Trombley was excited to return to the Northeast and begin sharing his passion for music with the CCMS community. Trombley shared a bit about his background, his teaching philosophy, and career highlights in the following responses:
Talk about your musical journey – how did you develop your interest in music? Where did you study?
Trombley: My musical upbringing is as diverse as I stand musically today. My first formative musical experience was in an elementary school, where I had the extraordinary opportunity to be a featured soloist in a chamber group accompanied by an orchestra for a commissioned project. It was that moment that I realized I needed to be in music!
What was a moment or moments during your musical career that was particularly memorable/influential?
Trombley: I’ve had some of the best musical experiences that have shaped who I am today, and my international performance experiences have been the most influential. It was magical being in different countries and having both musical and cultural experiences. Singing and playing in some of the world’s most celebrated venues and halls has shaped my artistic persona, and allowed me to explore the color of my instruments.
What was your first job in music? What are your memories from it?
Trombley: My first real job in music was working at an old country church in southwestern New Hampshire. I served as Minister of Music, Organist and Pianist. I learned so much being there – both musical skills and soft skills of what a career in music and teaching would be. The church gave me the support to cultivate a program I desired so I learned how to put on benefit concerts, curate a comprehensive concert series/season, orchestrate large-scale ensembles for major holidays, and so much more. It was a lot of learning, but the learning felt like play.
Do you have any styles/genres of music you enjoy teaching and/or playing the most?
Trombley: While I am classically trained, I do enjoy performing and teaching both jazz and early music. While I was in my undergrad at Keene State College, I was fortunate to study under two different early music specialists. I learned so much under their guidance and am continually inspired by the professional work they have done over the years. I’m lucky I get to work with them both in the Zenith Ensemble each year.
In addition to early music, jazz has become a huge part of my identity. Several years ago, I had the opportunity to play a gig with a couple of friends in college. In that gig, we each connected so well that we decided to play together more often. After being hired at numerous gigs, and touring around the area, we opted to become a professional jazz ensemble under the name of The Sonntag Jazz Collective, where we perform throughout New Hampshire and Vermont.
How did you find out about CCMS? What about CCMS appeals to you?
Trombley: After finishing graduate school in Kansas City, I was looking to return home to New England. While I was looking for work, a friend of mine sent me the job posting for CCMS. After looking it over, I immediately felt like it could be an incredible opportunity, and a small way to give students as much as my teachers gave to me. I am enthralled by the robust course and lesson offerings, as well as the wonderful faculty who teach here. After visiting briefly, it felt like home. I’m super excited to work alongside such fabulous teachers and with students who find joy in music making!
How would you describe your teaching style?
Trombley: Taking after my professors, my teaching style focuses on what the music asks of us. While it is important to have the foundational skills of scales, chords, arpeggios, etc., I am a firm believer in a fluid anatomical movement, tension release, and exploring a diverse color palette through sound. Most lessons focus on how we move, and how our movement affects the sound we create with the instrument.
What do you love most about teaching music?
Trombley: What I love most about teaching music is seeing the joy of others in their music making. I love when a student explores a new sound world they haven’t been exposed to before, when they are able to understand a new concept that has been previously a struggle, and of course, seeing each student’s unique expressivity as they play.
When you’re not teaching music, what keeps you busy?
Trombley: When I’m not performing music, I am out spending time in nature, especially going for hikes – something I love about being in New Hampshire! I also very much enjoy reading and learning more about the intricacies of the human mind.
What are your hopes as a new faculty member at CCMS?
Trombley: My hope as a new faculty member here at CCMS is to collaborate with everyone! I love finding new ways to work together as musicians and create diverse musical experiences for us and audiences to enjoy.
