RSC Alum Matthew Aucoin Returns to Seminar on Contemporary Music
The Seminar on Contemporary Music for the Young at the Rivers School Conservatory is not just a long-standing annual tradition; it is also a one-of-a-kind opportunity for young musicians to discover and perform contemporary music. Now in its 47th year, Seminar participants have collectively performed thousands of contemporary works, many of them world-premiered by RSC musicians. The uniqueness of this event, founded by long-time RSC faculty member and former director A. Ramón Rivera, has inspired others like it throughout the United States.
Each Seminar features a guest composer who prepares a work to be premiered at the closing concert. Previous guest composers have included John Cage, Chen Yi, Andrew List, and Elena Ruehr. This year’s featured composer is a special anniversary year return appearance from RSC alum and 2018 MacArthur Fellow Matthew Aucoin (previously featured in 2017).
50 Years of Inspiring Musical Excellence at RSC
In 1975, Ethel Bernard was approached by families from Wellesley, Weston, and Wayland about creating a new music school in the area after the New England Conservatory Preparatory School decided to close its satellite location in Wellesley. Ethel found space in the unoccupied former headmaster’s house (now Blackwell House) on the campus of a then all-boys college preparatory school, and The Music School at Rivers opened its doors.
In 2008, the school was renamed The Rivers School Conservatory, and it has continued to grow exponentially with the number of students it serves, the roster of world-class teaching faculty it employs, and the breadth of program offerings.
Opening Doors for Music Education: The Power of Philanthropy
For many families, high-quality music education can feel out of reach. RSC is committed to breaking down those barriers, providing financial assistance to approximately 25% of students each year. RSC is deeply grateful for the community of philanthropic supporters who ensure that music remains a source of inspiration and opportunity. Every gift opens doors—expanding access to accomplished faculty, deepening musical exploration, and fostering a lifelong love of music.
The Farny-Webb Teaching Legacy at RSC
RSC teachers and sisters Ethel Farny and Anne Webb have guided generations of students, shaped programs, and shared laughter and lessons across nearly four decades of teaching.
Both sisters emphasize personal connection and enthusiasm as key components of their teaching philosophies. “One thing I love to do as a teacher is listen to the personality of the person I’m teaching”, flute teacher Farny explains. “I become a slightly different person with each student. Some need very creative music, some need technical precision, and some just go sideways, but you adapt.”
Webb has a similar approach, adding that humor and imagery often shape her lessons. “I bring excitement and sometimes funny imagery to help students connect with a piece,” she says. For Webb, who teaches violin, viola and Scottish fiddle, music should be as joyful as it is instructive.
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RSC hosts sold-out Holiday Pops 2025
On a Saturday night in early December, The Rivers School’s Benson Gymnasium was filled with the sounds of marimba music, musical theater song and dance, big band jazz, and a full symphony providing holiday revelry.
While Holiday Pops is a long-standing tradition for RSC, this was the first year that it was held in Benson Gymnasium. The new venue accommodated more than 300 guests for an evening of music, food, and fun. The sold-out event raised money for the RSC Financial Aid Fund, which benefits nearly 25% of the total students who study at RSC.
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