Why "Las Conchillas"?
Natural Inspiration:
Our academy is named after the "Las Conchillas" cove, located at the mouth of the Maullín River in southern Chile, where our musical project started. The name "Las Conchillas" means "The Shells" in English, referring to the sea shells that create a beautiful natural mosaic in the area.
Musical Metaphor:
Just as the shells form a unique landscape, music combines notes and rhythms to create beautiful melodies.
Las Conchillas, Chile.
With locations in both Chile and Canada, we offer high-quality music lessons,
focused on the artistic growth of each student.
"Developing human potential through music and the arts."
Las Conchillas Music Academy is associated with WPTA Canada (World Piano Teachers Association), an institution dedicated to promoting the highest standards in piano teaching and performance worldwide.
This collaboration underscores our commitment to excellence in music education and reinforces our mission to nurture the next generation of musicians.
At Las Conchillas Music Academy, we believe music education is only part of our purpose. Our academy is rooted in a broader vision—a social project that seeks to build a vibrant community through music. We aim to foster an environment where students not only learn but connect, grow, and find a sense of belonging. Through shared musical experiences, we strive to create a supportive network that enriches lives and brings people together.
"Committed to the art of teaching music."
Meet Angela Otcuoglu
Meet Iván Hockley
Angela Otcuoglu is the President of Las Conchillas Music Academy, an award-winning pianist and composer with international acclaim. She began her musical journey at the age of seven at the Istanbul University State Conservatory, where her exceptional talent earned her first prize at the 2003 Yamaha Competition. Angela completed the Conservatory's Superior Studies Program alongside her graduation from Pierre Loti High School, a French international school in Istanbul. In 2013, she pursued her academic career at McGill University's Schulich School of Music in Canada, earning her Bachelor's degree under the tutelage of Professor Marina Mdivani. Angela furthered her education by completing a Master's degree in piano performance with Professor Sara Laimon and graduating from The Global Leaders Program, an executive graduate certificate in social entrepreneurship, teaching artistry, civic leadership, cultural agency, and organizational management.
Throughout her career, Angela has achieved top prizes in various international competitions for piano and composition, winning awards in Canada, the United States, Russia, Spain, Belgium, Italy, Poland, and Vienna. As President of the World Piano Teachers Association (WPTA) in Canada, she is dedicated to advancing music education and promoting social change through music.
Angela’s experience collaborating with renowned musicians worldwide has enriched her approach to teaching, allowing her to offer students a comprehensive musical education that combines technical skill, emotional expression, and artistic insight.
In her teaching, Angela emphasizes the holistic development of musicians, striving for both artistic excellence and personal growth. Her goal is to nurture well-rounded individuals who are not only skilled performers but also confident, thoughtful, and engaged members of their communities.
Iván Hockley is the Artistic Director of Las Conchillas Music Academy. His academic journey includes studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music (North America), Northwestern University, and the prestigious “Maestro Navarro Lara” School of Orchestra Conducting in Spain, where he specialized in innovative neuroconducting techniques. Recognized as one of the fifty Outstanding Leaders of his generation by Chile’s "El Llanquihue" newspaper, Iván has dedicated his career to enhancing music education and creating opportunities for young musicians to thrive.
Since 2019, Iván has led the "Corporación Educacional Artística Musical Las Conchillas" in Chile, providing visionary leadership and fostering musical growth within the community. His work spans roles as a music arranger, conductor, and teacher, where he brings creative adaptability and a commitment to musical excellence. Iván has founded and conducted several orchestras in Chile and Spain, and his arrangements have been performed by various ensembles, from chamber groups to large orchestras. Additionally, he has contributed significantly to classical music outreach as a broadcaster on Chile’s “Sala de Concierto” radio program "Radio El Conquistador 91.3 FM", where he engaged audiences with insightful discussions on classical music.
A strong advocate for the holistic benefits of music education, Iván has arranged numerous scores for youth and children’s orchestras, crafting his own study books and materials for violin and viola. Iván’s work reflects his belief in music as a transformative social tool, enriching students’ lives emotionally, socially, and intellectually. His efforts contribute to building a supportive and inclusive community through music, where young people can grow not just as musicians, but as empowered individuals.
Our Programs
The Las Conchillas Music Academy Program is designed as the first step for students to begin their journey in musical education. With an original curriculum aimed at instilling technique and nurturing musicality, lessons in violin, viola, piano, and singing are structured to bring the vibrant nuances of music to life and spark young students' interest. Our approach is to always keep lessons interactive and creative, with the goal of inspiring young learners to remain captivated by the beauty of music.
As a quality music academy in Brossard, we also provide our students with a platform to perform throughout the year.