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 in 2016. 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."
At Las Conchillas Music Academy, students are guided through a personalized musical path designed to support their artistic and technical development over time. Our teaching approach emphasizes strong foundations in technique, attentive listening, and musical interpretation, while encouraging curiosity, discipline, and confidence in performance.
Instruction is adapted to each student’s stage of musical development and individual goals. Some students begin by building foundational skills and developing basic musical understanding, while others may explore more advanced repertoire and artistic refinement as they progress. Our aim is to support each student through the natural stages of musical growth, fostering both technical fluency and expressive musicianship.
Depending on their aspirations, students may prepare for a variety of musical opportunities, including auditions, recitals, competitions, and collaborative ensemble projects. For those wishing to follow a structured examination pathway, our instruction can also support preparation for internationally recognized examination systems such as those offered by the The Royal Conservatory of Music.
Through both individual instruction and ensemble experiences, students develop not only technical proficiency but also the ability to listen, collaborate, and communicate through music. Our goal is to cultivate thoughtful, engaged musicians who approach their musical journey with both discipline and artistic sensitivity.
"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 chamber music 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 & St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, we also provide our students with a platform to perform throughout the year.