March 12, 2025 By Beth Porter
Todd Swavey is Director of Arts Education and Cynthia Krebs-Lee is Senior Director, Institutional Advancement
Beth: What is South Shore Conservatory (SSC) best known for, and what should it be best known for?
Cynthia: We’re best known for our comprehensive music education, and it’s well-deserved. We offer training for almost every instrument, and our faculty are incredible. What people know less about are our Creative Arts Therapies through which we work with hospice patients, neurodiverse kids, underserved communities – so much more. Lots of communities also benefit from our Imagine Arts program focused on strengthening early literacy skills.
Todd: I’d add that people think we’re just about classical music, but we’re so much more. We have rock bands and dance classes and a jazz program. And you don’t need to take a lesson before you come. Any level is welcome and is celebrated.
Beth: How did you get involved with SSC?
Cynthia: I actually took Suzuki lessons here when I was little, and I’ve been a performing artist my whole life, first as a dancer with a couple of ballet companies, and now in musical theater. I live near the SSC campus in Duxbury, and my three girls all play multiple instruments and are in musical theater.
Todd: I was a public school teacher, teaching music and theater to middle school students. Nothing excites me more than seeing a kid get up and perform and be confident. That was so important to me as a kid.
Beth: How can someone get involved here?
Todd: You can certainly look at our website, but really – just walk through the door. Our enrollment team can find a pathway for what you want to learn. There are so many cool opportunities for students of all ages. In addition to our regular classes, we have
vacation programming and summer programming that lets kids come for a week to explore an instrument. Something we started this year was a group piano class for adults and it has taken off. Now we’re starting a voice class. Really, our goal is to provide a comfortable way to learn or refresh something in a safe space while building community.
Cynthia: We really are a family oriented community whether you’re a student, family, volunteer, audience member. It feels warm and exciting to be here. It’s a special place.
Todd: Absolutely. We get to see multiple generations of people wanting to get involved in making music together. When you get to see that impact, it’s really fantastic.
Beth: I am hearing the word community a lot.
Cynthia: Our slogan is – A Vibrant Arts Community. Building community is our North Star.
Beth: If you were to receive a windfall of $100,000 tomorrow, how would you spend it?
Todd: I’d love to expand that digital music program, which would require computers, etc. I’d also love to explode our dance program but that requires flooring and other improvements.
Cynthia: We also have an amazing $137K matching grant from Mass Cultural Council to enrich two of our well-loved buildings. The timing is perfect as we are about to celebrate our 55 th anniversary.
Beth: What will change for SCC in the next five years?
Todd: How people learn and how they are interested in learning is changing. The entire world of education will continue to evolve. As Director of Arts Education, I am looking to stay relevant, give people what they are looking for, grow the class catalog – all while continuing to provide a top tier arts education experience.
Beth: Some people struggle with this question, but I don’t think you will… If SCC had a theme song, what would it be?
Todd: “Thank You for the Music” by Abba. It has a really strong sense of celebrating learning music. We are way more than music, way more than dance. We don’t exist without that sense of song in your heart.
Cynthia: For me, it would be “We Are Family.”
Beth: Do you have a favorite story?
Todd: We have a student who is 3 or 4 years old who is an incredible pianist. When it’s time for her recital, she comes in her little cupcake dress, gets up on the stage, plays incredibly, and then takes in the applause. Everyone in the audience thinks, “I wish I would have had that confidence.”
Cynthia: We got to attend the end of year performance for the kindergartners. It was clear that the faculty had poured their hearts into this group of children. The kids were so confident and so collaborative. It was heartwarming to see them so proud of
themselves.
Beth: Any upcoming dates to be aware of?
Cynthia: Summer highlights are the Duxbury Music Festival and Evening Under the Stars. Visit the website for the dates.
Beth: Any thoughts in closing?
Todd: Our name is Conservatory but we are so much more than that. Learn more at sscmusic.org.
Beth Porter is a local consultant with 35+ years of experience in nonprofit management. She partners with local nonprofit leaders on a variety of strategic projects bringing a fresh perspective, calm energy, and lots of tools. Contact her at beth@bcpnonprofitconsulting.com to learn more.
