Arény Mankerian first enrolled at PCM as a four year old in Young Musicians classes. “I loved playing drums with the other kids. I even thought about learning percussion!” Ultimately, she chose the violin, which her father and grandfather (both accomplished musicians) played.

Now an 8th grader at St. Gregory Hovsepian School, Arény has studied with “Mr. Patrick” Rosalez ever since and recently began learning viola. “I switched to viola during the pandemic. It has such a nice, mellow sound.”

This fall, Arény is preparing for high school and orchestra auditions in the spring. She hopes to join the Pasadena Youth Symphony and LA County High School for the Arts. She’s upped her practice time to two hours a day and increased to two lessons a week. “I’m already reading notes better, I’m able to play songs faster, and my vibrato has improved.” She eventually wants to move to New York to study music.

“I love the emotion of playing an instrument and how it helps me express myself. Even when I don’t really want to practice, I feel better once I start playing.”

Lately, Arény enjoys listening to Reflections for viola and piano, by Toshifumi Hinata. One of her favorite artists is singer/songwriter and LA native, Billie Eilish.

As more programs return to campus, Arény’s eager to attend live concerts again and to get back on stage to perform. “Having the lights on you is such a good feeling.” She also can’t wait to one day play in Barrett Hall with her uncle, PCM piano faculty member Dr. Vatché Mankerian.

Whether students want to pursue a career in music, like Arény, or they enroll for the intrinsic benefits of music study, every student finds a musical home at PCM. Explore our website for more information about our different programs.