Departments

Jazz

Five students playing jazz instruments (guitar, bass, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone)

Jazz

Students enrolled in the Jazz Studies Department learn traditional jazz repertoire, develop improvisational skills, and the ability to perform as soloists and accompanists. A core concept of the curriculum is that keen aural perception is fundamental to mastering the subtleties of jazz and developing excellent musicianship.

In addition to individual instruction, students are strongly encouraged to participate in an ensemble, so that they may apply the skills learned in lessons and master classes to actual performance.

A two-week intensive jazz class is offered in the summer for older children and teenagers who want to continue or begin jazz studies while school is not in session.

Meet Our Jazz Faculty

2025-2026 Youth Courses

August 26, 2025 – May 29, 2026
Tuesdays 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Instructors: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: Contact us for prorated tuition information

Register here

Students participate in jazz combos consisting of rhythm sections (i.e. piano, guitar, drum set, and percussion) and various wind instruments. Literature for each group includes an assortment of standard jazz repertoire as well as arrangements and original compositions.

Age 12+. Students of all instruments may enroll. At least two years of previous instrumental study required.

August 26, 2025 – May 29, 2026
Fridays 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Instructors: Danny Janklow
Tuition: Contact us for prorated tuition information

Register here

Geared toward experienced young musicians, this advanced combo class emphasizes improvisation, arrangements, original tunes, and individual artistry. Students will explore a variety of jazz literature and deepen their understanding of ensemble performance. The session will conclude with a featured student concert in the fall and spring.

Ages 12+. Open to all instruments. Minimum two years of prior instrumental study required; concurrent private instruction recommended.

2025-2026 Adult Courses

Winter: August 26, 2025 – May 29, 2026
Spring: March 2 – June 1, 2026
Mondays 2:00 – 3:30 pm
OR Wednesdays 7:00 – 8:30 pm
OR Thursdays 7:00 – 8:30 pm
OR Saturdays: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $504

Students learn to play jazz and blues standards in an ensemble setting. Through guided listening, students learn about melody, arrangements, chords, scales, and improvisation.

Please contact the office to enroll: music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626-683-3355.

Winter: November 24, 2025 – February 23, 2026
Spring: March 2 – June 1, 2026
Mondays 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $180

Register here

The Adult Studies Jazz Theory class is for beginner to intermediate ability levels. This class includes ear training drills on music intervals, triads, and 7th chords. Students study lesson topics from Shelly Berg’s “Essentials of Jazz Theory,” including various scales, chord patterns, and soloing exercises that can be directly applied to jazz standards. Students bring their instruments (pianos provided) and are given weekly practice assignments in line with their experience level.

Summer Youth Offerings

June 23 –July 21, 2026
Tuesdays: 2:00 – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $375

Registration available soon!

Students participate in jazz combos consisting of rhythm sections (i.e., piano, guitar, drum set, and percussion) and various string, brass, and wind instruments. Literature for each group includes an assortment of standard jazz repertoire as well as arrangements and original compositions. Jazz theory and improvisation are incorporated into each session.

Age 12+. Students of all instruments may enroll. At least two years of previous instrumental study required.

June 8 – 19, 2026
Monday – Friday: 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Instructor: Nicole McCabe
Tuition: $985

Registration available soon!

This two-week course develops foundations of jazz improvisation, theory, and history. Students study with some of L.A.’s great jazz teachers, gain a comprehensive knowledge of jazz traditions, participate in daily master classes, learn to play pieces by jazz masters, and perform in an end-of-workshop concert.

Age 12+ invited to enroll. All instruments welcome, no previous jazz experience required.

Summer Adult Offerings

June 8 – August 13, 2026
Mondays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Wednesdays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Thursdays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Saturdays: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $336

Registration available soon!

Students learn to play jazz and blues standards in an ensemble setting. Through guided listening, students learn about melody, arrangements, chords, scales, and improvisation.

July 27 – 31, 2025
Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $895

Registration available soon!

Students will participate daily in Jazz Combo rehearsal, Jazz Theory and Ear Training, Jazz Improvisation, and Jazz History class. The end of the week intensive will culminate in a Friday evening performance by all participants. Daily Instrument Feature of Piano, Bass, Drums, Guitar & Saxophone.

June 13 – August 15, 2026
Mondays: 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $160

Registration available soon!

The Adult Studies Jazz Theory class is for beginner to intermediate levels. This class includes ear training drills on music intervals, triads, and 7th chords. Students study lesson topics from Shelly Berg’s “Essentials of Jazz Theory,” including various scales, chord patterns, and soloing exercises that can be directly applied to jazz standards. Students bring their instruments (pianos provided) and are given weekly practice assignments in line with their experience level.

Visit the Fees page for more information about tuition and registration fees.

Let's make some music!
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