Adult Studies
Come be a part of the adult studies community at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music.
In addition to individual instruction on all instruments, PCM has a vibrant and growing slate of group classes, ensembles, and music history and appreciation offerings for adults.
- Individual Instruction
- Group Lessons & Ensembles
- Music History & Appreciation
Click on individual departments below or call the PCM office at 626.683.3355 for more information.
PCM offers a number of opportunities to perform with other musicians, including Adult Guitar Orchestra, Piano Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Chamber Music. Please call 626.683.3355 for more information.
Instructor: Lindsay Dodoras
Mondays | 10:30 am–12:00 pm (March 8–May 17)
or Tuesdays | 6:30–8:00 pm (March 9–May 19)
Students will continue their exploration of the American Songbook for ukulele. With classics from Broadway to our favorite jazz standards, they will learn the mechanics behind each of these timeless tunes and how to perform them live. Ukulele players will experiment with song arranging and learn the musical terminology needed to communicate with fellow musicians. From composers such as George and Ira Gershwin to Cole Porter to Rodgers and Hart, we will journey together through the decades of musical genius!
Instructor: Rachael Doudrick
Tuesdays | 10:30–11:30 am (March 3–May 18)
This course is for beginners, or those who want to refresh their knowledge. You will learn to read musical notation for rhythm and melody, bass and treble clef, musical symbols, and key signatures in a light-hearted, conversational class with lots of participation and engaging activities. Improve your knowledge of both the “how” and “why” of music!
Instructor: Lindsay Dodoras
Wednesdays | 10:00–11:30 am (March 10–May 19)
The Glee Club is the perfect opportunity for you to share your voice with others! Whether you are an experienced choir member or looking to begin singing for the first time, this is your chance to explore vocal technique and music theory through quality choral repertoire. Glee Club members will learn about proper vocal health, choir etiquette, and how to read music through the study of solfeggio and ear training. The club will venture through various genres of choral repertoire including classical, contemporary, jazz, and musical theater! Come one and all to experience the happiness one gets from singing in a choir!
Instructor: Rachael Doudrick
Thursdays | 10:30–11:30 am (March 11–May 20)
We will explore American music of many cultures and many decades: Native American music, Colonial and Revolutionary War songs, American composers, Jazz and Blues, and many more.
Join our discussion, enjoy listening and watching performances, and share in the exploration!
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Saturdays | 11:45 am–12:45 pm
In the Adult Jazz Combo you will learn to play jazz and blues standards in an ensemble setting. This includes listening to tunes and learning about melody, arrangements, chords, scales, and jazz improvisation. Participants are encouraged to bring ideas and questions to the group to create a collaborative environment.
Students are asked to bring their instruments and supplies (reeds, cords, strings, etc. with the exception of piano, drums, and amplifiers, which will be provided).
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Saturdays | 12:45–1:45 pm
In the Adult Jazz Combo you will learn to play jazz and blues standards in an ensemble setting. This includes listening to tunes and learning about melody, arrangements, chords, scales, and jazz improvisation. Participants are encouraged to bring ideas and questions to the group to create a collaborative environment.
Students are asked to bring their instruments and supplies (reeds, cords, strings, etc. with the exception of piano, drums, and amplifiers, which will be provided).
Director: Ernest Harrison
6 week sessions
Tuesdays | 7:00–8:30 pm
Tuition: $60 per session
PCM Chamber Singers is an amateur choir for mixed voices (SATB) that aspires to the highest levels of musicianship and performance standards.
This audition-based choir welcomes broad participation from the community. The repertoire is varied with a core of serious choral works.
Ernest Harrison, tenor, is a graduate of the University of Missouri where he received his master’s degree in choral conducting. Presently, Mr. Harrison is a graduate student at the University of Southern California, pursuing a doctoral degree in choral music. He studies choral conducting under Dr. Jo-Michael Scheibe.
About Zoom and PCM Tech Support
Zoom is an easy-to-use video conferencing platform that allows “face-to-face” meetings and classes from the comfort of your home. At PCM, we have dedicated staff members that can help you get set up for the class via phone or email. If you’d like tech support please reach out directly to Eugene Kim or Stephanie Purschell.
Instructor: Sarkis Baltaian
Tuesdays: 9:00–11:15 am (March 23–May 25)
This class examines notable piano and violin sonata repertoire from the Classical period through 20th century. Representative works include sonatas by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms, Dvorak, Franck, Grieg, Faure, Saint-Saens, Debussy, Ravel, Bartok, Strauss, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, and Babadjanian.
Instructor: Dr. Nic Gerpe
Thursdays: 9:30–11:30 am (March 11–May 20)
The spring session of Dr. Nic Gerpe’s Current Techniques & Composers focuses on composers from France, Italy, Spain, and Latin America, including works from Debussy, Ravel, Berio, Dallapiccola, Granados, Albeniz, Prado and others.
Instructor: Dimitris Dodoras
Fridays: 9:30–11:00 am (March 12–May 21)
In this class, we will explore the work of well-known composers from the 20th century to present day, including Ennio Morricone, Hans Zimmer, Basil Poledouris, and Henry Mancini.
Instructor: Dr. Ray Briggs
Fridays: 1:00–3:00 p.m. (March 26–June 4)
This class explores the life and music of Miles Davis — one of the most influential and acclaimed figures in the history of jazz and 20th century music.
About Zoom and PCM Tech Support
Zoom is an easy-to-use video conferencing platform that allows “face-to-face” meetings and classes from the comfort of your home. At PCM, we have dedicated staff members that can help you get set up for the class via phone or email. If you’d like tech support please reach out directly to Eugene Kim or Stephanie Purschell.
Student Voices
Julia Langer
When I retired, I moved to Pasadena and my son said, “Mom, if you would learn to play the cello, we could have a string quartet!” My three granddaughters were taking violin and viola lessons at PCM, so I was already impressed with the quality of PCM’s programming and instructors. In December 2012, I began cello lessons. While studying music has its own intrinsic rewards, my cello studies have opened up a whole new arena of student experiences to share with my granddaughters. I strive to be a good “music student” model for them; and they, in turn, become my teachers from time to time. I have also discovered that one is never too old to begin a completely new challenge.
Ralph Miles
I think PCM is an organization that Pasadena needs. It makes a difference. I love my weekly piano lessons and want to help make sure the Conservatory can serve our community well into the future.
Eric Chadwick
Cello has been the next chapter of music for me, having focused mostly on vocal studies in my high school and college years. While I decided to learn cello for my own development and enjoyment, the highlight has been sharing in my son’s journey in learning the cello at the same time. He has studied from a young age, but now we often practice and learn together. We have both advanced to the point where we can enjoy cello duets and trios with our instructor, in addition to our solo repertoire.