Adult Studies
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.
Ensemble Offerings
PCM offers a number of opportunities to perform with other musicians. Please call 626.683.3355 for more information.
Ukulele
August 31 – November 16, 2022
Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Instructor: Crystal Peralta
Tuition: $192
All are welcome to join the introductory course to ukulele! With classics from Broadway to favorite jazz standards, students learn the basics to be able to perform these timeless tunes.
August 30 – November 17, 2022
Tuesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 pm or Thursdays: 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Instructor: Crystal Peralta
Tuition: $192
Students continue their exploration of the American Songbook for ukulele. With classics from Broadway to jazz standards, students learn the mechanics behind these songs and how to perform them live. Ukulele players experiment with song arranging and learn the musical terminology needed to communicate with fellow musicians.
Orff
September 1 – November 17, 2022
Thursdays: 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Instructor: Rachael Doudrick
Tuition: $192
Students learn, create, and perform music in the Orff-Schulwerk style: a process that begins with simple songs, patterns, movement, and body percussion, and evolves into sophisticated music making.
Recorder
September 1 – November 17, 2022
Thursdays: 9:30 – 11:00 am
Instructor: Rachael Doudrick
Tuition: $192
Students play soprano, alto, and tenor recorders in small consorts, with an emphasis on individual musicianship within the ensemble. Students explore music written and arranged specifically for the recorder, from early music of the Renaissance and Baroque to contemporary arrangements of popular music.
Chamber Music
Schedule TBD*
Instructor: Erika Walczak
Tuition: $450
Students will develop ensemble chops while learning just enough about music theory, history, ear training and healthy practice habits to support their journey as a whole musician.
*Meeting times to be determined by the participants and instructor.
Schedule TBD*
Instructor: Barbara Mullens-Geier
Tuition: $300
Students in the adult flute ensemble will have the opportunity to sight read, develop better listening skills, improve rhythmic accuracy, and learn and perform ensemble repertoire.
*Meeting times to be determined by the participants and instructor.
August 30 – November 16, 2022
Wednesdays: 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Instructor: Bryan Fasola
Tuition: $300
This is a performance-oriented ensemble for adult amateurs. The ensemble studies and performs original and arranged works for guitar orchestra, with two to four instruments per part, and is led by a conductor. Admittance is by audition.
Jazz Combos
September 3 – November 19, 2022
Saturdays: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $450
Students learn to play jazz and blues standards in an ensemble setting. Through guided listening, students learn about melody, arrangements, chords, scales, and jazz improvisation.
Accordion
June 18 – August 6
Saturdays: 1:30 – 2:30 pm
Instructor: Sharon Weed
Tuition: $200
In this intergenerational class, students learn accordion basics, techniques, and simple tunes.
Age 12 to adult. Students must bring their own accordion.
World Music
August 29 – November 14, 2022
Mondays: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Instructors: Sarah Bauza
Tuition: $192
Mariachi Pasadena! students will learn to play and sing mariachi standards in an ensemble setting. This includes learning songs and instrumental tunes from all over Mexico and Latin America.
August 30 – November 15, 2022
Tuesdays: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Instructors: Clarice Cast and Stevie Ray Hernandez
Tuition: $192
The course focuses on beginning techniques and rhythms as they apply to Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian percussion. The class incorporates the musical styles of son, rumba, salsa, latin-jazz, samba, bossa-nova, and merengue. Sticks and a drum practice pad required.
August 30 – November 15, 2022
Tuesdays: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Instructors: Clarice Cast and Stevie Ray Hernandez
Tuition: $192
For those with previous experience, this course explores Latin percussion techniques while focusing on the rhythms of son, salsa, rumba, and samba.
Although PCM will provide instruments during class, students will be required to purchase a practice drum pad and proper drum sticks.
August 30 – November 15, 2022
Tuesdays: 7:00 – 8:00 pm
Instructors: Clarice Cast and Stevie Ray Hernandez
Tuition: $192
This class is open to anyone who enjoys drumming with others to create a sound experience. This is going to be fun! All levels are welcome and instruments will be provided.
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 to the front office at 626.683.3355 or music@pasadenaconservatory.org.
Fall Theory & History Courses
September 12 – November 14, 2022
Mondays: 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Instructor: Dr. Nicole Baker
Tuition: $320
Explore the music of cathedrals and courts – from ethereal chant and choral motets to bawdy madrigals and catchy dance tunes – in a survey of music from Antiquity to the dawn of the 17th century. Students discover some of the greatest music ever composed, as we learn about works by Guillaume de Machaut, Josquin des Prez, Tomás Luis de Victoria, Orlandus Lassus, Claudio Monteverdi, and many others.
September 13 – November 15, 2022
Tuesdays: 9:00 – 11:00 am
Instructor: Dr. Sarkis Baltaian
Tuition: $320
This class examines performance styles and characteristics of some of the greatest women pianists of the past. The body of work of such pianists as Rosina Lhévinne, Myra Hess, Clara Haskil, Marcelle Meyer, Maria Yudina, Maria Grinberg, Rosalyn Tureck, Annie Fischer, Alicia de Larrocha, and Tatiana Nikolayeva are studied through analysis of recordings.
September 22 – December 1, 2022
Thursdays: 9:30 – 11:45 am
Instructor: Brian Lauritzen
Tuition: $320
The Symphony has always been a driver of innovation in classical music, an opportunity for composers to showcase who they are as artists. This course explores some of the most influential symphonies by composers who saw the art form’s potential and wrote to change the future of classical music. It will culminate with discussions about where the Symphony as an art form is now and where it’s headed.
September 16 – November 18, 2022
Fridays: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Instructor: Dr. Ray Briggs
Tuition: $320
What happens when American youth experience the power of the Black church translated into popular music form? As the country was in the throes of the Civil Rights movement in the mid-1950s through the 1960s American popular music was revitalized with a jolt from a new type of Black secular music, one with roots in Black sacred tradition. Branded as Soul Music, this form echoed the strong emotions and pleas for freedom associated with the Civil Rights struggle. As the first installment of a two-part series, this course traces the origins and early development of Soul Music through a survey of significant artists and instrumental record labels.
August 30 – November 15, 2022
Tuesdays: 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Instructor: Dr. Kathryn Eames
Tuition: $192
Using Royal Conservatory curriculum, students refresh their knowledge and expand their horizons through sequenced instruction in music theory. This course is for beginners through intermediate singers and players. The Royal Conservatory Prep** book is required ($19.95).
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August 30 – November 14, 2022
Tuesdays: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Instructor: Dr. Kathryn Eames
Tuition: $192
Using Royal Conservatory curriculum, students continue to expand their horizons through sequenced instruction in music theory. This course is for intermediate singers and players who have completed Intro to Music Theory. The Royal Conservatory Level 2** book is required*($19.95).
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.