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
or Tuesdays | 6:30 – 8:00 pm
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!
Choose either morning or evening sessions.
Instructor: Lindsay Dodoras
Wednesdays | 10:00 – 11:30 am
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
Delve into the Smithsonian World Folkways archive of recordings and videos with certified instructor, Rachael Doudrick. This 10-week tour around the globe will sample musical cultures from every inhabited continent and feature active music-making in a variety of musical styles.
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Thursdays | 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).
Register for the Beginner Jazz Combo here.
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Thursdays | 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).
Register for the Intermediate/Advanced Jazz Combo here.
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.
Register here.
Instructor: Sarkis Baltaian
Tuesdays: 9:00-11:15 am (January 12 – March 16, 2021)
Check back soon for registration information!
This class examines and explores in depth the keyboard suite repertoire from the Baroque period through 20th Century. Representative works include suites by G. Frescobaldi, J. Chambonnieres, L. Couperin, J. D’Anglebert, J. Blow, H. Purcell, J. Froberger, D. Buxtehude, F. Couperin, J. Rameau, G. F. Handel, J. S. Bach, E. Grieg, I. Albeniz, C. Debussy, M. Ravel, A. Schoenberg, B. Bartok, S. Prokofiev and G. Enescu.
Instructor: Dr. Nic Gerpe
Thursdays: 9:30 – 11:30 am (December 10, 2020 – February 25, 2021)
In the winter session of Dr. Nic Gerpe’s series covering the history of new music, we focus on composers from China, Japan, and India; as well as the influence of Asian and Indian music on Western composers such as Lou Harrison and Olivier Messiaen.
Instructor: Dimitris Dodoras
Fridays: 9:30 – 11:00 am (December 11, 2020 – February 26, 2021)
Check back soon for registration information!
In this class, we will discuss major film genres and the development of their film scores over time. We will explore the characteristics of film music, ranging from drama to comedy to suspense and fantasy – discussing the distinct components of the genre and how it has transformed through the decades.
Instructor: Dr. Ray Briggs
Fridays: 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. (January 15 – March 19, 2021)
This class explores the life and music of Louis Armstrong — a musician, composer, singer, and actor who became one of the most influential figures in jazz history.
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.