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.
Summer Offerings
Adult Drum Circle
Wednesdays | June 12-July 31
6:30-8 p.m. | Adults
Tuition: $120
Experience the power of rhythm! Each week the class will learn new rhythms based on music from a wide range of cultures, including African, Brazilian, Cuban, and Middle Eastern. Students will play hand drums and a variety of percussion instruments. No musical experience required!
Adult Musical Theater Stage Presence Workshop
Thursdays | June 13 – August 8
6:30-8 p.m. | Adults
Tuition: $120
Join your peers in exploring the world of musical theater through movement, singing, and acting. Throughout the process, students will learn how to research and analyze Broadway’s most famous characters and bring them to life! Students will learn various acting and vocal techniques through the most memorable songs, scenes, and dances in show business!
All levels of experience are welcome!
Baroque to Folk: Introduction to the Recorder
Thursdays | June 13—August 1
10 – 11:30 a.m. | Adults
Tuition: $120
Students will enjoy playing on the alto recorder, a simple instrument with a pleasing tone. With its roots in the Renaissance and Baroque eras of music, the recorder is still popular around the world as a melodic instrument for playing solo or together with friends. We’ll explore early music for the recorder as a way to get our fingers moving, then use our instruments to play along to folk, jazz, and even rock music!
Ukulele Jam: American Songbook
Mondays | June 17 – August 5
10-11:30 a.m.
Tuesdays | June 18 – August 6
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Tuition: $120
Musicians will learn ukulele technique and skills through the music of the American Songbook. With classics from Broadway to our favorite jazz standards, you 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!
Glee Club
Wednesdays | June 19—August 7
10—11:30 a.m. | Adults
Tuition: $120
The Adult 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!
Student Voices
Julia Langer
cello student (2 years), retired
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
with faculty member Elizabeth Babor
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 student (4.5 years), Partner/Portfolio Manager at Flaherty & Crumrine Incorporated
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.