Three students playing classical guitar

Guitar

The Guitar Department focuses on teaching technical proficiency to independent learners. Through a sequential curriculum, students learn to express themselves musically and acquire the skills to successfully participate in ensemble playing. Students enroll in both a weekly private lesson and a weekly ensemble. Adult students seeking an opportunity to practice and perform with peer musicians in an ensemble setting may join our Adult Guitar Orchestra.

Ensemble Program

The ensemble program supplements individual lessons. All students are required to enroll in a minimum of two years of Guitar Ensemble (Suzuki Group Classes or Orchestra). Classes cover activities in reading, solo performance and ensemble playing. Classes meet once per week and are divided into various skill levels. Students are placed in ensembles by their teacher or through audition. All students in the program must enroll for the entire school year while also studying guitar privately. Ensembles perform in recitals three times per year.

Youth Ensembles

We offer private lessons as well as group and ensemble classes.

August 29, 2023 – June 1, 2024
Tuesdays: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Instructor: Brian Barany
Tuition:$504

A class designed with the beginning student in mind, this class is meant to support the Suzuki method private lesson in a group environment. Topics covered include technique, repertoire reinforcement, introduction to ensemble playing as well as introduction to music notation.

Necessary materials: guitar, footstool, tuner, and book 1.

August 29, 2023 – June 1, 2024
Wednesdays: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Instructor: Bryan Fasola
Tuition:$504

This course focuses on playing guitar ensemble music, students will learn to play trio and quartet music in a group environment. Topics covered include counting rhythms and following a conductor, reading music notation and interpretation and phrasing.

Necessary materials: guitar, footstool, and tuner.

August 29, 2023 – June 1, 2024
Wednesdays: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Instructor: Bryan Fasola
Tuition:$504

This course covers more advanced repertoire, including more complex musical challenges in interpretation, technique, and reading. Recommended for advanced students with previous experience playing in the intermediate ensemble.

Necessary materials: guitar, footstool, and tuner.

Schedule TBD by ensemble and instructor
Director: Dr. Brian Barany (Summer) and Scott Tennant (Fall-Spring)

Students are placed in guitar duos, trios, or quartets based on skill level and preference. Groups receive one-hour coaching sessions.

Please contact the PCM office at music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626.683.3355 for more information. Audition required.

Adult Ensembles

August 30 – November 15, 2023
Wednesdays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Instructor: Dr. 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.

Please contact the PCM office at music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626.683.3355 for more information. 

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