PCM Launches Matching Challenge to Close Out $11M Capital Campaign

Construction site

Pasadena Conservatory of Music supporters have a special opportunity to double their investment in PCM and help close out our $11M Common Ground capital campaign.

Thanks to longtime supporters June and Simon Li, Jerry and Terri Kohl, and Karen Hillenburg, gifts to the campaign will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $500,000. We have made great strides towards meeting the match and now, to cross the finish line, we need to raise $150,000.

The campus development project includes a renovated administrative wing, and the construction of a music learning center and outdoor amphitheater with new classrooms and performance spaces that will:

  • Expand multicultural programming
  • Expand programming in Adult Studies, Young Musicians, and Music Production
  • Help develop intergenerational programming for the youngest and oldest in our community
A group in hard hats tours the construction of Common Ground

A hard hat tour of the music learning center.

The administrative wing is scheduled to open this fall and the new music learning center remains under construction and slated to open in spring 2025.

Four people in hard hats pose for the camera

John Baldeschwieler, Marlene Konnar, Fritzie Culick, and Ernie Robles on a recent hard hat tour.

“Terri and I are thrilled to help PCM close out their Common Ground campaign,” said Jerry Kohl. “They [PCM] provide so many wonderful opportunities to bring people together through music. This new learning center and amphitheater will completely transform the campus, help serve even more people, and have a truly amazing impact on our community. We are proud to be part of this challenge!”

“We are really fortunate to have such generous supporters that embody the spirit of PCM and share our vision of helping students discover joy, excellence, and community through music. This matching challenge will inspire gifts both large and small from a wide range of constituencies. It is the perfect way to wrap up the campaign – helping us to remain a leader in music education and deepening our commitment to teaching the musicians, music educators, and audiences of the future.” said Executive Director, Stephen McCurry.

Board member and longtime PCM supporter, June Li, added that “…the Common Ground campaign focuses on many of the reasons I support PCM. Common Ground reminds us of the importance of creating common spaces that re-imagine how different generations with diverse cultural backgrounds can learn and grow together. Simon and I are delighted to help PCM close out the Common Ground campaign with this matching challenge.”

Join the challenge!

Four people in hard hats tour a construction site

Another recent hard hat tour in progress.

About The Pasadena Conservatory of Music

The Pasadena Conservatory of Music provides opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds to learn, perform, and enjoy music. Founded in 1984, the Pasadena Conservatory of Music is a nationally-accredited community music school that offers a wide range of programs, including individual and group instruction, music history courses, master classes, summer camps, workshops, and concerts.

Each year, the Conservatory presents 200+ performances. More than 1,000 students attend the school annually and over 3,000 students in schools throughout the Pasadena Unified School District benefit from its extensive community engagement programs.

To learn more, please visit us at pasadenaconservatory.org.