Applications for the 2026-2027 Chamber Music Program are open!
The PCM Chamber Music Program offers one of the most comprehensive chamber music programs available to pre-college students in Southern California. Aiming to instill a lifelong appreciation for chamber music and to develop students into thoughtful, collaborative musicians. Students are coached weekly by members of PCM’s wonderful chamber faculty.
Ensembles from the program have won top prizes at chamber music competitions, and alumni have gone on to perform in professional string quartets and ensembles worldwide.
Instrumental students are eligible, by audition, to participate in PCM’s chamber music program. Chamber groups are formed for instrumentalists and pianists based on skill level. Auditions are via video submission. Ages 8+.
August 25, 2025 – May 18, 2026
Mondays 7:15 – 9:15 pm
Instructors: Aimée Kreston, Andrew Cook, Elizabeth Hedman, Patrick Rosalez, Tomsen Su, Simone Vitucci, and Erika Walczak
Tuition: $1,620/$1,440*
Instrumental students are eligible, by audition, to participate in PCM’s chamber music program. Chamber groups are formed for string players and pianists based on skill level. Auditions are via video submission. Ages 11+.
Call 626.683.3355 or email music@pasadenaconservatory.org for more information
*Discount for students concurrently enrolled in individual lessons
July 20 – 24, 2026
Monday through Friday: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Brandon Encinas
Tuition: $270
Students learn essential chamber skills—including independent thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, listening, agency, leadership, and compromise—all while playing music from the great masters like Mozart and Haydn.
Ages 8 – 13.
Contact the PCM office at music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626.683.3355 for more information.
June 14 – 21, 2026
Sunday – Sunday: 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (6/14 orientation day starts at 2:00)
Director: Aimée Kreston
Tuition: $875
For intermediate to advanced students, our Chamber Music Intensive offers an exciting deep dive into chamber music. The intensive is led by String Department Chair, Aimée Kreston, and is assisted by nationally recognized coaches and teachers. The week includes daily coachings, rehearsals, guest artist recitals, master classes, lectures, and more. It is an intense but fun week!
Accepting applications from students ages 11–18. New and returning students must apply and submit a video to be considered. Qualifying students who apply before January 15 are given priority to available scholarships. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the program fills up.
Contact the PCM office at music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626.683.3355 for more information.
*Summer offering only
Enrollment is by audition only. See drop down for more information and applications.
Mondays from 6:00 – 7:00 pm beginning September 14, 2026.
The Chamber Foundation program is for intermediate players who are exploring chamber music for the first time. Students will learn from a curated curriculum that will help develop primary chamber skills—including independent thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, listening, agency, leadership, and compromise—all while playing music from the great masters like Mozart and Haydn. Groups will meet once per week from 6:00PM-7:00PM on Mondays for rehearsal and coaching.
Audition requirements: 1 (one) 2 octave scale, 1 (one) 2 octave arpeggio and two contrasting solo pieces (Suzuki book 4+ with or without accompanist).
Age Requirement: 8+ years old
*Discount for students concurrently enrolled in individual lessons
Mondays from 7:15 – 9:15 pm beginning August 31, 2026.
Tuition: 1800/1620*
The PCM Chamber program is for instrumentalists and pianists who are looking for a fulfilling chamber experience. Groups meet weekly for two hours of coaching and rehearsal. All groups will have at least two performances per school year. Current students in the program must apply, but are not required to re-audition.
Audition requirements (String and Piano): 1 (one) 3 octave scale and two contrasting solo pieces (with or without accompanist).
Age Requirement: 11-18 years old
Audition requirements (Winds, Brass, and Percussion): One scale demonstrating comfortable range on the instrument. Two contrasting works (solos, etudes, etc.): one lyrical and one technical.
Age Requirement: 11-18 years old or at least two years of playing experience.
*Discount for students concurrently enrolled in individual lessons
Mondays from 7:15 – 9:15 pm beginning August 31, 2026.
Tuition: $2160/1980*
The Honors Program is designed for serious and dedicated young musicians who are seeking the highest level of playing and music making. Students must allot at least two hours weekly to coachings and are expected to rehearse at least two hours a week. All groups are encouraged to compete and will be held to the highest standards.
Audition requirements (Strings and Piano): 2 (two) 3 octave scales, two contrasting solo pieces (with or without accompanist), one chamber piece with any previous ensemble (Strings and Piano).
Audition requirements (Winds, Brass, and Percussion): One scale demonstrating comfortable range on the instrument. Two contrasting works (solos, etudes, etc.): one lyrical and one technical. One chamber piece with any previous ensemble.
Age Requirement: 11-18 years old
*Discount for students concurrently enrolled in individual lessons
Meet Our Chamber Music Faculty
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Andrew Cook
Artist-TeacherStringscelloChamber Musiccello -
Aimée Kreston
Artist-Teacher and String Department ChairStringsviolinChamber Musicviolin -
Kathryn Eames
Piano Department ChairPianoMusic Production, Theory, and CompositionChamber MusicPiano -
Elizabeth Hedman
StringsViolinChamber MusicViolin -
Patrick Rosalez
Stringsviolin, violaChamber Music -
Tomsen Su
Chamber Music Department ChairStringsCelloChamber MusicCello -
Erika Walczak
Stringsviolin, violaAdult StudiesChamber Music
Visit the Fees page for more information about tuition and registration fees.