Guitar
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
August 27, 2024 – May 27, 2025
Tuesdays: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Instructor: Brian Barany
Tuition: $540
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.
Please contact the PCM office at music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626.683.3355 for more information.
August 28, 2024 – May 28, 2025
Wednesdays: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Instructor: Bryan Fasola
Tuition: $540
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.
Please contact the PCM office at music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626.683.3355 for more information.
August 28, 2024 – May 28, 2025
Wednesdays: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Instructor: Bryan Fasola
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.
Please contact the PCM office at music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626.683.3355 for more information.
Schedule TBD by ensemble and instructor
Director: 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
Fall: August 28 – November 13, 2024
Winter: November 20, 2024 – February 26, 2025
Wednesdays: 7:15 – 8:45 pm
Instructor: Dr. Bryan Fasola
Tuition: $480
The Adult Guitar Ensemble gives guitarists the rare but exciting opportunity to play orchestral repertoire on the classical guitar in a group setting. Rehearsals are fun but focused on preparing for a public concert at the end of each semester. All guitarists with some music reading abilities are welcome to join with minimum audition requirements. Meetings are weekly and led by a conductor.
Please contact the PCM office at music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626.683.3355 for more information.
*Summer offering available (see below)
Visit the Fees page for more information about tuition and registration fees.
Summer Offerings
Youth Classes
June 18 – July 30, 2025
Wednesdays: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Instructor: Dr. Brian Barany
Tuition: $154
This course is an introduction to playing guitar. Topics covered include reading music, basic chords, fingerstyle, and strumming. No experience required.
Recommended for ages 10-14. Required Book: Hal Leonard Guitar Method
June 18 – July 30, 2025
Wednesdays: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Instructor: Dr. Brian Barany
Tuition: $154
This course is an introduction to jazz guitar playing for classical guitarists. Topics include scales, basic jazz chords, reading charts, and improvisation.
Ages 14+. Recommended for Suzuki and RCM books 4-9 with little or no jazz experience.
Adult Ensembles
July 2 – August 13, 2025
Wednesdays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Conductors: Dr. Brian Barany and Dr. Bryan Fasola
Tuition: $280
The Adult Guitar Ensemble gives guitarists the rare but exciting opportunity to play orchestral repertoire on the classical guitar in a group setting. Rehearsals are focused on preparing for a public concert. All guitarists with some music reading abilities are welcome to join with minimum audition requirements.
Audition required. Please contact the PCM office at music@pasadenaconservatory.org or 626.683.3355 for more information.