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 30, 2022 – May 31, 2023
Tuesdays: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Instructor: Brian Barany
Tuition:$450

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 30, 2022 – May 31, 2023
Wednesdays: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Instructor: Bryan Fasola
Tuition:$450

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 30, 2022 – May 31, 2023
Wednesdays: 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Instructor: Bryan Fasola
Tuition:$450

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.

June 28 – August 16
Schedule and Instructors varies
Tuition: $320

August 20, 2022 – May 31, 2023
Instructor: Scott Tennant
Annual Tuition: $450

Meeting times to be determined by the participants and instructors.

Students are placed into guitar duos, trios, or quartets based on skill level and preference. Groups receive 8, one-hour coaching sessions, a master class, and perform in a final concert.

Contact the front office at 626.683.3355 or music@pasadenaconservatory.org for more information.

Adult Ensembles

Wednesdays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Instructor: Dr. Bryan Fasola
Tuition: $450

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.

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