Departments

Jazz

Five students playing jazz instruments (guitar, bass, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone)

Jazz

Students enrolled in the Jazz Studies Department learn traditional jazz repertoire, develop improvisational skills, and the ability to perform as soloists and accompanists. A core concept of the curriculum is that keen aural perception is fundamental to mastering the subtleties of jazz and developing excellent musicianship.

In addition to individual instruction, students are strongly encouraged to participate in an ensemble, so that they may apply the skills learned in lessons and master classes to actual performance.

A two-week intensive jazz class is offered in the summer for older children and teenagers who want to continue or begin jazz studies while school is not in session.

Meet Our Jazz Faculty

2026-2027 Youth Courses

September 1, 2026 – June 1, 2027
Tuesdays 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $1,152/$1,080*

Students participate in jazz combos consisting of rhythm sections (i.e. piano, guitar, drum set, and percussion) and various wind instruments. Literature for each group includes an assortment of standard jazz repertoire as well as arrangements and original compositions.

Ages 12+. Open to all instruments. Minimum two years of prior instrumental study required; concurrent private instruction recommended.

Register Here

*discount for students concurrently enrolled in private lessons

2026-2027 Adult Offerings

Fall Semester: August 31, 2026 – January 20, 2027
Spring Semester: January 25, 2027 – June 7, 2027
Mondays: 2:00 – 3:30 pm or 6:30 – 8:00 pm
or Tuesdays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
or Wednesdays: 7:15 – 8:45 pm
or Sundays: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $810

Students learn to play jazz and blues standards in an ensemble setting. Through guided listening, students learn about melody, arrangements, chords, scales, and jazz improvisation.

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

Fall Semester: August 31, 2026 – January 18, 2027
Spring Semester: January 25, 2027 – June 7, 2027
Mondays: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $396

For beginner and intermediate students, this class includes ear training on intervals, triads, and 7th chords. Shelly Berg’s “Essentials of Jazz Theory” provides lessons on scales, chord patterns, and soloing directly applicable to jazz standards. Students bring their instruments (pianos provided) and receive weekly practice assignments tailored to their experience level.

Register Here

Fall Semester: October 23, 2026 – January 1, 2027*
Spring Semester: January 29, 2027 – June 4, 2027
Fridays: 5:30 – 6:30 pm
Instructor: Hank Mehren
Tuition: $396

This course focuses on the beginning mechanics of playing jazz piano, from understanding fundamental chord/scale theory to learning piano voicing that can be used in solo and group playing. These concepts are applied to jazz standards, teaching students the how and why of interpreting lead sheets, melodies, and supporting other musicians.

Register Here

*Contact the front office at 626.683.3355 or music@pasadenaconservatory.org for prorated tuition information

Spring Semester: February 3, 2027 – June 2, 2027 (17 weeks)
Wednesdays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Instructor: Kirk Averitt
Limited time offer: FREE!

Love to sing and curious about jazz? Jazz Voices Ensemble is for adult singers who want to explore the sounds of swing, ballads, and modern vocal jazz in a supportive, collaborative setting. You’ll learn to blend in close harmony, feel and phrase as an ensemble, and try your hand at scatting and simple improvisation. Along the way, you’ll build musicianship skills and improve listening and sightreading.

Singers of all voice types are welcome. Some choral or singing experience is helpful but not required, and no jazz background is necessary. The semester ends with an informal performance for friends and family, a chance to share the music you’ve made together.

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

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

Let's make some music!
Find out how to enroll