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.

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*discount for students concurrently enrolled in private lessons

October 23, 2026 – June 4, 2027
Fridays 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Instructor: Hank Mehren
Tuition: $928

Geared toward experienced young musicians, this advanced combo class emphasizes improvisation, arrangements, original tunes, and individual artistry. Students explore a variety of jazz literature and deepen their understanding of ensemble performance. The session concludes with a featured student concert in the fall and spring.

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

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*discount for students concurrently enrolled in private lessons

2026-2027 Adult Offerings

Fall Semester: August 31, 2026 – January 20, 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
Mondays: 1:00 – 2:00 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $180

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.

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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.

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

Let's make some music!
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