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

September 2, 2026 – June 2, 2027
Wednesdays 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Instructor: Ahmet Türkmenoğlu
Tuition: $1,152/$1,080*

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.

Register Here

*discount for students concurrently enrolled in private lessons

September 2, 2026 – June 2, 2027
Wednesdays: 5:10 – 5:55pm
Instructor: Ahmet Türkmenoğlu
Tuition: $1,188/648*

This class introduces young musicians to the building blocks of jazz, including scales, chords, rhythm, and basic improvisation. Students learn how jazz works “from the inside out” through interactive activities, listening, and playing. Perfect for beginners or those new to jazz, this course builds a strong foundation for confident musicianship and creativity.

Ages 12+ are invited to enroll.

Register Here

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
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $810

Summer: June 8 – August 15, 2026
Mondays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
or Wednesdays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
or Thursdays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
or Saturdays: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $336

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.

Register Here

Summer Youth Offerings

June 8 – 19, 2026
Monday – Friday: 2:00 – 6:00 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette (Week 1) and Nicole McCabe (Week 2)
Tuition: $985

This two-week course develops foundations of jazz improvisation, theory, and history. Students study with some of L.A.’s great jazz teachers, gain a comprehensive knowledge of jazz traditions, participate in daily master classes, learn to play pieces by jazz masters, and perform in an end-of-workshop concert.

Age 12+ invited to enroll. All instruments welcome, no previous jazz experience required.

Register here

June 23 –July 21, 2026
Tuesdays: 2:00 – 4:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $375

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

Age 12+. Students of all instruments may enroll. At least two years of previous instrumental study required.

Register here

Summer Adult Offerings

June 8 – August 13, 2026
Mondays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
or Wednesdays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
or Thursdays: 7:00 – 8:30 pm
or Saturdays: 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $336

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

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

July 27 – 31, 2025
Monday – Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $895

Students will participate daily in Jazz Combo rehearsal, Jazz Theory and Ear Training, Jazz Improvisation, and Jazz History class. The end of the week intensive will culminate in a Friday evening performance by all participants. Daily Instrument Feature of Piano, Bass, Drums, Guitar & Saxophone.

Register here

June 13 – August 15, 2026
Saturdays: 12:30 – 1:30 pm
Instructor: Sherry Luchette
Tuition: $160

The Adult Studies Jazz Theory class is for beginner to intermediate levels. This class includes ear training drills on music intervals, triads, and 7th chords. Students study lesson topics from Shelly Berg’s “Essentials of Jazz Theory,” including various scales, chord patterns, and soloing exercises that can be directly applied to jazz standards. Students bring their instruments (pianos provided) and are given weekly practice assignments in line with their experience level.

*No classes July 4 or August 8

Register here

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

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