Strings

June 20 – 24, 2025
Monday – Friday: 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Instructor: Brandon Encinas
Tuition: $270

Apply here

Students learn essential chamber skills—including independent thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, listening, agency, leadership, and compromise—all while playing music from the great masters like Mozart and Haydn.

Ages 8 – 13.

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

September 3, 2026 – June 3, 2027
Thursdays: 5:30 – 6:15 pm
Instructor: Nathan Lewis
Tuition: $1,188/648*

Develop accuracy, musical fluency, listening, and artistic understanding in a focused and engaging environment through rhythm training, ear training, sight-singing, and music theory, specifically designed for string players.

Students build the core musical skills that support expressive and confident performance. For students at Suzuki Levels 4-8 or equivalent.

* Discount for students concurrently enrolled in individual lessons at PCM

September 14, 2026 – May 24, 2027
Mondays 4:00 – 4:55 pm
Instructors: Sherry Luchette and Hestor Taylor
Tuition: $1,152

The Suzuki Pre-Twinkle Group Class is the entry point into the PCM Suzuki string program and is designed for very young beginners beginning their musical journey. Rooted in the philosophy of Shinichi Suzuki, this class is based on the belief that every child can develop musical ability in a supportive environment centered on listening, repetition, encouragement, and parent involvement.

Students focus on foundational skills such as instrument setup, posture, bow hold preparation, listening development, and early rhythm work through Twinkle-based activities. The class also helps students build comfort in a group setting and prepares them for a successful transition into Book 1A.

A defining feature of this level is required parent participation and education. Parents attend class weekly and participate in a guided parent talk led by faculty. These sessions focus on home practice strategies, listening routines, and how to support young learners in building consistent, positive practice habits at home. In the Suzuki approach, the parent serves as the home teacher, making this collaboration essential to student success.

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

Fall Semester: September 4, 2026 – January 22, 2027
Fridays: 5:00 – 6:00 pm
Instructor: Natalie Brejcha
Tuition: $810

Summer: June 20 – July 25, 2026
Saturdays: 10:00 – 11:30 am
Instructor: Natalie Brejcha
Tuition: $210

Come make music with your peers in a relaxed but lively setting where everyone—from the beginner to the seasoned expert—can participate at their level of ability and comfort. Together students discover and play folk music from around the world starting with American Roots Music (Fiddle tunes, Bluegrass, Country, and Blues).

The ensemble is open to all instruments—but particularly chorded instruments like acoustic guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, and solo instruments like violin, viola, and cello. This class is most suitable for students who can play at least C G D A E chords on their instruments or are comfortable learning melodies by ear.

Register here

Fall Semester: September 3, 2026 – January 21, 2027
Thursdays: 2:45 – 4:15 pm
Instructors: Erika Walczak and Peter Jacobson
Tuition: $810 (Material Fee: $15 per semester)

Summer: July 9 – August 13, 2026
Thursdays: 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Instructors: Erika Walczak and Peter Jacobson
Tuition: $252

For adults new to string ensemble, this class focuses on fundamentals: tone production, intonation, reading, and playing in an ensemble setting.

Register here

Fall Semester: September 3, 2026 – January 21, 2027
Thursdays: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Instructors: Erika Walczak and Peter Jacobson
Tuition: $810 (Material Fee: $15 per semester)

Summer: July 9 – August 13, 2026
Thursdays: 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Instructor: Erika Walczak and Peter Jacobson
Tuition: $252

Students acquire ensemble technique while learning just enough about music theory, history, ear training, and healthy practice habits to support their development as a whole musician.

Register here