World Music
PCM’s World Music Department explores diverse musical traditions from around the world, celebrating the universal language of music. Through our ensembles, students explore the rhythmic beats, enchanting melodies, and unique expressions that span various cultural traditions.
Meet Our World Music Faculty
Ensemble Offerings
Fall Semester: September 6, 2026 – January 24, 2027
Adult Ensemble
Sundays: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Youth Ensemble*
Sundays: 3:10 – 5:10 pm
Instructors: Celia Yu Liu, Susan She, and Xiaobo Li
Tuition: $900
This course offers an immersive introduction to Chinese folk music through hands-on study of the pipa, guzheng, or erhu. Students choose one instrument (provided free for the first quarter of instruction) and explore the historical and cultural contexts of regional Chinese musical traditions while developing fundamental performance techniques. Emphasis is placed on listening, imitation, ensemble playing, and expressive interpretation.
No prior experience with Chinese instruments is required. Students have 50 minutes of instrument-specific instruction in a group setting followed by a 60-minute rehearsal combining all three instruments to create a Chinese folk ensemble.
Register Here (Guzheng – Adult)
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.
Fall Semester: September 1, 2026 – January 19, 2027
Tuesdays: 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Instructor: TBD
Tuition: $450
Mariachi Pasadena! students learn to play and sing mariachi standards in an ensemble setting. This includes learning songs and instrumental tunes from all over Mexico and Latin America.
Adult and youth ages 12+.
Visit the Fees page for more information about tuition and registration fees.