Pasadena Conservatory of Music Appoints New Executive Director

The Pasadena Conservatory of Music has appointed Stephen Cook as its new Executive Director following a comprehensive, national search.

Cook, who currently serves as Chair of the Piano Department at Pasadena Conservatory of Music, will assume leadership after current director Stephen McCurry retires in August. The appointment aims to build upon the conservatory’s established legacy while expanding its reach throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

“Stephen Cook is the right person to lead Pasadena Conservatory of Music through this next chapter,” said outgoing Executive Director Stephen McCurry. “He’s already a big part of our community and culture. I’m confident that under his leadership Pasadena Conservatory of Music will continue to grow and flourish.”

Prior to this appointment, Cook served as Principal of Arts at the California School of the Arts — San Gabriel Valley (CSArts-SGV) and was a founding member of the administrative team that opened the school in 2017. During his tenure, he increased the school’s enrollment to 1,300 students with 45 full-time academic teachers, 175 adjunct arts instructors, and 25 administrative staff members. Under his leadership, CSArts-SGV achieved notable rankings, including the #2 Best Charter High School in California and 5th Best High School for the Arts nationally by niche.com.

Cook, who received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Southern California, brings 12 years of experience as a Pasadena Conservatory of Music faculty member. He has served as Chair of the Piano Department since 2014.

“I will truly miss Stephen McCurry’s leadership,” Cook said. “I can’t wait to get started and, together with Pasadena Conservatory of Music’s incredible faculty and staff, I am committed to seeing the Conservatory thrive and grow into an even greater presence in the San Gabriel Valley.”

His extensive background includes positions at the Colburn School of Performing Arts, Orange County School of the Arts, Whittier College, and service on the Executive Board of the California Association of Professional Music Teachers.

Laurie Sowd, Pasadena Conservatory of Music Board Chair and transition committee member, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment: “Pasadena Conservatory of Music’s transition committee and Board of Directors couldn’t be more excited to have a candidate with Cook’s experience and vision filling the role of Executive Director and building upon Stephen McCurry’s remarkable legacy.”

Founded in 1984, the Pasadena Conservatory of Music provides opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds to learn, perform, and enjoy music. The nationally accredited community music school offers a wide range of programs, including individual and group instruction, music history courses, masterclasses, summer camps, workshops, and concerts.

The Conservatory serves more than 1,200 students annually and presents over 200 performances each year. More than 3,000 students in schools throughout the Pasadena Unified School District and San Gabriel Valley benefit from its extensive community engagement programs.

The Pasadena Conservatory of Music is located at 100 North Hill Avenue in Pasadena. For more information,visit pasadenaconservatory.org.