Pasadena Conservatory of Music Director to Step Down After 34-Year Tenure

Stephen McCurry, who transformed the Pasadena Conservatory of Music from a small, rented house on Atchison Street into a nationally recognized music education center operating on a 60,000-square-foot campus in the heart of Pasadena, announced he will retire as its Executive Director in August 2025.

“It has been the honor of my career to serve as PCM’s Executive Director,” McCurry said. “Over the past 34 years, we – our exceptional faculty, staff, board, supporters, students, and families – have accomplished a great deal together. With the completion of our ambitious Common Ground campaign in sight, PCM is about to embark on an exciting, new chapter. As we enter this new phase, it feels like the right time to transition to a new generation of leadership with the vision and passion to build on PCM’s outstanding history of growth and contributions to our community.”

Under McCurry’s leadership, the conservatory experienced substantial growth across all operational metrics. The school’s annual budget expanded from $200,000 to $3.5 million, while its assets grew from $200,000 to $17 million. Administrative staff increased from two to 14 employees.

The announcement comes as PCM nears completion of its $11 million-plus Common Ground initiative, which will introduce a renovated administrative wing, a new music learning center, and an outdoor amphitheater. These additions aim to expand multicultural programming, adult studies, young musicians’ programs, music production capabilities, and develop intergenerational programming for the youngest and oldest in the community.

Founded in 1984, the nationally accredited conservatory provides opportunities for students of all ages and backgrounds to learn, perform, and enjoy music. More than 70 highly accomplished music educators, many of whom are active performers, serve on the faculty. PCM students have gone on to study in almost every major music conservatory and university in the country.

The institution serves over 1,200 students annually through its comprehensive programs, including individual and group instruction, music history courses, masterclasses, summer camps, workshops, and concerts. Its community engagement programs reach an additional 3,000 students throughout the Pasadena Unified School District and San Gabriel Valley. Each year, the Conservatory presents more than 200 performances.

“We can’t thank Stephen enough for putting PCM on the map and setting the stage for its bright, exciting future,” said PCM Board Chair Laurie Sowd.

The board of directors has formed a transition committee and engaged Koya Leadership Partners to conduct a national search for McCurry’s successor, who is expected to be in place for the start of the 2025-2026 school year.