Pasadena Conservatory of Music Opens New Learning Center with Community Celebration

The Pasadena Conservatory of Music will officially open its new Learning Center to the public Aug. 16 with a free open house featuring concerts, demonstrations and facility tours. 

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 100 North Hill Avenue and marks the completion of PCM’s $11 million Common Ground capital campaign. 

The new two-story Learning Center includes six classrooms and six studios on the first floor. The second floor houses teaching studios, instruction spaces and a music technology lab. 

The expansion also features a new outdoor amphitheater connecting to the main building. A bridge and walkway link the Learning Center to the historic campus. 

PCM serves more than 1,200 students annually. The conservatory’s outreach programs reach over 3,000 students in area schools. 

The open house begins at 10 a.m. with check-in and coffee in the courtyard. Visitors receive tote bags and bingo cards to guide their exploration. 

Programming includes simultaneous activities across multiple time slots. The first session features Mariachi Pasadena folk songs, musical storytime and student performances. 

Later sessions showcase faculty performances, drum circles and the new Music Tech Lab. The lab features industry-standard software Logic Pro. 

A Jazz Faculty Combo will perform in the amphitheater. The conservatory’s Glee Club and Young Musicians programs will also demonstrate their work. 

The event concludes at 1:30 p.m. with World Music faculty performing in Webster Amphitheater. 

The open house coincides with a leadership transition at PCM. Executive Director Stephen McCurry retires in August after 34 years. 

Under McCurry’s leadership, the conservatory’s annual budget grew from $200,000 to $3.5 million. Assets expanded from $200,000 to $17 million.

Dr. Stephen Cook will assume the role of Executive Director. Cook has served as Chair of PCM’s Piano Department since 2014. 

The conservatory was founded in 1983 by music teachers Wynne Stone and Silke Sauppé. PCM’s main building was constructed in 1929 as a chapel. 

Its mission emphasizes that music is a fundamental aspect of the human experience. It commits to fostering “a community that respects and embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion.” 

Construction of the Learning Center began in December 2023. The project was managed by Morley Builders with architectural services by Architectural Resources Group. 

Faculty leading demonstrations include World Music Department Chair Megan Shung and Young Musicians Chair Rachael Denny. The Mariachi Pasadena program was founded by Grammy Award-winning band leader Jaime “Jimmy” Cuéllar. 

The conservatory offers performance venues including Barrett Hall, a 110-seat recital hall. The PCM Auditorium accommodates up to 140 guests. 

Visitors who register for lessons or classes during the open house receive free PCM Yeti mugs. RSVPs are encouraged through https://pasadenaconservatory.org/open-house/.