PCM Families
Raymond Kwan, Marla Felber, Anya and Anson
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“We have been a PCM family for 12 years; we even remember the old location in Pasadena in the church hall. Both our children were in the Music for Young Children Program and then proceeded to select instruments to study. Our oldest child Anya has studied violin for eight years and our youngest child Anson has studied viola for two years.
“Anya has had three different teachers at PCM. We have found all of them to be wonderful. Each of them has been the 'right fit' for her at the level she was developmentally and guided her to grow in her playing.
“We think the single biggest asset PCM has is their Friday night recitals. Our youngest child, Anson was performance shy. With his teacher's encouragement, he performed last year every 6 to 8 weeks on Friday nights. Not only did this help his playing ability but gave him greater self-confidence.
“Secondly, where else can you hear professional musicians play for free? Anson selected the viola because he heard Ms. Fogg playing the viola at a concert and decided he too wanted to play the viola.
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Laurie, Rob, Alex and Veronica Mansour
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“I can't really remember too much of our family life before we found PCM. What I do know is that our lives have been forever changed and enriched by our experiences here. I have a vivid memory of taking my 3 year old son to his first Young Musicians class where I watched as a magical light turned on within him. My daughter soon followed suit, and they have been "musicians" ever since. It's hard to believe it's been 9 years , and 3 instruments are still going strong. Who knew our lives would be filled with chamber music and cello orchestras? We could have only dreamed of finding such a nurturing and exciting place to study and experience the wonders of making music. We are so grateful to the exceptional faculty and staff at PCM who continue to inspire us.”
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Hettie Lynne Hurtes & Brandon Schwartz
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Hettie Lynne Hurtes
“My son Brandon has become an inspired music student while studying at the Pasadena Conservatory of Music. He's been playing the piano since the age of five, and, as many parents know, it's really difficult to keep kids interested in practicing. I believe that much of that inspiration comes from the teacher, and Dr. Susan Svrcek provides the perfect model for Brandon. Not only is she a brilliant pianist in her own right, she is also a savvy teacher. Through her blend of discipline and encouragement, Brandon practices nearly every day, despite a heavy high school work load.
“Brandon is also finding his music trio class rewarding. A piano student's life is often a solitary experience. I found this to be the case when I was young. I was thrilled to find PCM offering chamber study, and as soon as Brandon started playing with others his practice time increased. He also began feeling comfortable accompanying singers at school, with the choir teacher selecting him this season as the class ‘piano man.’”
“I love the piano. I don't much love practicing, but as I get older, it's not as frustrating. I actually use it as a much needed respite from my high school work load. I appreciate Dr. Svr?ek's understanding. While she doesn't want me to slack off, she never gets on my case if I have a week of exams, and I can't put in my hour a day.
“The Pasadena Conservatory has been an important part of my life where I can not only learn to play pieces I'm familiar with, but composers I haven't been exposed to. I can also attend master classes at PCM where I learn a lot about performance from a variety of professionals and listen to other students who often provide new ways to interpret music.
“I know I'll have to leave PCM when I go off to college next year, but I'll always remember the school and great staff and who knows, maybe I'll be back to enroll MY kids one day!”
Learn more about Hettie Lynne Hurtes & Brandon Schwartz
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