College Preparatory


The College Preparatory Program provides students a comprehensive and structured course of music study that prepares students to major in music at the college level with the strongest possible competitive advantage in the college admission process. The program is open to students in grades seven and above. Typically, four years are required to complete the program.

NOW ENROLLING: To inquiry please e-mail College Prep Chair, Susan Svreck at collegeprep@pasadenaconservatory.org

 

Admittance Policy

Students must audition for admittance to the program with the recommendation of their principal instructor. Students admitted into the program will be counseled by the department chair of the student's primary musical instrument.

Program Requirements

To complete the program, students must satisfy the following requirements
  • Performance
    • Students must demonstrate instrumental proficiency at an advanced level and will be enrolled in applied music lessons for the duration of the program.
    • Students will perform in at least three recitals each school year.
    • Students will present a 30-minute junior recital and a 60-minute senior recital. Exceptions apply to students in the voice and woodwinds/brass/percussion departments, who will present junior and senior recitals that are 25 minutes and 35 minutes in length, respectively.
    • Students at the high school level are required to participate in a minimum of one repertoire class or one master class each year of enrollment at PCM.
  • Theory
    • Students must demonstrate an understanding of music theory and will acquire musicianship skills sufficient to pass Musicianship and Harmony II (3rd year theory) exam. Students may also optionally sit for the AP theory exam.
    • Students must demonstrate keyboard skills sufficient to play harmonic progressions.
  • History
    • Students must demonstrate an understanding of musical styles and genres sufficient to pass the Music History Survey exam.
  • Ensembles
    • Instrumental students will participate in an ensemble program offered at the Conservatory for at least two years.
  • Critical Listening
    • Students must attend and review at least two concerts per quarter, consisting of at least four professional concerts and no more than two Conservatory faculty or guest artist concerts per year.
  • Program Portfolio
    • Students must prepare a portfolio that includes the following:
      • Summary of music study and enrollment history
      • Repertoire or composition inventory
      • Performance history, including participation in repertoire and master classes, recitals and concerts as well as special appearances.
      • A compilation student's concert reviews
      • Student performance recordings or manuscripts and recordings for theory/composition classes.

Courses of Study

All students enrolled in the College Preparatory Program are expected to enroll and complete the following courses or demonstrate proficiency in the curriculum offered in each course.

Fundamentals of Music (3 quarters) is the first course in the three-part theory track. The course introduces students to the principles of notation, scales, intervals, triads, harmonic function, seventh chords, ear-training, sight-singing and analysis of musical works.

Harmony and Musicianship I (3 quarters) is the second course of the three-part theory track. Students study harmony and analysis, including scales, chords with inversions, chord progressions, four-part harmonization and voice-leading, cadences, non-harmonic tones, seventh chords, secondary dominants, figured bass, modulation and harmonization of melodies.

Harmony and Musicianship II (3 quarters). Students completing this course are prepared to sit for the AP exam, if they choose.

 

To inquiry please e-mail College Prep Chair, Susan Svreck at ssvrcek@pasadenaconservatory.org