Pacific Conservatory of Music

Did you know that the conservatory students can reach out to a designated staff therapist if they need mental health support? Katy Pruitt is a licensed marriage & family therapist with an almost 20-year career. She encourages students to take a proactive approach and reach out as soon as they start experiencing difficulty concentrating or sleeping, feelings of self-doubt or are engaging in negative self-talk.

New counseling model aims to enhance student mental wellness There is a new face on campus. Katy Pruitt, staff therapist II, joined Pacific in January 2024. Pacific has adopted a new model for supporting the overall well-being of students, embedding counseling professionals in the schools and integrating them into campus life. Pruitt supports students from th...

Over 100 high school students participated in the music sessions of 2024 Pacific Summer High School Institute. We are grateful to the conservatory faculty & alumni who provided the students with invaluable experiences in making music & growing their musicianship!

Conservatory's Program Director of Music Composition Andrew Conklin is among the 8 faculty fellows selected to take a scientific look at teaching to better adapt to the unique learning needs of 21st century students. Professor Conklin plans to study the ways artificial intelligence can be used in music. Learn more at pacific.edu/pacific-newsroom/faculty-fellows-program-embraces-science-learning

Did you know that Pacific's Conservatory of Music offers 11 imaginative undergraduate & graduate degree programs? This summer we'd like to highlight them through the experiences of our students & faculty. Let's begin with Master of Music in Music Education— an individualized program that caters to specific career goals with an unparalleled level of real world experience.

Master of Music in Music Education University of the Pacific’s Master of Music in Music Education is a flexible graduate program that allows students to pursue their passion for teaching while...

University of the Pacific received 4.5 out of five stars in the recent report, with only 7% of the nation’s top 745 colleges and universities earning higher ratings. If you are considering studying music at Pacific's conservatory, contact us at 209.946.2418 or [email protected].

Money magazine names Pacific one of America’s best colleges University of the Pacific has once again been named one of America’s best colleges by Money magazine, earning 4.5 out of five stars in a new report.

Save the date for Dave Brubeck's Pange Lingua Variations at the Cathedral of the Blessed in Sacramento, July 6 at 8 pm. Pianist Joe Gilman, the 2005 winner of conservatory's first Brubeck Scholar award, will play along Grammy-nominated musicians Chris & Dan Brubeck. Pre-concert lecture will be presented by musicologist Dr. Erick Arenas '02 who performed Pange Lingua Variations as a student at Pacific under Dave Brubeck's guidance.

Conservatory alumna Sharon Su, Pianist '12 talks on GBH The Culture Show about her work on Florence Price's music. Price was a Black composer born in Arkansas in 1887. Take a listen!

Pianist Sharon Su found errors in sheet music she loved. So, she fixed it. Pianist Sharon Su fell in love with a Florence Price composition, and then received an error-riddled version of the sheet music.

Pacific Opera Theatre Director & Professor James Haffner is a national finalist in the college/university theater/musical theater division of The American Prize in Directing—The Charles Nelson Reilly Prize, 2024. Congratulations Professor Haffner!
The American Prize National Nonprofit Competitions in the Performing Arts recognizes and reward the best performing artists, directors, ensembles a& composers in the U.S. at professional, college/university, community and high school levels, based on submitted recordings.

Congratulations to the graduates of the music industry session of Pacific Summer High School Institute! This exciting program explored the world of sound design, recording, publishing, licensing & other aspects driving the $900 billion sector of U.S. economy. The students learned under the guidance of the conservatory alumni, faculty & established music industry professionals. To learn what music programs are offered in session II, visit pacific.edu/about-pacific/summer/precollege-summer-program/learning

Adding mariachi to school music curricula is now a nationwide movement. Mariachi Ocelotlán at the University of The Pacific was launched in 2019 by Luis “Tito” Talamantes ’24 (MM, music education)–an accomplished musician & educator, who performed at the White House, the Kennedy Center and more.

Conservatory of Music at the forefront of mariachi movement In 2019, University of the Pacific launched Mariachi Ocelotlan­—the conservatory’s first mariachi ensemble.

Last Friday we have celebrated Dr. Brittany Trotter's historic appointment as assistant professor of flute (tenured track) at University of the Pacific. The Conservatory & Pacific's DEI Office co-hosted a wonderful reception graced by Dr. Trotter's performance of Valerie Coleman's "Danza de la Mariposa."

Pacific Summer Jazz Colony is an intensive educational program in jazz performance for talented high school musicians who study with Pacific’s jazz faculty, guest artists & master teachers. Applications are accepted through June 1 at Pacific.edu/JazzColony
The 2024 Colony takes place July 22-26 and will include master classes, seminars, rehearsal & performances with locally & nationally renowned jazz artists: Orrin Evans (piano), Lewis Nash (drums), Amina Scott (bass), Patrick Langham (saxophone) & Joe Mazzaferro (trumpet). Apply today!

Pacific Summer Jazz Colony The Pacific Summer Jazz Colony is a one-week, intensive educational program in jazz performance for a limited number of exceptionally talented students. They come from across the United States and abroad to study with Pacific’s Jazz Studies faculty, guest artists and master teachers.

Thank you to Dr. Hendel Almetus who initiated & led the Pacific Community Music School since 2019! 🧡🖤
The new director is Frederick Peterbark who will oversee this popular program benefitting students of any age, skill level & background in our community. Using the Conservatory's resources, PCMS is complementary to the existing local music programs. 𝗣𝗖𝗠𝗦 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗹 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟭.
Learn more:

Pacific Community Music School Pacific Community Music School is on a break until June 1, 2024 (previously booked lessons will continue as scheduled).PCMS is a unique environment carefully structured to creatively impart the benefit of music to students of any age, skill level, and background. We offer an array of opportunities a...

Let's give a shout out to Pacific's Conservatory of Music Class of 2024 one more time! To view more commencement photos, visit Flickr.com/musicatpacific.

Pacific's commitment to excellence in jazz is proudly represented by Pacific Jazz Ambassadors who won the DownBeat Magazine's 2024 Student Music Awards in the Undergraduate College Small Jazz Combo category. Congratulations on this national recognition! Bravo Professor Patrick Langham—the architect of the Jazz Ambassadors and the group’s mentor.
(L-R) Marwan Ghonima, Leo Milano, Aimee MacDonald, Toby Keys, Gianna Pedregon & Samson Hulett.
Learn more at Pacific.edu/JazzAmbassadors

85 years ago Wilhelmina “Billie” Harbert introduced a series of courses which later became the Music Therapy Program at University of the Pacific. Last weekend, Pacific proudly celebrated this noteworthy anniversary with conservatory alumni, faculty, current students, friends & guests. Thank you all!

The final large ensemble concert at University of the Pacific's Conservatory was a joyous & inspiring culmination of our 2023-24 season. The evening featured three soloists (pictured below) & winners of the 2023 Concerto Competition, as well as University Symphony Orchestra & Pacific Choirs combined in a performance of Francis Poulenc's monumental "Gloria." Bravi!

Congratulations to Dr. Eric Waldon, professor & program director for music therapy at Pacific, for receiving Betty Isern Howery Award from Western Region Chapter of AMTA (WRAMTA). It's their highest recognition of professional excellence presented to those who represent the qualities of professional commitment, relationships, vision & risk taking in their ongoing contributions to the music therapy profession. Bravo Professor Waldon! We're .

Eric Waldon Associate Professor of Music Therapy Eric G. Waldon, PhD, MT-BC received his BM in Music Therapy from Western Michigan University.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Pacific Conservatory of Music community for their overwhelming support during our Pacific Gives 24-hour online campaign. With your support, we've met all the challenge gifts. In just 24 hours, an impressive $53,680 was raised from 119 generous donors! Your unwavering support has made this achievement possible. Your generosity has made an impact on our students and beyond. Thank you for making Pacific Gives an extraordinary success!

Join us for a special celebration as we mark the 85th anniversary of Music Therapy this weekend at University of the Pacific. Your support during Pacific Gives will help us continue to empower lives through the healing power of music. We are 13 donors away from unlocking $10,000 from generous donors, Melinda and Clement Kong.

Are you ready to make a difference! Pacific Gives has officially started, running until April 24 at noon. Your generosity can impact various areas, including the Music Therapy 85th Celebration, Keith Hatschek Breakthrough Internship Fund, The Lynelle F. Wiens Masterclass, Conservatory Bridge Fund, Touring Fund, DEI Fund, and Pacific's Pep Band. Every contribution supports our students in pursuing their educational and aspirational journeys. Join us in shaping futures—consider making a gift today! https://bit.ly/4aA0jd6

Pacific Wind Bands' album “From a Deep Blue Sky” is now available on all streaming platforms which you can access in the link below. It was recorded & produced over the last three years at University of the Pacific, in-person & online. Aside from Viet Coung’s "Re(new)al," these are the first commercial recordings of the featured works!

This was possible in part thanks to the Robert and Helen Gross Band Program Endowment, Pacific’s Office of DEI as well as a SAAG award from Pacific’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Thank you!

Pacific Wind Bands | Instagram | Linktree View pacificwindbands’s Linktree. Listen to their music on YouTube, Spotify here.

Join us this Saturday @ 7:30 pm for a recital featuring Pacific Vocal Jazz Ensemble directed by Professor Melissa Fulkerson. The ensemble constantly pushes the boundaries of vocal jazz—this time they'll perform tunes by Charlie Parker, Marion Sunshine & Billie Eilish among others.

Pacific Vocal Jazz Ensemble The Conservatory of Music presents a recital featuring Pacific Vocal Jazz Ensemble directed by Melissa Fulkerson. They will perform works by Charlie Parker, Marion Sunshine, Billie Eilish and others.

We're are proud to share that Professor & Program Director for Music Education Ruth Brittin has been selected as a 2023-24 recipient of the Eberhardt Teacher/Scholar Award. She joins a prestigious group of Pacific faculty who have demonstrated excellence in teaching & scholarly/creative endeavors.

Ruth Brittin Ruth Brittin is professor of music education, chair of the Department of Music Education, and has been at the Conservatory of Music since 1997.

In fall 2024, we'll welcome soprano Heidi Moss Erickson as Pacific's assistant professor of voice. She's uniquely qualified to train future voice professionals. A champion of new music, she has performed on national & international stages. She's also an accomplished scientist specializing in the neuroscience of vocalization and developed a line of vocal pedagogy that applies to all music genres. Welcome Professor Moss Erickson!

Heidi Moss Erickson Heidi Moss Erickson is a performer, educator and scientist. Noted for her “rich and radiant soprano” (Edward Oriz, Sacramento Bee) she has performed on national and international stages as well as numerous local companies such as Festival Opera, West Edge Opera, Livermore Opera, Fremont Symphony...

The Conservatory of Music students from Music of Japan class present a Taiko drumming concert on Thursday, April 4, 12:30 pm, in front of DeRosa University Center. This concert is a collaboration with Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble from Oakland, CA. Join us!

Taiko Drumming Concert The Conservatory of Music presents a taiko drumming concert performed by Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble and Pacific's students from the Music of Japan class.