Award-Winning College Prep Program
Developing Musicians. Building Leaders. Preparing Futures.
Does your child love music and want to take their skills to the next level? Are they looking for a place where they can collaborate with other young musicians, perform, create, and belong?
Phoenix Conservatory of Music’s (PCM) award-winning College Prep Program (CPP) is designed for students in grades 4–12 who are ready to grow as musicians, leaders, and creative thinkers. Whether your student dreams of attending a top music college, pursuing a career in the creative industries, or simply wants to develop confidence and skills that will last a lifetime, CPP provides the community, mentorship, and opportunities to help them succeed.
Through an immersive 10-month experience, students learn by doing. CPP students participate in contemporary music ensembles, music theory, songwriting, production, career exploration, leadership development, and enrichment classes designed to mirror the expectations of college-level study.
Students don’t just become stronger musicians—they develop essential skills like:
✓ Confidence
✓ Communication
✓ Creativity
✓ Collaboration
✓ Leadership
✓ Problem Solving
✓ College & Career Readiness
As part of Berklee College of Music’s Berklee City Music Network, PCM is the only Berklee City Music Network partner site in Arizona. Students gain access to Berklee’s innovative contemporary music resources, including the PULSE curriculum, while receiving mentorship and training from professional musicians and educators.
Recognized nationally as a 2017 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award recipient, PCM’s College Prep Program is one of Arizona’s premier youth development programs using music as a pathway to opportunity.
Each year, students explore styles ranging from rock, pop, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, Latin, electronic music, and beyond while collaborating with peers who share their passion. CPP welcomes vocalists, producers, songwriters, drummers, guitarists, bassists, pianists, keyboardists, string players, horn players, and wind players.
The results speak for themselves: PCM College Prep students consistently achieve a 100% high school graduation rate, strong college acceptance outcomes, and have earned more than $5.5 million in scholarships to colleges, universities, and summer music programs nationwide.
At PCM, music is the starting point—but the impact lasts far beyond the stage.
Requirements:
Applicants must:
- Be between 9 – 17 years of age at the start of the Fall Semester
- Have at least one (1) year of experience on primary instrument and/or voice
- Audition for acceptance and class placement
- Maintain a “C” average or above in academics
- Perform six hours community service per year (including at PCM)
- Commit and uphold PCM’s Community Values
- Follow the policies and procedures stated in the College Prep Program Handbook
Benefits:
- Access to summer immersive and college pathway scholarships
- Community partners to best prepare you for your future
- Berklee City Music Network Member (Link to: https://www.berklee.edu/
city-music-network) - Pathways to Berklee College of Music (Link to: https://college.berklee.
edu/) - Feeder into the ASU Popular Music Program (Link to: https://musicdancetheatre.
asu.edu/degree-programs/ popular-music) - Musician’s Institute Summer Partner (Link to: https://www.mi.edu/)
- Classes with PVCC for College Credit (Link to: https://www.
paradisevalley.edu/academics/ fine-and-performing-arts/music ) - 100% High School Graduation or Diploma Rate
- $6.7 Million Dollars in Scholarship Offers Earned
- College counseling and/or academic life coaching at no additional cost for all juniors and seniors
- Mental health support
- Dignity Payment Plan at the Snack Bar
- Career Education Program and Internships for eligible students
Jingle Bell Rock 2025: Saturday Jazz Fusion @ 1:30 "Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing" by Stevie Wonder
Jingle Bell Rock 2025: Saturday Pop/Rock @ 11:15 "Let It Be" by The Beatles
PCM Student Cydney Williford performs in the Motown Ensemble at Berklee College of Music
College Prep Program Application
Tuition
Tuition Rate
$100 per month
Due on 1st or 15th of the month from September-May.
Students participate in music theory, ensembles, and enrichment classes to hone their skills and learn about new concepts they may not have known about, or had the chance to learn about! Financial aid and access to scholarships are available.
Musicians will receive 3-10 hours per week of music education for 30+ weeks throughout the school year.
Monthly tuition will include:
- One (1) or more weekly ensemble rehearsal (Blues, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Latin Jazz, Strings and more!)
- One (1) weekly music theory class
- One (1) or more weekly enrichment classes (sight singing, rhythm reading, audio production, songwriting, composition, and more!)
- Music Industry Masterclasses and Workshops
- Performance Experience
- Opportunities to write and record songs for submission to the annual compilation CD
- Access to summer intensive scholarships
Financial Aid Application
Financial Aid
Financial Aid Rate
$65 per month
Subject to approval. Requires financial aid application.
Due on 1st or 15th of the month from September-May.
Scholarship Rate*
$35 per month
Subject to approval. Requires financial aid application.
Due on 1st or 15th of the month from September-May.
Accessibility is a core value of the Phoenix Conservatory of Music. We are pleased to offer discounted rates to families and students who need financial assistance.
To apply for financial aid or scholarship rate, visit our financial aid page.
Monthly tuition will include:
- One (1) or more weekly ensemble rehearsal (Blues, Jazz, Rock, Pop, Latin Jazz, Strings and more!)
- One (1) weekly music theory class
- One (1) or more weekly enrichment classes (sight singing, rhythm reading, audio production, songwriting, composition, and more!)
- Music Industry Masterclasses and Workshops
- Performance Experience
- Opportunities to write and record songs for submission to the annual compilation CD
- Access to summer intensive scholarships