Arizona students selected to perform and represent Phoenix on the national stage
PHOENIX, AZ (July 31, 2026) — Phoenix Conservatory of Music (PCM) is celebrating an extraordinary milestone as students from its nationally recognized College Prep Program prepare to represent Arizona on the national stage through the Berklee City Music Network (BCMN).
As Arizona’s only Berklee City Music Network affiliate, PCM continues to create pathways for talented young musicians to access world-class educational experiences, national performance opportunities, and college preparation through music.
This summer, PCM students Kolton Koller, Brookelyn Nichols, Marcelo Hartwig and Noah Allen are representing as full scholarship students to the Berklee City Music Summer Scholars Aspire Five Week Performance.
These students, along with Cydney Williford, will perform at two prestigious national Berklee City Music Network events, joining young musicians from across North America to perform, collaborate, and develop alongside some of the nation’s most accomplished music educators and artists. These five students will be performing a set of music as PCM students on Sunday, August 02, 2026 for the Berklee City Music Summit- a national convening of educators, advocates, and students in the Berklee City Music Network.
The four PCM scholarship students will be performing during the Berklee City Music Network Scholarship Concert on August 04, 2026 at 7p EST in Boston, MA. Additionally, PCM students, Cydney Williford and Gabi Pinilla, will be receiving college scholarships and awards that evening; with support exceeding a combined $450,000 in scholarship over the next four years (full tuition plus some housing).
The students’ participation reflects years of dedication, artistic growth, and the supportive community that has become the hallmark of PCM’s College Prep Program.
“These opportunities are about much more than music,” said Regina Nixon, Executive Director of Phoenix Conservatory of Music. “Our students are developing confidence, leadership, creativity, and the ability to collaborate with peers from across the country. Experiences like these show young people that their dreams are possible.”
As a Berklee City Music Network affiliate, PCM provides students with rigorous instruction in contemporary music, ensembles, music theory, songwriting, improvisation, audio production, and leadership development while preparing them for college auditions and future careers.
The College Prep Program has helped students earn millions of dollars in college scholarships while maintaining a 100 percent high school graduation rate and an exceptional record of college acceptance among graduates pursuing higher education.
For many students, participating in the Berklee City Music Network Summit represents the culmination of years of practice, mentorship, and perseverance.
“Our students are ambassadors not only for Phoenix Conservatory of Music but for Arizona’s vibrant arts community,” Nixon said. “We’re incredibly proud to see them representing our state on a national stage.”
PCM is hosting a watch party to celebrate these six students on Tuesday, August 04, 2026 at 4p AZ Time at 1316 East Cheery Lynn Road, Phoenix, AZ 85014. All are welcome. If you want to stream the award ceremony and concert, a general link of www.vimeo.com/showcase/bpc
Please contact PCM if you are having any difficulty with the link at 602.353.9900.