The Portland Conservatory of Music Certificate Program is a competitive and professionally oriented program dedicated to the musical and personal growth of musicians of all ages. Adult students are encouraged to apply to the program.
Students have the opportunity to follow a certain track for their certificate, whether that be the Jazz Track or the Classical Track.
There are two certificate levels, Standard and Advanced, that offer a diverse mix of classroom, ensemble, performance, and lecture over the course of 4-6 semesters.
Addison Littlefield – former PCM student and program participant now studying at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music
Laura del sol Jimenez | Classical Certificate Director
Flutist Laura del Sol Jiménez has won numerous awards throughout her career, highlighted by the expressiveness and poised technical accuracy of her performances.
Currently based in New York City and Portland, Maine, Laura has performed in Argentina, Chile, Israel, Italy, Japan, the United States, and her native Colombia.
She holds degrees from the Manhattan School of Music and the Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá.
Titus Abbott | Jazz Certificate Director
Titus has performed as leader and sideman in various ensembles in Canada, Europe and the US. Since arriving in Maine in 2002 Titus has led his own groups and collaborations include performances with the outstanding pianists Curtis Clark and Frank Carlberg and the late Oud Master Al Gardner.
Titus has been teaching saxophone and clarinet for over 25 years where he specializes in tone development and articulation as well as jazz improvisation and phrasing. He is the director of the PCM’s Jazz Studies Program.
Students meet throughout the academic year, and receive instruction in:
Music Theory | Music History | Ear Training | Chamber Music | Performance
Classical Curriculum
Information about the core classes of the program, additional advanced electives, as well as prerequisites to attend and more.
Jazz Curriculum
Information about the core classes of the program, additional advanced electives, as well as prerequisites to attend and more.
Applications
Enrollment is still open for the 2023 Spring Certificate Program. To learn more about the application process click below.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Information about tuition, fees and the application process for financial aid.
What students have to say about PCM
“PCM not only allows us to grow musically and expand our knowledge of music theory and history, but also teaches collaboration, and fosters a sense of community that high school musicians rarely find.” – Alice Hauser, Wake Forest University
“. . . an amazing program that has opened my eyes to things that enhance my music knowledge.” – Caleb Hickman, Berklee College of Music
“What I like . . . is how it is a very intense education program, where the instruction is taken very seriously, but the program is also casual enough that it’s fun and a good way to spend a Saturday morning.” – Genevieve Welch, Wellesley College
Portland Conservatory Music Certificate Program Faculty
Laura del Sol Jiménez
Classical Certificate Director
Titus Abbott
Jazz Certificate Director
Miriam Schwanauer
Certificate Program Faculty
Luette Saul
Certificate Program Faculty
Myles Jordan
Certificate Program Faculty
