Menu
Log in


CAPMT 2026 State Conference

Finding your Forte: Empowering the Modern Music Teacher

Saturday, October 10 - Sunday, October 11

Pasadena Conservatory of Music



Pasadena Conservatory of Music


registration opening soon!

featuring guest artists:

Chamber Music Recital Featuring

Antoinette Perry, John Walz, and Michele Zukovsky

Antoinette Perry, piano


Antoinette Perry

Piano

John Walz, Cello


John Walz

Cello

Michele Zukovsky, Clarinet


Michele Zukovsky

Clarinet

Antoinette Perry, born into a family of professional musicians, gave her first public performance at the age of four. Since then she has concertized extensively throughout the United States, Germany, France, England, and in 20 cities of the People’s Republic of China. She has been heard on NPR, the CBC, the BBC and the Bravo! Channel, and has recorded for the Crystal, Harmonie, Pacific Rainbow, Pacific Serenades, Excelsior, and Navona/PARMA labels. Her two solo albums, “Beethoven Bookends,” and “Moments Musicaux” are available on all major online platforms under the Navona LIVE/PARMA label (released 2021 and 2022).

John Walz is a celebrated soloist and chamber music artist, known for his dazzling virtuosity and elegant musicianship.  A student of the legendary French cellist, Pierre Fournier, he has appeared as soloist with more than 300 symphony orchestras on 4 continents, including the major symphonies  of Los Angeles, London, Prague, and Munich – performing with such esteemed conductors as Zubin Mehta, Mehli Mehta, James Conlon, JoAnn Falletta, Paul Freeman, and Murry Sidlin. His performances of 25 different concertos include both standard showcases and rarities like Martinu’s Concerto #1 and William Schuman’s Song of Orfeus.  In addition, he has had the honor of premiering works by many noted composers, including John Williams.

https://www.john-walz.com/

When clarinetist Michele Zukovsky auditioned for the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1961, she hadn’t a clue that this decision would set her on a rewarding and unconventional course for her entire career. At a mere 18 years old, she became the orchestra’s principal clarinetist, prompting her to leave her studies at the University of Southern California ten weeks into her first year. She went on to become the orchestra’s longest-serving female woodwind player and by the time she retired in December 2015, she had played under five of the orchestra’s major directors: Zubin Mehta, Carlo Maria Giulini, André Previn, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Gustavo Dudamel. Since that time she’s invested her energy in teaching both privately and at institutions, namely Azusa Pacific University, Citrus College, and the Pasadena Conservatory of Music, all the while maintaining a busy schedule with guest masterclasses. The recent pandemic shifted her pedagogical outlets into the virtual realm, yet this has only offered the ever-versatile musician a chance for further expansion. She currently shares her wealth of experience with a diverse array of students from all across the globe. 

https://michelezukovsky.com/

Chamber Music Master class with


Rufus Choi


Rufus Choi


Rufus Choi, pianist, educator, and visionary, draws upon the profound depth of the great Russian pianistic tradition, seamlessly interwoven with the cultural richness of his Korean heritage and the breadth of his American life. This rare confluence of influences has shaped a singular artistic voice—defined by emotional depth, technical mastery, and a distinct perspective that informs both his performances and his teaching. With a spirit of wanderlust that has taken him across continents, Choi’s journey is marked by passionate performances, a deep commitment to education, and a profound love for sharing the transformative power of music.

Keynote Session by 2026 CAPMT Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient


Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov


Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov


Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov is Director of Keyboard Studies at California State University, Northridge.  A sought-after performer, master class clinician, adjudicator and lecturer, Dr. Rachmanov has served on the faculties of Manhattan School of Music and Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University and has been a guest artist/lecturer at The Juilliard School, New England Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, Royal Northern College of Music (UK), Shanghai and Beijing Central Conservatories.


https://dmitryrachmanov.com/

Come and join our amazing community of California music teachers to

learn, connect, network, and be inspired!


Attendees can look forward to

  • Exceptional presentations by California's leading performers and pedagogues. Gather, mingle, and share ideas with friends and colleagues from across the state!
  • An informational sessions from The Royal Conservatory.
  • CAPMT 2025 State Finals Winners and YPLN Concert
  • A concert and workshop with a featured guest artist 



Suggested Hotels:

Need a place to stay for the 2026 CAPMT State Conference? The Pasadena Conservatory is located in central Pasadena - walking distance to hotels at a variety of price points, ranging from walkable boutique stays to full-service hotels with conference amenities.

Pasadena Rose & Crown Hotel
1203 E. Colorado Blvd. | ~10 minutes from PCM
A budget-friendly boutique hotel on Colorado Blvd, with individually furnished rooms, hardwood floors, and a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning. Guests consistently praise the clean, comfortable rooms and friendly staff, making it a great value pick for conference attendees watching their travel budget. On-site amenities include a fitness center, outdoor pool, and free parking!

Pasadena Hotel & Pool
928 E. Colorado Blvd. | ~10 minutes from PCM
A stylish, historic Art Deco hotel just off Colorado Blvd, with an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and easy access to Old Town Pasadena's restaurants and shops. A great mid-range choice for attendees who want character along with convenience!

Hilton Pasadena
168 S. Los Robles Ave. | ~10–15 minutes from PCM
A reliable, full-service option near the Pasadena Convention Center, with on-site dining, a fitness center, and the amenities frequent conference travelers expect. A solid choice if you're looking for a familiar brand and dependable service!


Getting to PCM

The Pasadena Conservatory of Music is located at 100 N. Hill Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91106, in a residential neighborhood just east of Old Town Pasadena.

By Air

  • Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is the most convenient airport, about 20–25 minutes from PCM with significantly less traffic than the larger LA airports.
  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) offers more flight options but runs 45 minutes to over an hour away depending on traffic.
  • Ontario International Airport (ONT) is a third option for attendees, roughly 30–40 minutes from PCM.


By Public Transit


PCM is less than a mile from Metro's A Line, with the Lake and Allen stations both within walking distance or a short rideshare.

The A Line runs directly through Downtown LA and Old Town Pasadena, connecting to Union Station and on to Long Beach, making it a convenient option for attendees staying near Downtown or coming from LAX (a Metro/FlyAway or rideshare connection is needed to reach Union Station from LAX). Local buses also serve the area for shorter trips around Pasadena.


By Car


PCM is easily reached via the 210 (Foothill) and 134 freeways, with the 110 (Arroyo Seco Parkway) connecting from Downtown LA and points south. The Conservatory has parking on site; attendees are encouraged to check with their hotel about parking options.