In Los Angeles, it feels like anything is possible. It’s a city where film, theater, and music stars are born. But to get your big break, you need the right training. For example, the Los Angeles College of Music offers six-quarter Associate of Arts degree programs, as well as Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in a variety of music performance and production fields. Located in Pasadena, this private music college has a rich history that has shaped countless careers. You can learn more about the school’s journey and find more great local stories at los-angeles-trend.
The Founding Story
The school was founded in 1996 as the Los Angeles Music Academy. The idea came from founders Hans Peter Becker and Tom Aylesbury, who wanted to create a place where students could learn from industry professionals—not just academics. Their goal was to build a hands-on learning environment where students would gain practical experience and knowledge from working musicians.
To make this vision a reality, the Los Angeles Music Academy brought in some serious talent. By 1998, they had assembled a team of industry veterans to head up their departments:
- Celebrated guitar virtuoso Frank Gambale led the guitar department.
- Seasoned musician Dave Carpenter became the head of the bass department.
- The percussion department was co-chaired by two masters of their craft, Joe Porcaro and Ralph Humphrey.
- The vocal department was founded in 1998 by the talented Kevin Lettau, who was succeeded in 2008 by Tierney Sutton.
A New Name, a New Era
The school was accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music in 2003, and in 2004, Tom Aylesbury took over as the academy’s director. He recalls playing the saxophone in high school and taking piano lessons for years. Though not a professional musician himself, he was driven by a passion to create a music school that would prepare students for real-world careers.
In 2012, the Los Angeles Music Academy rebranded as the LAMA College of Music Professionals to better reflect its focus on preparing students for the music industry. In 2014, it adopted its current, now internationally recognized name: the Los Angeles College of Music. This wasn’t just a name change; it was the birth of a major brand in music education.
Over 1,000 students have graduated from LACM, with roughly half coming from outside the U.S. One of its most famous alumni is Grammy-winning singer Debi Nova, a Costa Rican artist with incredible talent. The school’s popularity has grown largely through word-of-mouth and social media, with many graduates recommending it to others. The average age of students is 20, with about half being from the U.S. and the rest hailing from Western Europe, Korea, Japan, India, Brazil, and other countries around the world.
Summer Camps: Get a Taste of the Action
LACM hosts summer camps that give young talent a chance to dive into the world of music. These week-long courses offer an immersive experience for aspiring musicians ages 10 and up (the school’s website says 12+). The camps have a packed curriculum with theoretical and practical lessons from experienced instructors. Students get to hone their instrumental or vocal skills and regularly participate in concerts to show off their talents in front of an audience.
The annual summer camps kick off in late June and are open to drummers, guitarists, bassists, and singers who have had at least one year of private lessons. This program provides a snapshot of daily life at the Los Angeles College of Music, including masterclasses, ensemble sessions with professional musicians and instructors, technique classes, individual lessons, and seminars. A highlight of the program is a trip to a recording studio to record an original song.
For serious percussionists, LACM also offers an intensive, five-day course for drummers in partnership with DrumChannel and Guitar Center. This program is a deep dive into the art of drumming and includes:
- Hands-on workshops and masterclasses with world-renowned musicians.
- Autograph sessions where students can meet their idols, get their signatures, and feel inspired.
- Roundtable discussions with musicians to talk about important industry topics.
- A tour of the Drum Workshop factory, giving students an inside look at how instruments are made.
The instructors for this summer program have included true legends of the industry: Alex Acuña, Peter Erskine, John “JR” Robinson, Terry Bozzio, Efrain Toro, and Joe Porcaro.
Tour the LACM Campus
The school offers group campus tours Monday through Friday at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. A campus tour is the best way to get a feel for everything LACM has to offer. If you have questions after the tour, you can contact the admissions office at [email protected]. You can even schedule a virtual meeting with an admissions counselor. To sign up for a tour, all you need to do is register online, and an admissions team member will contact you with more information.
Another great way to get to know the LACM community is through their Open House events. It’s an opportunity to experience everything the college has to offer, whether you’re a prospective student or already enrolled.
In 2025, the LACM Open House will be held on August 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. Open House Day is a great opportunity to do a live audition. You can fulfill the live audition requirements and get professional feedback on the spot. While you can always submit a video audition later, the Open House provides a unique chance to audition in person and jumpstart your dream career.
LACM is located at 300 S Fair Oaks Ave in Pasadena, a friendly and intimate suburb of Los Angeles. The campus is easily accessible by public transportation, including bus and train. Bus stops for Pasadena’s rapid transit system are just two blocks away, and the school is right next to the Gold Line. The nearest train station is just a two-minute walk from campus.
Why LACM?
The Los Angeles College of Music is a prestigious institution where stars are made—future musicians and music industry professionals. LACM has been named one of the “20 Best Music Conservatories in the U.S.” by TheBestSchools.org and one of the “Best Music Business Schools” by Billboard.com. One of its key differences is its focus on connecting students with professional musicians rather than just with their peers. This sets it apart from many other elite music schools.
With a powerful faculty and a focus on practical education, LACM helps students gain real-world experience, get an inside look at the industry, and turn their musical dreams into reality.
