Business Details
22 Years
experience
Premier Music Education for All Ages
The El Paso Conservatory of Music (EPCoM) has dedicated itself to fostering musical excellence since its founding, providing a nurturing environment where students of all ages and skill levels benefit from the expertise of world-class faculty. Our mission centers on delivering comprehensive professional musical training to the greater Southwest region, spanning West Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. With programs ranging from private lessons to pre-college certificates, we emphasize both performance mastery and intellectual development, preparing students for professional careers while cultivating lifelong appreciation for music. Our faculty comprises internationally recognized performers and educators with decades of combined experience, including directors of major opera companies, symphony musicians, and award-winning pedagogues.We maintain rigorous academic standards while offering flexible scheduling options, including evening classes for adults and summer programs. Our commitment to community engagement is demonstrated through partnerships with local orchestras, youth choirs, and cultural institutions. Accredited by industry standards through faculty credentials and program outcomes, we ensure all instruction aligns with best practices in music education. With transparent tuition structures and performance opportunities through monthly recitals and annual juries, we prioritize accessibility and measurable progress. Our facilities at Trinity Hall provide professional-grade spaces for instruction and performance, serving as a cultural hub for the region's musical community.
Services
Private Lessons
Group Classes
Pre-College Certificate
Summer Programs
Music Theory
Sightreading Instruction
Performance Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- Faculty includes internationally recognized performers and educators
- Comprehensive programs from beginner to pre-college levels
- Performance opportunities through monthly recitals and annual juries
- Flexible scheduling with evening classes for working adults
- Proven track record preparing students for professional music careers
Services
Private Lessons
Weekly 45-minute private music lessons with professional faculty develop technical proficiency and artistic expression. Students receive personalized instruction in piano, voice, strings, percussion, and other instruments. The program emphasizes performance preparation, repertoire development, and regular progress assessments through monthly recitals and annual juries.
Group Classes
Structured group instruction covers music theory, sightreading, and performance techniques for all skill levels. Classes meet weekly for three-hour sessions combining practical application with theoretical understanding. Curriculum includes composition, orchestration, and language-specific diction training for vocal students, with flexible enrollment options for different commitment levels.
Pre-College Certificate
Four-year comprehensive program prepares serious students for music careers through combined private instruction and academic coursework. Includes weekly private lessons, sightreading/Dictation, theory, and performance classes. Requires 33 weeks of annual commitment with progressive skill development across four levels, culminating in professional-level performance capabilities.
Summer Programs
Eight-week summer instruction combines private lessons with specialized workshops for skill enhancement. Designed to maintain progress during academic breaks while offering intensive training opportunities. Includes performance showcases and masterclasses with visiting artists, focusing on technique refinement and repertoire expansion.
Adult Music Classes
Monday evening group classes cater to working adults through three-hour sessions covering performance, theory, and sightreading. Curriculum balances foundational skills with practical application, accommodating both beginners and experienced musicians. Flexible scheduling allows professional development without conflicting with daytime commitments.
People
Yvonne Marmolejo
Voice Faculty
Internationally acclaimed soprano with 18 years teaching experience at El Paso Community College and St. Joseph's School. Director of El Paso Choral Society Youth Choirs and former Music Director of VIVA El Paso. Holds graduate degrees from University of Texas at El Paso and University of North Texas.
J. Prentice Loftin
Voice, Theory, Sightreading
Founder of El Paso Opera and former Director of Choirs at UTEP. His choirs received international awards in Europe. Private students have performed at major opera houses including The Met. Holds degrees from University of Texas at El Paso and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Levi Hernandez
Voice Faculty
Professional baritone with Metropolitan Opera experience. Has performed with major opera companies across the US and internationally. Holds degrees from University of Texas at El Paso and University of Illinois. Teaches vocal technique and performance preparation.
Mario Monteros
Piano Faculty
Argentine pianist with Master's Degree from UTEP. Former semifinalist in international piano competitions including International Keyboard Odyssiad. Currently music director at William Beaumont Army Medical Center. Studies with renowned pedagogue Sylvia Kersenbaum.
Hiram Rodriguez
Guitar Faculty
Classical guitarist with Master's Degree from UTEP. Director of Lyrae Trio and founder of Universidad de Ciudad Juarez's Classical Guitar Festival. Performed with major symphonies and maintains active performance schedule while teaching private and university classes.
Questions
What age groups does El Paso Conservatory accept?
We offer programs for children starting at age 10 through adult learners, with flexible scheduling options for different age groups.
Are there performance opportunities for students?
Yes, students participate in monthly Third Friday/Saturday Recitals, annual May recitals, and faculty-judged performance evaluations.
What qualifications do your instructors have?
All faculty members are professional performers with advanced degrees and teaching experience, including university professors and international competition winners.
Do you offer summer music programs?
Our summer programs include eight-week private lessons and specialized workshops focusing on technique refinement and repertoire development.
What payment options are available?
Tuition is pro-rated based on enrollment timing, with payment plans available for all programs and classes.
How do I register for classes?
Registration forms are available online for the 2025-2026 school year, with summer program enrollment opening June 9, 2025.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Alex Forrester
Aug 12, 2015
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The EP Conservatory has a strong reputation for building good musicians with their preparatory programs. They certainly are not humble about their success stories for good reason, but there is also a strong pressure for students who may not have the requisite drive and desire to enroll in programs that can be overwhelming. Though their focus has shifted in recent years to include a more rounded faculty and some aspects of commercial music, the focus is still very much Western European Classical Music.
While there is great value in that tradition, some students are pushed beyond their abilities. I believe that the conservatory staff, particularly Yvonne, the piano staff in general and Ricky Malichi are all fine educators with the right mindset for training young musicians. It's a mixed bag overall... very pricey, but it is one of the most comprehensive programs in the region.
While there is great value in that tradition, some students are pushed beyond their abilities. I believe that the conservatory staff, particularly Yvonne, the piano staff in general and Ricky Malichi are all fine educators with the right mindset for training young musicians. It's a mixed bag overall... very pricey, but it is one of the most comprehensive programs in the region.
Business response
All students... children, youth or adults... are interviewed by the director before being accepted into the school. It is explained to all students/parents that the Conservatory teaches traditional classical and jazz style. We give information about private lessons and also the extensive opportunities in music skills and performance classes if the student is 12 or older. There is no pressure put on students or families to sign up for lessons or classes, and at the end of the interview the director asks "would you like to go home and talk more, or... are you ready to sign up". Also, the student is asked if they want us to train them and are willing to commit to the practice... if they waver in their response, they are encouraged to have more discussion at home before signing up.
The Conservatory "fills a very specific need" in the El Paso region... a music conservatory style music program and a community music school style of training. It was organized with two contrasting purposes: to provide training for the very serious music student that is very passionate about music (core program including Saturday music skills classes) and the student wanting to enrich their lives by having some music training for fun or as a hobby(usually private lessons only).
All students... children, youth or adults... are interviewed by the director before being accepted into the school. It is explained to all students/parents that the Conservatory teaches traditional classical and jazz style. We give information about private lessons and also the extensive opportunities in music skills and performance classes if the student is 12 or older. There is no pressure put on students or families to sign up for lessons or classes, and at the end of the interview the director asks "would you like to go home and talk more, or... are you ready to sign up". Also, the student is asked if they want us to train them and are willing to commit to the practice... if they waver in their response, they are encouraged to have more discussion at home before signing up.
The Conservatory "fills a very specific need" in the El Paso region... a music conservatory style music program and a community music school style of training. It was organized with two contrasting purposes: to provide training for the very serious music student that is very passionate about music (core program including Saturday music skills classes) and the student wanting to enrich their lives by having some music training for fun or as a hobby(usually private lessons only).
Mary Camargo
Feb 01, 2015
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It's a great school for anyone who loves music! There are great teachers, and since there are small groups, each student gets personalized attention. So it doesn't matter if you're a beginner or a more experienced musician, you will get musical improvement in short time. I took the music skills classes some years ago. That gave me the preparation to participate in operas, concerts, and recitals in Juarez, El Paso and Las Cruces; and also it prepared me to present a successful audition for the Music program in the University of Juarez. Now, I need to keep my voice active, so I am retaking my private voice lessons at the Conservatory.
Christian Chesanek
Jan 23, 2015
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I had the wonderful privilege to attend the El Paso Conservatory of Music my junior and senior year of high school. I think it's safe to say that I wouldn't be anywhere close to where I am today if I had not attended. In fact I wish I had known about this establishment earlier in my high school career. I had the great opportunity to work with musicians and teachers that weren't only extremely good at what they do, but are also great people.
Some of my greatest high school memories are at the conservatory and the education I got there was absolutely necessary for my progression and success in music. Since then I have become a working jazz musician around town, traveled around the United States to meet other people that play my instrument, and have been very successful in my music classes in College. This program built by Mr. Loftin is one of the best things to happen in my life and to El Paso. I highly recommend that anyone who plans on doing music in anyway shape or form should enroll in The El Paso Conservatory of Music.
Some of my greatest high school memories are at the conservatory and the education I got there was absolutely necessary for my progression and success in music. Since then I have become a working jazz musician around town, traveled around the United States to meet other people that play my instrument, and have been very successful in my music classes in College. This program built by Mr. Loftin is one of the best things to happen in my life and to El Paso. I highly recommend that anyone who plans on doing music in anyway shape or form should enroll in The El Paso Conservatory of Music.
Aby Perea
Dec 10, 2014
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I started at the El Paso Conservatory of Music two years ago when I was a freshman in high school. Since then my knowledge in music has grown tremendously and I have developed a whole new understanding and view point in singing, and now I enjoy singing even more! The El Paso Conservatory of Music is continuing to help me grow as a musician and as a person. It's the best place for any growing musician who plans on having music as a big part of their life in the future. It produces professional outstanding performers. I recommend this place to anyone who is passionate about music and is very serious about their musical career.
Victoria Torres
Dec 03, 2014
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I attended the El Paso Conservatory of Music the very first year they opened all throughout high school. Those four years laid down a solid foundation for me in music. I took weekend classes as well as private piano, voice, and french horn lessons there and I excelled thanks to them. I still continue to play and sing and I use what they taught me on an everyday basis. I am an audio engineer and song writer in Nashville now, and all the lessons of dictation, theory, and musicality play a role in my recording and creating of music.
I could not imagine where I would be without those lessons, I am truly grateful I was able to experience it. I would highly recommend the El Paso Conservatory of Music to anyone who is serious about being a musician, no matter what their musical goal is at the end.
I could not imagine where I would be without those lessons, I am truly grateful I was able to experience it. I would highly recommend the El Paso Conservatory of Music to anyone who is serious about being a musician, no matter what their musical goal is at the end.
Christian Martin
Nov 02, 2014
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I was enrolled at the El Paso Conservatory of Music for four years. El Paso Conservatory of Music has the best teachers, great learning environment, friendly staff and students. If you are serious about singing, playing the piano, drums, guitar, or music in general, this is the best place to learn and build on your talents.