Community Connections

Music transcends the boundaries of language. Both cultural and collaborative, it forges a partnership between musician and listener, a fellowship within the community that creates and sustains it. At Azusa Pacific University, performances–collective, creative experiences–move beyond entertainment. Here, performance exemplifies scholarship and emphasizes the value of musical dialogue. Through events such as the Artist Concert Series, on-campus recitals and ensemble concerts, Battle of the Big Bands, Celebrate Christmas, and concerts in local churches, local neighbors and audiences at large share in the culmination of the musicians’ talent, research, skill, and passion.

Artist Concert Series

The Artist Concert Series brings to Azusa Pacific University outstanding international performers with diverse musical backgrounds.  Created to give our students the opportunity to experience high-level performances without leaving campus, the Artist Concert Series also allows student to interact with the performers.  The direct interfacing is crucial to the development of professional, prepared musicians.

As a service to our community, the Artist Concert Series invites local musicians, music aficionados from the community, and other students to attend the concerts, providing them the opportunity to hear music of a caliber that one might expect only in a larger city.

Azusa Conservatory

Sponsored by the School of the Arts and the Academic Service-Learning, and with additional support from Citrus College, the Azusa Conservatory trains APU students to teach young music enthusiasts. The program offers choral and instrumental music instruction to more than 60 elementary through high school students as they interact with APU student mentors throughout the year. Family events and recitals round out the experience and ignite the spark of musical passion in countless neighborhood youth.

For more information, please contact the Azusa Conservatory at (626) 731-8261 or [email protected].

Battle of the Big Bands

This local concert showcases talent through a musical duel between APU’s Jazz Ensemble and neighboring Citrus College’s Blue Note Swing Orchestra. Battle of the Big Bands, which attracts more than 1,000 jazz enthusiasts each year, features the best in jazz music, both new and old.

International Tours

APU’s signature international component adds breadth and scope to its music education, touring to places such as Armenia, Australia, Canada, Germany, Italy, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Romania, and Thailand.

For more information on School of the Arts ensembles, their performances, and tours, visit the music ensembles and concert itineraries pages.

Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.