Bridging continents through music, that’s one of the main goals of the Pacific Alliance of Music Schools (PAMS), being held at SFCM this week.

PAMS was formed in 2014 to strengthen ties among leading music schools and independent conservatories around the Pacific Rim and build the region as a driving force of music education and culture. PAMS leaders gather for an annual summit every April to hold discussions centered around international engagement, academic and student exchange, curriculum development, and collaboration. 

This year representatives come from Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music NUS, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Central Conservatory of Music, Seoul National University and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. 

As part of this year's conference, student representatives from around the world also will discuss and present their thoughts around curriculum development to PAMS leadership. They’ll also collaborate together artistically under the guidance of SFCM’s Roots, Jazz, and American Music (RJAM) faculty.

In addition to discussion, in a spirit of collaboration, students from these music institutions also held jam sessions with RJAM students through the week, showing language is no barrier in making music. 

Through conversations and performance, PAMS organizers are shaping a more connected and creative global community. It’s a living example of what global music education makes possible.