The Colburn Community School of Performing Arts welcomes students of varying levels of experience and instruction. We recognize that some students may require financial support to cover the cost of their studies. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and foundations both locally and nationally, the Community School offers robust scholarships for students who are enrolled in private lessons, ensembles, and group classes.
Scholarships are offered during the fall and spring semesters; we do not offer scholarships for the summer session. Scholarships are only available for students ages 7 months to 18 years, or grade 12 and under.
Please note that financial assistance is limited. Completion of an application does not guarantee granting or receipt of award funds.
Beginning this year, the scholarship application will be hosted online. We are not accepting applications in-person or by email, fax, or mail at this time. If you require assistance with your application, please contact the Community School office at cspa@colburnschool.edu or 213-621-4548.
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The Colburn School offers financial assistance through the Access Fund, which is supported by our generous donors. Awards are distributed for the fall and spring semesters; there are no awards for the summer session. Need-Based Scholarships are issued on a sliding scale based on financial need, and they can cover 10–90% of a student’s tuition. Students may apply the award towards 1) a maximum of two group classes, including ensembles OR 2) applied private instruction, up to 60 minutes weekly. Students must re-apply each year.
We require a family’s most recent tax filing documents to show proof of income. We expect families to also financially contribute to students’ studies. To be considered for need-based scholarships, students must show:
The Herbert Zipper Scholars program offers highly motivated, deserving students the opportunity to engage in comprehensive music education at Colburn, one of the nation’s premier arts organizations. Herbert Zipper Scholars receive instruction in music theory, private lessons, and ensemble participation, among many other academic and performance opportunities.
Please note that all supplemental application materials must be submitted along with the application. This includes a video audition, the applicant’s most recent report card, a letter of recommendation, and a short essay.
Herbert Zipper Scholarship recipients do not need to reapply each year. Awardees maintain their scholarship until graduation from high school as long as all requirements are being maintained.
As part of the Colburn School’s commitment to diversity, a scholarship was created to support Black and Latinx students who are traditionally underrepresented in and classical music.
To be eligible for the scholarship, the student must identify as Black or Latinx, AND have one of the following:
1) high artistic merit as determined by the School OR 2) financial need as determined by Community School financial aid requirements
This scholarship is not available to students enrolled in the Early Childhood program.
Amplify scholarships are highly competitive awards and are not guaranteed from year to year. Students wishing to receive funding in subsequent years will need to reapply for funding. While there is no income threshold for qualification, all financial documents including 2023 federal tax returns are required upon application submission.
The Community School offers select merit scholarship awards to pre-college-aged students for large ensembles and the Honors Chamber program. The selection process is determined annually by student performances, auditions, and a review of each student’s progress throughout the course of the year.