Founded in 1950, Colburn’s Community School of Performing Arts is committed to making the highest quality music education accessible to students of all ages and levels of abilities who have a passion, curiosity, and commitment for music study.
The Community School offers classes, lessons, and ensembles for over 1,700 students, with programs encompassing early childhood, beginning instrument, drama, ensembles, choir, conducting, and theoretical and musicianship studies. In addition, the generosity of our donors allows the Community School to provide over $650,000 of scholarship support each year; approximately 40 students receive completely free comprehensive instruction annually.
Acclaimed, world-class faculty share their expertise with students as young as seven months and also provide instruction for adults. Read the faculty bios and find the perfect teacher!
Many of our Community School students go on to conservatory or other degree-granting music programs, and numerous Community School students have been winners of regional and national awards and competitions, including DownBeat Student Music Awards, Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, Music Center Spotlight Competition, and YoungArts Competition.
The Colburn School is located on Grand Avenue, amongst some of the most prestigious arts organizations in the country. With three recital halls, countless practice rooms, and plenty of stunning views of downtown Los Angeles, Colburn’s facilities are the perfect place for aspiring artists to work on their craft.
Community School students participate in a variety of community outreach programs and perform in multiple concerts and recitals annually, many of which are free and open to the public. The Colburn School welcomes over 100,000 audience members to the Colburn campus over the course of the semester.
Due to the Colburn School’s reputation and level of education, internationally acclaimed musicians regularly visit the Colburn School, perform on our stages, and give master classes to our students. In 2019, cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, the Calidore String Quartet, and longstanding Colburn friend, pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, all taught master classes for Community School students.
Discover like-minded students and families while pursuing musical and artistic excellence. With classes and events throughout the week on campus, meeting new friends and colleagues is as easy as grabbing a cup a coffee at the Colburn Café. The Community School also participates in public engagement events such as Grand Avenue Arts: All Access, Open House, and the monthly alumni and parent department’s Office Hours.