Community School

At the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts, we are committed to making music education accessible to everyone who has a passion and curiosity for music at every level of ability. Our world-class teachers share their expertise with students of wide-ranging musical interests and varying ages, from seven months to adults.

Located in sunny Los Angeles, the Community School offers online and in-person music lessons on many instruments—piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and voice. All experience levels welcome, from beginner to advanced.

At the Community School, students join together to perform chamber music and as part of large ensembles. The school also focuses on students’ understanding of music theory. Classes cover the basics of reading pitch and rhythm. As they progress in musicality, students employ more complex analysis skills. We encourage students to combine theory with applied instruction and ensemble activities for a well-rounded educational experience.

Violinist wearing a pink turtleneck smiling with teacher sitting down

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Meet Our Faculty

Jerry Kalaf
Percussion Faculty

Active in the recording studios of Los Angeles, Jerry has participated as both a performer and composer in scoring sessions for hundreds of film and television shows.

Chan Ho Yun holding a violin and smiling in front of a window.
Chan Ho Yun, DMA
Violin Faculty

Dr. Yun is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, Adjunct Professor of Violin at Claremont Graduate University, CEO and Co-Director of the Montecito International Music Festival, and teaches violin at the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts.

Jeffrey Lavner
Community School Piano Chair, Conservatory Keyboard Skills for Non-Majors Faculty, Piano Faculty

Experience performing as both pianist and harpsichordist.

Kathy Sawada
Chair, Music Theory, Colburn Community School

Kathy Sawada has taught piano and music theory classes at the Colburn School’s Community School of Performing Arts since 1990.