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

Karen Lundgren
Flute Faculty and Wind, Brass and Percussion Chair

Karen Lundgren is the Chairman of the Woodwind, Brass, and Percussion Department, the flute instructor, and a chamber music coach at the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts.

Jessie Oliver
Voice Faculty

Jessie is passionate for Vocal Rehabilitation and Trauma informed Holistic Teaching. She has collaborated with Speech Pathologists to create warm-ups and practices for wellness for the singing actor.

Moni Simeonov
Moni Simeonov
Chair, Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute

A native of Bulgaria, Moni Simeonov began playing the violin at age 5, and ten years later, came to the United States on a full scholarship to the Idyllwild Arts Academy in California.

Margaret Shimizu
Violin Faculty

Margaret Shimizu has been a full-time faculty member at the Colburn School’s Community School of Performing Arts since 1984.