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

Learn more about the Community School of Performing Arts

Community School News

Read More

Meet Our Faculty

Sam Fischer
Violin Instructor

Sam Fischer, violinist, enjoys a versatile career as a performer, recording artist, and educator.

Carlyn Kessler
Suzuki Cello Instructor

Carlyn teaches students of all ages in Los Angeles and online with students across the globe. She has previously served on the faculties of the College of Wooster, Washington College, Holy Names University Preparatory Division, as Department Head of Strings at The Music Settlement, and as a teaching artist for the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony.

Ted Botsford holding a bass and smiling in front of a window.
Ted Botsford
Double Bass Faculty

As an orchestral musician, soloist, teacher, and proponent of contemporary music, Ted Botsford enjoys a varied career.

Margaret Batjer
Margaret Batjer
Director, Music Academy; Violin Faculty, Music Academy and Conservatory; Academy Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra

Margaret Batjer is Director of Colburn’s Music Academy, a program dedicated to training exceptional pre-college classical musicians from around the world for careers in music. Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and a renowned violin soloist, chamber musician, and teacher, Batjer shapes the artistic vision for the Music Academy and will lead the development of the program through its second decade.