The Colburn Community School of Performing Arts operates on a three-term academic calendar consisting of fall, spring, and summer sessions. Students may enroll in group classes or private instruction, both of which require registration prior to attending the first class meeting. The schedule of classes is updated prior to each semester with days and times, classroom location, and tuition fees. For more information, please contact cspa@colburnschool.edu or 213-621-4548.
2024–25 Academic Calendar
2024–25 Course Catalogue (PDF)
Community School students can access library books, scores, and parts; digital resources; and more through the Colburn Library.
Nestled by the Colburn School plaza off Grand Avenue, the Colburn Café offers a wide variety of seasonal fare to the community and the public.
Attendance records for students are maintained by faculty. Students must make every effort to be on time for all classes and lessons. All classes/lessons will end at the scheduled time so that subsequent classes and lessons remain on time.
Students who arrive late to drama and music classes may or may not be allowed to participate; in these cases, faculty will make individual decisions regarding participation.
Students must notify faculty of anticipated absences as a courtesy to the faculty members; however, this does not exempt the student from payment as contracted. There will be no make-up lessons for student absences. If a teacher is absent from a scheduled lesson, a make-up lesson shall be scheduled at a mutually convenient time. If the student misses a make-up lesson, there will be no second make-up opportunity. In cases of sudden illness on the part of the teacher, the teacher and The School shall make every reasonable attempt to notify students.
The School reserves the right to dismiss any student for the following reasons:
Community School has established minimum standards and exam requirements. Exams are scheduled by the department chairs/coordinators. At the discretion of the department chair, an evaluation may be substituted for an exam.
During the term, the School communicates with students and parents mainly by posting notices at the School. Students and parents are responsible for reading all posted notices. In particular, although the Schedule of Classes is accurate at the time of printing, the School reserves the right to reschedule or cancel classes due to unforeseen circumstances or low enrollment. All such changes shall be posted.
Students who are enrolled in individual lessons at the Colburn School may not study the same instrument at another institution, or with another private teacher, without the prior approval of the dean. Students who violate this policy may have their enrollment at the Colburn School terminated with no refund of tuition and fees.
If problems arise (e.g., financial, instructional, personal), it is the responsibility of the parent and/or student to notify the dean. Every effort shall be made to respond to individual needs and to resolve problems appropriately.
Changes to class schedules and room assignments are posted on the bulletin board near the Community School Registration Office.
The Colburn School is an accredited institution offering instruction in the performing arts; the School does not provide day care services. Parents are responsible for their children, and must provide adequate supervision within the School and on the School grounds.
Delinquency in payment of tuition and fees may result in suspension of a student’s enrollment. Suspended students shall not be allowed to attend classes, rehearsals, or lessons; instruction shall be resumed only upon full payment of any balance due. There will be no credit or make-up for any lessons or classes missed because of suspension.
The policy of the School when assigning, or when necessary, reassigning students to teachers is to try to match the student, parent, and teacher in the most harmonious and productive relationship possible. All changes of teacher assignment require the approval of both the department chair and the dean. Generally, changes are approved when requested by the parent; the actual change in teacher takes place at semester break. In cases where it is required, the School honors requests for confidentiality, and attempts to give ultimate consideration to the wishes of the client.
Transcripts may be requested by writing to the Community School Registrar; email requests are acceptable, although verification may be required. Only current students, previous students, graduates, or authorized parents/guardians may request transcripts. Students/Alumni who have outstanding charges with the school must settle their account in full before the request for a transcript will be honored. NOTE: Although there is no charge for the transcript, express mail charges may apply. For more information about access and review of records, students may contact the Dean of the Community School.
The registration procedures at The Colburn School are designed to place students in appropriate courses through interviews, auditions, and other screening methods. These procedures help to minimize enrollment in inappropriate courses, and to minimize the need to drop lessons and classes. Registration for group classes and ensembles must be completed during the enrollment period listed on the Academic Calendar. Late enrollments will be permitted pending the instructor’s approval. Students may register for private instruction at any time throughout the year.
A $30 registration fee will be applied to all new enrollments beginning August 1, 2024 for fall and year-long enrollments or January 13, 2025 for spring enrollments.
If a student is already registered, the first step to adding a course is to complete any placement and audition requirements. Once that is done, the Add/Drop form should be completed and turned in to the Community School of Performing Arts Registration Office. It is the responsibility of the student/parent to obtain the teacher’s signature on the form.
All students are required to commit to a full year of study for approximately 32 weeks during the fall and spring semester. There are only three exceptions to this rule:
All other exceptions must be approved by the Dean. Students must submit a written request for an exception to the Dean by emailing the Community School office at cspa@colburnschool.edu.
The parent/student must complete and submit the Add/Drop Form either in-person to the Community School office, or via email to cspa@colburnschool.edu.
Once receipt is confirmed by the Community School office, the drop request will be reviewed by the Dean. All refunds and credits must be approved by the Dean. There is no guarantee that a full refund and/or credit will be granted.
The student is eligible for a 100% refund of tuition if the form was submitted prior to the first day of the semester*. Following the start of the semester, students may be eligible for the following:
*NOTE: The first day of the semester for year-long enrollments corresponds to the beginning of the fall semester. The first day of the semester for single-semester classes (Early Childhood and Adult Classes) corresponds to the start date of the respective semester. Drop requests for year-long enrollments following the third week of the fall semester will only be honored pending the Dean’s approval.
Informing an instructor of a decision to withdraw, stopping payment, or not attending class does not constitute a withdrawal.
Exceptional requests for refunds due to a family or medical emergency may be made in writing to the Dean within 14 days of the missed class and must include appropriate documentation. There is no guarantee that a full refund will be approved due to a family or medical emergency.
The School also considers exceptions to this policy when the circumstances of the drop are based on teacher-student incompatibility.
In other circumstances where a student wishes to drop a course in which he or she has already enrolled, the following should be noted:
Download Add/Drop Form (PDF)
Occasionally a teacher may recommend that a student enroll in a different class than the current one (for example, when a student is more advanced than the rest of the class). It is the parent’s responsibility to complete a Drop/Add form in these circumstances, noting both the class to be dropped and the class to be added. All changes that result in a tuition charge or refund/credit require the teacher’s signature; the signature is not required if the change in class results in no change of fee.
A “refund” is defined as tuition paid that is returned to the student. A “credit” is an amount carried on account over and above what the student owed the School. Any refund or credit of tuition already paid must be approved by the dean.
Refunds Refunds generally are given for medical or family emergencies only. When completing the Drop/Add form that shows an amount due to the student, the parent/student should indicate whether they wish to have a refund check issued or credit posted to their account. In some cases, only a credit (not a refund) will be allowed.
Credit Whether from a drop/change of class or from an over payment, credit is kept on the student’s account for a limited period. In order to encourage continued enrollment, credit of $10 or more earned in any fall semester will be kept on account until approximately one month into spring semester. If the student has not enrolled by that time, a refund check will automatically be mailed to the student/parent. Any credit under $9.99 that is not used by then will be retained by the School. If the credit appeared on the student’s account in the spring or summer terms, it will be carried approximately one month into the fall semester, after which time it will either be refunded or retained.
The Colburn School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, or religious belief in its admission, retention, student aid, scholarship, or other educational policies.
The Colburn School does not tolerate harassment in any form. Parents or students who have cause for complaint should contact any member of the administrative staff. It is a policy of the School that faculty, staff, parents, and students treat each other with courtesy and mutual respect. A professional atmosphere reflects the high expectations of the School, and creates a standard that supports learning and growth. Students have the right to an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
Students and parents agree, for the student, the parent, the parent’s spouse, and their respective heirs, assigns, and legal representatives, to indemnify, defend, and hold the Colburn School and its parties harmless from and against any and all damages (except damages caused solely by the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of the Colburn School parties) that may be incurred or sustained by the Colburn School parties arising from or related to any injuries to the student, or the student’s acts or omissions.
The Colburn School is not responsible for the loss of, or damage to, personal property. Students and parents are advised not to leave items unattended; this includes musical instruments. Coin-operated day lockers for securing personal belongings are available for student use. Practice rooms are not to be used for storage.
Participation in the performing arts may involve physical contact by instructors in the course of teaching, for the purpose of illustrating what is being taught. By enrolling at the School, students and parents consent to such appropriate contact.
NOTE: This policy is specific to students enrolled in the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts and their parents.
The Colburn School issues parking permits as part of Community School of Performing Arts registration. These permits are required to park in the School’s parking structure, and to receive a discount at other locations (as described below). A parking permit does NOT guarantee a parking space.
Lost parking permits may be replaced for a $10 fee.
Please note that due to increased security and operational costs, Colburn will begin charging a modest fee for on-campus parking in the 23-24 school year. Specific rate details will be available later this year.
Currently on-campus parking remains free, however with a student population of 1,700 students, it is not guaranteed. A limited number of spaces are available to CSPA families on a first-come first-served basis. Families can receive up to two parking decals, issued at the security desk in the Grand building, upon completing registration. Please note that a parking decal does not constitute a guaranteed parking space. As a reminder, families should use Colburn Parking Lot 1. Directions to Colburn Parking Lot 1
On busy days, there might be a line of cars waiting to enter the garage. If you do not wish to wait for a spot to open, offsite parking at a discounted rate is available at Colburn’s Lot 3, Athena Parking, on the southeast corner of Olive and 2nd Street. Please purchase validations ($4 – cash only) in advance at the CSPA registration office. Students may also be dropped off in front of the school on Grand Avenue. There is a loading area in front of the doors across from the Broad Museum.
Additional affordable local lots are listed here.
Guests who come to campus to enjoy a student performance, dine in the Colburn Café, or any other activity are welcome to park in Colburn’s Lot 3, Athena Parking, located on Second Street between Olive and Hill Streets
The Colburn School campus is conveniently located near public transportation hubs, and we recommend that visitors consider taking advantage of these services. Several new public transportation options have also recently become available with the opening of the Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill Metro station near the Colburn campus.
The A and E lines serve the Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill station and the B and D lines serve the Civic Center/Grand Park station; all are within easy walking distance of campus. In addition, more than 20 bus lines have stops within three blocks of campus. We recommend referencing the LA Metro trip planner for routes and schedules.
The Colburn School is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property. The School provides day lockers in which students can place personal belongings on the lower level of the Grand Building and on the second level of the Olive Building. These lockers are coin-operated; the cost is 50 cents per day. Lockers are for day use only, not overnight storage. The School emphasizes that personal belongings should not be left in the practice rooms or lying about the building.
The practice rooms at the Colburn School are shared by Conservatory students and students in the Community School of Performing Arts (CSPA). CSPA students may access Colburn School practice rooms according to the following policy:
Zipper Hall and Thayer Hall are the Colburn School’s two prominent public performance venues. Due to the nature of concerts in these halls, the School has developed specific policies for performances in these spaces. Audience members, whether Colburn School students, parents, faculty, staff, or guests, are asked to abide by these policies, and to understand that they are in place for the benefit of audience and performers alike.
Seating Most events are not ticketed. It is highly recommended that audience members arrive early to secure seating. Ushers will be present at most performances in Thayer Hall and Zipper Hall to hand out programs, guide audience members, and ensure that seating of the audience is efficient and smooth.
Late Seating Once an event in Zipper Hall or Thayer Hall has begun, late seating, if allowed at all, will occur either after the first movement of the first work, or at the end of the first work during the audience’s applause. Subsequently, latecomers will be seated during applause or at intermission only. Flat-screen monitors in the lobbies are provided so that latecomers may enjoy the performance before being allowed into the halls.
Ushers will seat latecomers quickly and quietly at the appropriate moment. Patrons are asked not to proceed to their assigned seats unless an usher allows seating. The cooperation of our guests is appreciated. Our goal is to provide our artists and audience members with a professional performance, with as little distraction and disruption as possible.
Infants and Children Formal public concerts (e.g., Distinguished Faculty Recitals, orchestra concerts, guest artist events) are not appropriate for infants. Guests who bring very young children to attend concerts are advised to request seats at the rear of the hall, or to sit near the exits, as the normal movement of very young children is distracting to performers and other guests. This also allows quiet exits when young children are unable to sit quietly for an entire program.
Colburn’s family-style performances (e.g., Suzuki recitals, Children’s Choir concerts, etc.) are more relaxed in atmosphere. However, we encourage parents to remove infants and very young children from the concert halls if they become disruptive. Ushers will request that parents remove very young children if they become a disturbance for other guests.
Laptop Computers and Electronics
Laptop computers are not allowed in Zipper Hall or Thayer Hall during concerts. Guests arriving with laptop computers will be asked to store the computers in their vehicles, but be advised that the Colburn School assumes no responsibility for these items. Cell phones and paging devices should be silenced prior to the start of any performance.
No video taping or photography of classes or lessons may take place without the prior permission of the teacher.
All students and parents (of those students under 18 years of age) give permission to the School to use the student’s image (including sound recording) in promotional materials, marketing brochures, posters, flyers, video and televised publicity, the School website, programs, and performances of the School, without restriction as to changes or alterations. Students and parents waive any right to inspect or approve image(s), sound, or finished versions incorporating images or sound, including any written copy that may appear in connection therewith. Students and parents agree that the Colburn School owns the copyright for these images and sounds, and waive any claims they may have based on any usage of the images or sound (recordings).
Community School students who are currently enrolled in private lessons or a chamber ensemble may book Thayer Hall, Mayman Hall, or Olive Rehearsal Hall for the purpose of making recordings including college applications, summer programs, or further educational opportunities. Students may book up to three hours per semester for recording. Recording sessions must be booked in advance through the Production Coordinator (located in G186).
Instructors must book recording sessions in advance through the Production Coordinator.
Additional recording time may be available at the request of the student’s applied private lesson instructor. Requests for additional recording time may be submitted to the Production Coordinator and must be approved by the Dean and Assistant Vice President of Operations and Facilities.
In case of medical emergency, parents authorize the Colburn School to obtain whatever medical treatment for the student that the School deems necessary or advisable, and the parent agrees to bear all costs and expenses related to such medical treatment.
The Colburn School provides free guest and academic wireless networks for the purpose of accessing the Internet for its students, faculty, employees, contractors/consultants, and guests/patrons. Use of the Colburn School wireless network is governed by all applicable local, state, and federal codes, laws, and regulations. All users are expected to use the network in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the Colburn School’s code of conduct and the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided.
Students over the age of 18, or their parents, must sign a release form to gain access to the network. For more information on the policy, or to receive a release form, please visit the Community School of Performing Arts Registration Office.
Tuition for classes and private lessons offered are listed on our Registration Portal.
Instrument Rental A limited number of instruments are available for rent. Please contact the Community School of Performing Arts Registration Office for more information.
Registration Fee All students must register prior to the first day of class. Please refer to the academic calendar for a list of dates when registration fees will be automatically charged. A fee may be avoided if registration is submitted in a timely manner according to the dates provided on the academic calendar.
Parking Permit Replacement $10 will be charged to replace lost permits.
ID/Key Card Replacement $25 will be charged to replace lost ID/key cards.
Payment of tuition and fees is expected in full at registration unless the student/parent requests a payment plan. The Colburn School accepts cash, checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover.
Cash Payment in cash may be made in person only at the Cashier’s Office.
Checks and Money Orders These should be made out to the Colburn School. The Student ID Number and name should be written on the check or money order. Checks and money orders may be mailed in with the registration form (continuing students only), or may be submitted with the registration form in person at the Community School of Performing Arts Registration Office. A money order may be required if previous checks have resulted in non-sufficient funds.
Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Payment by these credit cards may be made in person or by completing the appropriate payment authorization form or deferred payment plan agreement.
Late Fees $35 will be charged for overdue payments (after the 15th of the month).
Outstanding Balances If an outstanding balance exists from a previous term, the student may not register for a new term until 100% of the outstanding balance is paid in full. If a balance remains unpaid after attempts by School staff to collect payment, then the teacher shall be informed and shall deny the student entrance to the class. If it becomes necessary to engage the services of a collection agency or attorney to effect collection or to settle any dispute in connection with our payment policies, the individual who signs the registration form agrees to pay the collection agency or attorney fees, reasonable expenses, and costs as incurred. The individual who signs the registration form understands and agrees to these terms.
Outstanding Balances and Transcripts Transcripts may be requested by writing to cspa@colburnschool.edu. Only current students, previous students, graduates, or authorized parents/guardians may request transcripts. Students/alumni who have outstanding charges with the school must settle their account in full before the request for a transcript will be honored. NOTE: Although there is no charge for the transcript, express mail charges may apply. For more information about access and review of records, students may contact the Dean of the Community School of Performing Arts.
Returned Check Policy The Colburn School believes that payments are made in good faith. Individuals who repeatedly fail to meet their financial obligations to the School may have their enrollment revoked. The Colburn School has adopted the following procedure in the case of returned checks:
Payment in full at the beginning of each term is encouraged. However, a deferred payment plan is available to help students/parents meet their financial obligations. The terms are as follows:
Semester/Annual Payment Plans For 16 week classes, a four-month payment plan can be arranged from August–November for a one-time fee of $40. For 32 week classes, an extended payment plan can be arranged from August-April for a one-time fee of $80. Payment plans are dependent on the type of enrollment; students who are taking private lessons are required to register for the full 32 weeks. Students/parents who wish to take advantage of this option should complete the Payment Plan Form, which is available at the Cashier window or can be downloaded in advance by clicking here (Deferred Payment Plan Agreement Form).
Summer Session Payment Plan A two-part payment plan can be arranged for May-July for summer study. The terms of this plan are:
Students beginning instruction after the start of a semester will be charged tuition on a pro-rated basis, as follows. Class fees are not pro-rated for the summer session.
Class Tuition Percentage
Private Instruction Tuition Charges Tuition is pro-rated on a weekly basis. Note that the student must obtain the instructor and the Dean’s permission to register for less than the full year, which is 32 weeks for fall and spring semester. Summer study is optional and students may register for as many as 8 weeks, pending teacher availability.
Institutional policies for the Colburn School are available here.