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.

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Meet Our Faculty

So Jin Kim
Violin Instructor

Korean-American violinist So Jin Kim is an experienced orchestral musician with multiple concertmaster appointments and two critically acclaimed album releases.

Sam Fischer
Violin Instructor

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

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Shelly Suminski
Trombone Faculty

As an active freelance musician in Southern California, Ms. Suminski has performed with many local orchestras and musical theater companies in the region and with the Macao Orchestra in China.

Shih Lan Liu holding a violin and smiling in front of a window.
ShihLan Lavner
Violin Faculty

ShihLan Lavner is a dedicated and dynamic violin educator.