Colburn Tonebase Piano Seminar

This partnership between the Colburn School and tonebase piano combines artistry, technology, and community. This is a unique environment where tradition meets innovation: world class Colburn faculty, facilities, and pianos paired with tonebase’s access to global artists and cutting-edge pedagogy.

This two-week intensive is designed for pianists aged 13 and older (dorms are for ages 15 and above, younger students may be considered individually). You’ll study in a close-knit, supportive setting where lessons, classes, and even lunch conversations foster meaningful growth and connection.

Watch our information session with the Program Directors:

Why Choose the 2026 Colburn-tonebase Piano Seminar?

This year’s seminar introduces an all-new seminar curriculum on the essentials of piano playing, including technique, pedaling, and sound production, led by Colburn faculty and Tonebase artists.

Co-Directors: Micah Yui & Dominic Cheli

Artistic Advisor: Fabio Bidini

What You’ll Experience:

Four 50-minute private lessons with Colburn’s renowned piano faculty
Complimentary 1-year tonebase piano membership.
Guest masterclasses with world-class pianists and educators
Four-hand duo coaching and performance opportunities
Special classes and sessions, including:
- Weekly Studio Classes
- Technique Workshops
- Movement Classes
- Piano Technology Presentation
- Classes on the essentials of piano playing
  - Technique, Competitions, Performance Psychology, and more
Final Seminar Recital performance opportunity
Practice time built into the schedule
Steinway Competition for a $1,000 cash prize and a lifetime tonebase piano membership
Special Yamaha Scholarship awarded to 1 student based on their pre-screening recording

Colburn’s downtown Los Angeles campus places you steps away from Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad, and MOCA, with easy access to dining at the Colburn Café and nearby Little Tokyo.

Program Overview

Schedule
June 16–27*, 2026
*Move-out for residential students will take place on June 28, 2026.

Age Range
13–18 years

Colburn Faculty

Fabio Bidini, Artistic Advisor
Dominic Cheli, Co-Director
Jeff Lavner, Piano Faculty
Rodolfo Leone, Piano Faculty
Vanessa Fadial, Piano Faculty
HyeJin Kim, Piano Faculty
Ivanna Malo, Piano Faculty
Régulo Martínez-Antón, Piano Faculty
Micah Yui, Co-Director
Tamsin Carlson, Movement

Guest faculty

Yuliana Avdeeva
Bernadene Blaha
Sara Davis Buechner
Rufus Choi
Jarred Dunn
Hyung-ki Joo
Noa Kageyama
Robert Koenig
Ben Laude
Dmitry Rachmanov
Raja Rahman
Jeremy Siskind

Student Requirements

The Colburn-tonebase Piano Seminar is open to advanced high school students.

Tuition and Fees

Non-refundable application fee: $50
Early bird tuition: $2,300*
Regular tuition: $2,600

*Apply on or before January 15, 2026

Residential Fees (Optional)

Single occupancy room: $1,380
Meal plan: $500

All students staying in the dorms are required to purchase a meal plan. Meal plan funds are non-refundable and must be used in the Colburn Cafe.

Note: Room and board are only available for students ages 15 and above. Parents/guardians may not stay in the dorms.

How to Apply

All applicants must submit a complete application online.

Audition Requirements
Submit a high-quality audition video of the requirements listed below.

Introduce yourself (name, age, where you are from, and why you want to attend the piano seminar)
One movement of a classical sonata
Two contrasting pieces of your choice
Videos do not need to be made professionally but must have a clear picture and good sound quality. The full profile and hands must be clearly shown.
Applicants must introduce themselves with full name, age, and their goals if accepted into the seminar.
Your submissions must be in video format. Audio-only submissions will not be accepted.

Application Deadline

11:59 PM on March 15, 2026

Apply Now