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

Hui Wu smiling in front of a window, wearing a blazer and a blouse.
Hui Wu
Piano Faculty

Praised as “sparkling” by The New York Times and “a rising star” by China Musical Weekly, pianist Hui Wu displays her versatility through a creative approach to programming, stemming from a contemporary/classical music duality.

Ryan Emerson Baird holding a bass and smiling in front of a window.
Ryan Emerson Baird
Double Bass Faculty

Ryan performs as a member of both the Santa Barbara Symphony and Delirium Musicum Chamber Ensemble, where he is also a co-founder.

HyeJin Kim
Piano Faculty

Praised by critics for her “passionate…polished and expressive” performances, pianist HyeJin Kim is one of South Korea’s most thrilling young classical stars.

Michael Stevens
Chair, Voice Department, Voice Faculty, Musical Theater Faculty

Mr. Stevens teaches at the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts, where he has been Chair of the Voice Department since 2008.