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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From the small clubs of Los Angeles, to the recording studios, to the Hollywood Bowl, and even the grass at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Dr. Simonsen’s trumpet and music can be heard pleasing audiences of every size and demographic.
In 1992 he founded the chamber music institute at the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts and has served on the faculty since that time.
Leads several youth orchestras in Southern California with the purpose of enabling young people to gain orchestral experience and savor the unique feeling of orchestral music-making.
Dr. Tornquist is a member of the Santa Barbara Symphony, New West Symphony, Long Beach Symphony, and Santa Monica Symphony. He performs regularly with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, LA Opera Orchestra, and on various film and television scores, including Edward Scissorhands, Wreck it Ralph, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, and The Big Friendly Giant.