The Colburn Music Academy, founded in 2010, is a highly selective training program for gifted young musicians. Guided and mentored by world-class faculty, Music Academy students develop their artistic voice in a supportive and enriching learning environment. The Music Academy prepares students for future success as professional musicians by providing conservatory-level training in all orchestral instruments and piano.
We invite you to explore the Music Academy viewbook.
The application deadline for the 2021–22 school year is January 11, 2021. The application fee is $80.
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Music Academy students can expect to perform on a regular basis in numerous public settings, whether solo or with peers, on stage at Colburn or in the local community. Performance experience includes studio class, chamber and solo recitals, collaboration concerts with the Colburn Dance Academy, a senior recital, and special donor events.
The Academy Virtuosi, a student-led, conductorless chamber ensemble, offers students the chance to explore the rich repertoire for chamber orchestra. The Academy Virtuosi performs at least two concerts each year, including a showcase concert for the winner of the Concerto Competition.
Applied study is at the heart of the performance mission of the Colburn School. All such study is done one-on-one with faculty members who are internationally acclaimed soloists and chamber musicians. Students benefit from a small student to faculty ratio and a student body of about 50.
Each year students have the opportunity to work with prominent musicians from around the world in a master class setting. Recent artists include Ray Chen, Sheku Kanneh-Mason, and Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Colburn’s Artist-in-Residence.
Music Academy students have access to seminars on topics including Alexander Technique, injury prevention, presentational skills, college applications and auditions, and career development. A supplemental curricular track is available for students who live on campus or nearby, and an accredited middle and high school, Oak Crest Academy, located on Colburn’s campus for completion of academic studies.
Students matriculate to top conservatories, including the Colburn Conservatory, Curtis Institute, The Juilliard School, and more.
Need-based financial aid is available to qualifying students through a formal online application. There is also limited availability for on-campus housing.
The Colburn School is located on Grand Avenue, amongst some of the most prestigious arts organizations in the country, including the LA Phil and the LA Opera. With three recital halls, numerous practice rooms, a wide range of high-end grand pianos, and recording/streaming capabilities in recital halls, Colburn’s facilities are the perfect place for aspiring artists to develop their craft.