World-class training in ballet, modern, and tap for children ages 4–18.
Led by a renowned faculty made up of some of the most exceptional former professional dancers in the industry, the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute is dedicated to developing the individual gifts and talents of each of our students, from pre-school children discovering the joy of dance for the first time, to pre-professional dancers in our Dance Academy.
Our summer programs are open to both existing and new students, including beginners and more experienced dancers. They are an excellent opportunity for new students to discover everything that Colburn Dance has to offer.
Our two-week Summer Ballet Intensive, Young Dancer Intensive, Teen Tap Intensive, and Modern Choreographic Intensive offer serious young dancers an opportunity to continue their training over the summer on our beautiful campus in Downtown Los Angeles, led by our exceptional faculty and guest artists.
Intermediate and advanced ballet students can also train daily throughout July, in our Summer Intermediate/Advanced ballet program.
Young beginner and intermediate dancers can explore ballet, modern and tap in our week-long Summer Dance Camp, which is a fantastic introduction to all of Colburn’s dance genres.
We have also designed a four-week ‘Summer Saturdays’ program which runs on Saturdays in July. This program offers weekly classes for children ages 4 to adult, across ballet, modern, tap, and jazz. If you’ve ever wondered if Colburn School is right for your child, then this is a fantastic opportunity to experience a taste of Colburn Dance ahead of the new semester.
Explore our full range of summer camps and programs below. If you have any queries, please contact dance@colburnschool.edu
The Colburn School is excited to offer a two-week summer ballet intensive program that is designed to provide students with a bridge to connect the end of their year-round training and the start of their longer summer training courses.
Learn More
The Summer Dance Camp is a one-week comprehensive study of all of Colburn’s dance genres including Ballet, Modern, Tap and Jazz. It is open to Beginner and Intermediate level dancers ages 8 to 14. Morning classes will alternate between Tap and Jazz, and afternoons will alternate between Ballet and Modern classes. A half hour lunch break will be given each day. Dancers will be divided based on age and level in the following two divisions: 8–10-year-olds and 11–14-year-olds.
The Young Dancer Intensive is a two-week comprehensive study of all of Colburn’s dance genres including Ballet, Modern, Tap and Jazz. It is open to Beginning and Intermediate level dancers ages 7 to 13. Mornings will consist of Ballet, Pointe/Pointe Prep, and Variations classes and afternoons will alternate between Modern, Tap, Jazz and Pilates. Students will be placed in one of two age groups: 7–9-year-olds or 10–13-year-olds.
The Teen Tap Summer Intensive is designed for serious tap students who desire to take their work to the next level with focused training in diverse tap techniques and repertory, supplemented courses in improvisation, music, Tap Dance History and cross-training.
Instructors include:
Melinda SullivanJohnnie HobbsJoseph WigganJosette WigganSara ReichAaron Williams
July 3–141:30pm-5:00pm Mon., Wed., Fri.10:00am-2:30pm Tues., Thurs.
A 2-week-long exploration of different modern dance techniques and choreographic methods. Advanced modern students will encounter a Master Artist and working professional each day. Past guest faculty have included Stina Ahlberg, Rachel Berman, Katherine Fisher, Jmy James, Banu Ogan, Andrew Pearson and Rudy Perez. Students have been exposed to a range of techniques including Release Technique, Taylor, Cunningham and Flying Low, as well as a variety of compositional tools including chance procedures, improvisational, and the use of rhythmic and spatial patterning. Dancers will also have the opportunity to put their new techniques into motion by choreographing their own short work, culminating in an informal showing.
Our outstanding faculty of former professional dancers offer Ballet and Tap classes for all levels. All classes are drop-in; you can register for one class at a time or purchase a class card to create your own dance schedule that works with your calendar.
Full Schedule of Adult Classes
$20 for single class$90 for a 5 Class Card$180 for a 10 Class Card
Existing students can join us each Saturday in July to keep up their training over the Summer, and new students are welcome to register for this four-week program to try out classes before registering for the Fall Semester. Classes include:
Creative Dance ages 5–8
Pre-Ballet ages 4–5
Ballet Prep I & II ages 5–7
Beginning Ballet ages 7–10
Modern I & II ages 9–12
Int/Adv Modern ages 13–18
Tap I, II & III ages 7–12
Beginning Jazz ages 9–12
Intermediate/Advanced Jazz Dance ages 12–14
Students train for two hours in ballet technique Monday through Thursday. Dancers are encouraged to sign up for all four weeks but can register for each week individually.
Get information and application details about the programs Colburn offers each summer.
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Exceptional music training for ages 7 months to adult
“The Brass Intensive and the faculty’s influence made me realize that is actually what I want to do with my life. It was probably the experience that developed me more as a player than ever before in my life. Over those two weeks my sound completely changed. ” Suzy Belik – French Horn, 2022 Summer Brass Intensive
In June and July 2023, the Colburn School is excited to offer eleven different summer music camps, intensives, and programs for young musicians aged 7–months to adult.
Our music programs are led by Colburn’s esteemed faculty and renowned guest artists, offering both existing and new students the chance to enhance their skills by studying with some of the top instructors in their fields. Students also have an excellent opportunity to build relationships with like-minded young musicians.
Our Brass Intensive, Piano Camp Intensive, Jazz Camp, Chamber Music Intensive, Piano Seminar, Music Theory Intensive, Saxophone Intensive, Jazz Camp and Sounding Point Academy all return this summer.
This summer we are also offering programs for our youngest students through our Early Childhood Summer Samplers. Children from 7 months to 6 years can discover the joys of music and the performing arts through weekly classes, which offer an ideal opportunity to sample the program before the start of the Fall semester.
We will also continue to offer private instruction over the Summer period for new and continuing students. If you have ever wanted to learn to play an instrument, or if you’re an experience musician looking to refine your skills, our faculty use their expertise to help students of all ages and ability levels develop their musicianship, technique, and confidence. We offer private instruction for beginners to advanced students in bassoon, cello, clarinet, double bass, flute and piccolo, guitar, harp, horn, oboe, percussion, piano, saxophone, trombone, trumpet, tuba, viola, violin, and voice. If you are interested in private instruction, please submit an inquiry form.
Explore our summer music camps below!
The Colburn Summer Chamber Music Intensive provides focused ensemble playing for the serious chamber music student. Students will be grouped into a trio, quartet, or quintet and learn an entire work during their time together. Along with rehearsals, students will participate in stage presence activities, team building, master classes, and other group-building activities. Coaches from the Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute will provide instruction, along with other chamber music professionals.
Schedule
July 2-8 (July 2nd – afternoon only; July 4th – morning only) July 10-15 (no half days) 10:30 am-4:30 pm
Age Range
13-18 years old
Audition Requirements
Students who were not in the 2022-23 Ed and Mari Edelman Chamber Music Institute must submit the following:
A good quality audition video of two contrasting works showing both technical and lyrical ability
A current teacher recommendation
An application form
Current Colburn chamber music students do not need to submit the video, but the application form is still required.
Student Requirements
Students can choose to apply for Week 1 (July 2-8), Week 2 (July 10-15), or the whole 2-week program. Students will need to have an upper intermediate level of playing. Prior chamber music experience is recommended, but not required. The program is open to string instruments (violin, viola, cello, and double bass) and piano. Non-Colburn students are welcome and encouraged to apply. Pre-formed groups are welcome to apply and will be kept together. Continuing Colburn Community School students are eligible for an automatic discount.
Tuition and Fees
Nonrefundable application fee: $25 (applied towards the registration fees if accepted)
Commuter/non-residential fee for 1-week program (Week 1 or Week 2): $1,295
Commuter/non-residential fee for 2-week program (both Week 1 and Week 2): $2,100
Priority payment deadline: June 9
Continuing Colburn Community School students are eligible for an automatic $200 discount.
Applications due on June 2, 2023 for priority admission.
Develop your piano playing skills, engage with experienced Colburn piano faculty, and connect with fellow piano students through classes and performances during the 2023 Summer Piano Camp Intensive. Each day begins with a movement class and ends with a group theory and/or piano literature seminar. Each student will receive two 45-minute private piano lessons per week with esteemed Colburn faculty to work towards a recital performance at the end of the intensive.
July 10-21 (Mon-Fri) 9 am-3:30 pm
9-13 years old
Students are required to record and upload two contrasting pieces, played by memory. For repertoire, intermediate to advanced level pieces, such as Bach’s Anna Magdalena or Clementi Sonatinas are acceptable. Unacceptable repertoire includes pop music, arrangements of classical pieces, or pieces from method books.
Live Audition
If invited to the live audition, students must prepare and memorize two contrasting pieces, and be performance-ready. These pieces do not have to be the same as what was performed in the audition videos. Live auditions will be on May 7 from 2:00-8:00 pm – location TBD
Nonrefundable application fee: $25 (applied toward the registration fee if accepted)
Early registration fee (if paid by or on May 26): $1,895
Regular registration fee (if paid after May 26): $2,095
Final payment deadline: June 9
Applications due on May 5, 2023 by 5 pm PT.
The Colburn Jazz Workshop’s Big Band directors, Mr. Lee Secard and Dr. Walter Simonsen, are proud to present a special Summer Jazz Camp. This camp will include daily playing and improvisation, jazz theory, practicing/learning strategies, ear training, and listening to repertoire.
June 26-30 (Mon-Fri) 10am-2pm
Grades 8-10, 13-16 years old
Please submit videos of the 2 following works:
“Now’s The Time” (key of F blues) or “Sonny Moon For Two” (key of B-flat blues)
“Autumn Leaves” or “I Got Rhythm”
We would like to hear melody and improvisation on both pieces. Both selections should be played at a comfortable, moderate tempo. Most students use a play-along recording for accompaniment. The app, iReal Pro, is suggested to record accompaniment. A Jamey Aebersold play-along recording can also be used, or any other play-along rhythm section recording. A cell phone should be used to record the student playing along with the song. It should be filmed from the side so that both hands, the instrument, and the upper body can be seen on the video. Please review the recording to ensure both the instrument and the recorded track can be heard clearly, and that the visual image shows the student playing with both hands. The student should improvise according to what they hear, and what they know of music theory. We do not expect perfection, and want students to view this as something fun to do.
Early registration fee: $450 (if paid within 2 weeks after acceptance)
Regular registration fee: $525
Final payment deadline: June 2
Applications due on May 26, 2023 by 5 pm PT.
Led by Colburn Faculty Danielle Ondarza and Mike Zonshine, the Colburn Summer Brass Intensive will offer students the opportunity to perform together in one large brass ensemble in the morning, followed by smaller chamber music groups in the afternoon. All ensembles will be led by the Colburn School’s brass faculty. The Summer Brass Intensive is open to brass players who have been playing their instrument for at least three years and are intermediate or advanced players.
July 3-14 (no classes on July 4) First week: 10 am-3 pm Second week: 10 am-4 pm
10-20 years old
Open to brass players who have been playing their instrument for at least three years and are intermediate or advanced players.
Early registration fee (if paid by or on May 19): $895
Regular registration fee (if paid after May 19): $995
Final payment deadline: June 20
Registration deadline extended! Register by June 19 for priority admission.
This program is no longer taking place. However, applications for our 2023–24 Concert Band and Wind Ensemble are open!
This program is no longer taking place. However, interested students from ages 6–20 are invited to apply to join Colburn’s 2023–24 Choir program.
The Summer Saxophone Intensive at the Colburn School is run by Dr. John Hallberg, Colburn saxophone faculty, and will offer a dynamic and diverse musical experience for the young saxophonist.
The camp will include a wide range of events such as lectures on saxophone fundamentals and techniques, daily warm-ups, master classes, saxophone chamber music, one-on-one lessons, guest vendors, and student and faculty concerts. Soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophonists that have been playing for at least three years and are intermediate to advance players are all welcome to join!
ScheduleJune 26-30
Age RangeGrades 8-12; ages 13-18
Student Requirements Open to all saxophonists that have been playing for at least three years and are intermediate to advance players.
Costs• Registration fee: $695• Registration/payment deadline: June 2• Continuing Colburn Community School students are eligible for an automatic $100 discount.
All fees are nonrefundable.
How to register1) Click “Register Now”2) Create a new account if you are a new student. Or login if you are a current student.3) Please respond to the series of questions asked and submit payment. We will be in touch with details in the next several weeks.
Questions? Contact summer@colburnschool.edu.
Robert Lipsett and Fabiola Kim, co-founders and faculty
Sounding Point Academy nurtures the next generation of soloists, chamber musicians, orchestral musicians, and pedagogues. During this two-week in-person program, students will delve into a curriculum that explores the most critical of violinistic elements.
Students will have opportunities to perform for the world’s leading performing artists, master the intricacies of orchestral excerpts, and gain comprehensive knowledge of the technical aspects of violin performance. The program will also offer a public-speaking and movement component, highlighting the value of entrepreneurship and versatility of a complete musician.
The application deadline is March 31, 2023, by 5 pm Pacific Time.
More information and application details.
During this two-week in-person seminar, piano students will receive expert instruction from Colburn’s talented faculty, as well as several renowned guest artists. The program welcomes applications from students of all nationalities, ethnic origins, religions, and genders. Participants will play in a weekly studio class, receive two private lessons each week, and have the opportunity to attend master classes and engage with artists. The seminar concludes with a live competition and the chance to win a $1,000 Steinway prize.
Age Range 13+ years old
Audition Requirements Please submit two contrasting pieces. Record/upload the files separately, and name the files with the composers & titles of the works (example: Chopin Ballade No. 1 in G Minor). Videos do not need to 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 their full names, age, and their goals if accepted into the seminar.
Your submissions must be in video-format only. Audio-only submissions will not be accepted.
Application Application deadline: Feb 15. Students will be notified by March 1. Late applicants may be considered based on availability. Limited scholarships may be available.
Costs All applicants
Non-Residential
Residential
* Participants must be 14 years of age or older to live in the residence hall. Those under 14 must be accompanied by an adult – please use the email address below to inquire about rates. Residents must also be fully-vaccinated (and boosted, if eligible).
How to apply 1) Click “Register Now” 2) Create a new account if you are a new student. Or login if you are a current student. 3) Please respond to the series of questions asked and click “Continue” when done. 4) Your responses will be submitted for review and we will contact you if you are accepted into the program. The application fee must be paid by the application deadline in order for your application to be considered.
Questions? Contact summer@colburnschool.edu
Steinway Competition:Date: Saturday, July 1, 2023 Location: Colburn SchoolPrize: $1000
-The competition is open only to students accepted into the seminar
-Upon acceptance, students wishing to enter the competition will be asked to submit a video for a pre screening judged by the co-directors. This video can be the same or different from the seminar application but must be submitted separately.
-the judges will be from outside the seminar faculty
Requirements for both pre screening and live round are:-2 or more contrasting pieces maximum of 20 minutes -the video quality requirements are the same as for the seminar application
Up to 10 students will be selected
Summer Music Theory Intensives cover a year’s curriculum in 4 weeks. The classes meet for 1.5 hours each day, 4 days/week, with about an hour of homework every day. Summer classes allow students to efficiently review past material or get ahead for the following year. Classes offered are Elementary II, Intermediate I, and Intermediate II.
New students must complete a music theory assessment for placement prior to registering.
June 12-July 7*; Mon-Thurs 2:30-3:55 pm
*due to the observed holiday on Tues, July 4, a make-up class will be provided on Fri, July 7
10+ years
New students must complete a music theory assessment to determine which class is most appropriate. Students currently enrolled in music theory at Colburn do not need to complete an assessment.
Music Theory Placement Evaluation
Email completed assessment to Kathy Sawada at ksawada@colburnschool.edu.
· Registration fee: $590
· Students enrolled in 8 private lessons for summer: $442.50*
· Students enrolled in 16 private lessons for summer: $295*
*Discounted tuition applies towards 45 and 60 minute lessons only. Please contact the office at cspa@colburnschool.edu for discount code.
Visit our Early Childhood page to learn more about summer samplers for ages 7 months to 5 years old.
June 18-July 1, 2023 Fabio Bidini and Micah Yui, co-directors and faculty
This two-week intensive piano program for advanced high school piano students takes place on the beautiful, world-renowned Colburn School campus in the cultural heart of downtown Los Angeles. Join acclaimed pianists for intensive study, including weekly studio classes, private lessons, and master classes. Learn more about the 2023 program.
Students may choose to live on Colburn’s campus, located across the street from Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad Museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Commuter and residential students alike will enjoy access to some of the best dining experiences, arts organizations, and venues in the country.
June 4 – 18, 2023 Robert Lipsett and Fabiola Kim, co-founders and faculty
Sounding Point Academy nurtures the next generation of soloists, chamber musicians, orchestral musicians, and pedagogues. During this two-week in-person program, students will delve into a curriculum that explores the most critical of violinistic elements. Details on 2022 program.
Audition and application details for the 2023 program will be posted soon.
Spend summer with Colburn and immerse yourself in your art!
Our summer music camps, dance camps, intensives, classes, and seminars allow musicians and dancers to enhance their skills with expert instruction from Colburn’s esteemed faculty and an array of renowned guest artists.
Browse programs in dance, early childhood, piano, chamber music, jazz, music theory, voice, brass, and more to find the program that is right for you.
Our programs are for all ages from 7 months to adult, so there is something for everyone!
If your children are passionate about dance or are curious to try it for the first time, they have a home at the Colburn School this Summer!
Our summer dance camps and intensives invite young dancers to enhance their skills in ballet, tap, and modern, with expert instruction from our esteemed faculty and renowned guest artists.
New students can also get a taste of dance at Colburn with our Summer Saturdays classes, which are a great way to try dance for the very first time.
Our summer camps fill up quickly, so register today!
Our summer music camps, intensives, and workshops invite young musicians to connect with musical peers, work one-on-one with experienced faculty, and interact with renowned guest artists across piano, violin, chamber music, jazz, voice, brass, saxophone, LA Honor Band, and early childhood music. We also have private summer music classes available.
Get ready for a summer of dramatic fun at Colburn! Join one of our exciting summer drama classes designed for children ages 5–16. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of an unforgettable summer of acting adventures.
Summer classes begin June 17 and spaces are limited, so register today.