music academy
a message from the provost Prospective students and families, welcome. I am thrilled that you are interested in making Colburn’s Music Academy a part of your musical and artistic journey. Your future as a professional musician will continue to thrive here. The Music Academy is a place to grow, explore, and engage—all with a committed community of support around you. Our robust and comprehensive program provides conservatory-level training tailored to your interests. In-depth instrumental performance, chamber music, and music theory instruction is complemented by skill-based training in the areas of stage presence, musician health, career development, and more. With a focus on excellence, you will learn from world-class faculty and work with renowned guest artists while performing often, both as a soloist and as an ensemble player. At Colburn, we strive to train the whole artist. As you develop as a performer, community engagement opportunities, academic support, and an emphasis on collaborative learning will help you reach your full artistic potential. Your time in the Music Academy is a stepping-stone to the world’s top conservatories. Bring your passion and dedication, and we will ensure you are prepared for the path ahead. With best wishes,
Adrian Daly, DMA provost
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music academy
a life in music begins here The Colburn Music Academy, founded in 2010, is a highly selective training program for gifted young musicians, ages 14–18, from around the world. With guidance and mentorship from Colburn’s world-class faculty and distinctive learning opportunities with an exceptional peer group of dedicated, talented musicians, Music Academy students develop and craft their artistic voice in a supportive and enriching environment.
The Music Academy provides conservatory-level training in all orchestral instruments and piano, preparing students for careers as professional musicians and for success beyond their training at Colburn. A highly selective program for gifted young pre-collegiate musicians, the Music Academy enrolls approximately 40 students each year and balances musical training, performances, and academics. The comprehensive curriculum helps students grow as musicians and artists with highly focused instrumental training, the development of a wide range of musical skills, an integrated approach to collaborative learning, and individualized programs of study. The two-semester, 30-week program runs from late August through early May; the curriculum includes private instrumental instruction with world-renowned faculty, studio classes, ensembles, chamber music, music theory and ear training, music history, and performance-related seminars. Additionally, students can take coursework in keyboard skills, movement for musicians, and supportive coursework in English for non-native speakers. Pianists also study piano duos, continuo and figured bass. All students learn stage presence and speaking skills, healthy practice and performance habits, and build a portfolio for the college application process.
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faculty
Margaret Batjer, Violin faculty and Academy Virtuosi coach
the music academy’s faculty includes musicians who have held principal positions with many of the country’s top orchestras, as well as internationally acclaimed soloists and chamber musicians. Current Music Academy students study with the following faculty: Margaret Batjer, Violin
Henry Gronnier, Violin
Peter Lloyd, Double Bass
Martin Beaver, Violin
Fabiola Kim, Violin
Varty Manouelian, Chamber Music
Richard Beene, Bassoon
Joan Kwuon, Violin
Jim Walker, Flute
Fabio Bidini, Piano
Jeffrey Lavner, Piano
Micah Yui, Piano
Yehuda Gilad, Clarinet
Teng Li, Viola
Clive Greensmith, Cello
Robert Lipsett, Violin
Faculty for instruments not listed here are drawn from the Colburn Conservatory of Music. An international search is in progress for oboe faculty.
The Music Academy prepares students for the next chapter in their educational endeavors. Graduates matriculate to top-ranked conservatories and music programs, including: Cleveland Institute of Music
Juilliard School
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Colburn Conservatory of Music
Manhattan School of Music
USC Thornton School of Music
Curtis Institute of Music
New England Conservatory
Yale College
Eastman School of Music
Peabody Institute
Indiana University
Royal Academy of Music
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awards, competitions, and performances
S t u d e n s o f t h e M u s i c A c a d e ym a r e r e c i p n t s o f n a t i o l a w r d s , w i n e r s of competi ns, and featur d perfo m s with profes i nal orchest a . Highl ts include:
Ad it ona,l y sev ral Music Academy students have be n promled on romF the op,T A m e r i cs a ’ l a r g e s t n a t i o n a l p l a t f o r m c e l b r a t i n g t h e s t o r i e s , t a l e n t s , a n d c h a r c t e r o f y o u n g clas ical y-trained music ans.
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performance opportunities the colburn school is a performance-based institution, and believes that the act of performance is a critical component to the educational experience of all of its students.
In the Music Academy, students perform solo and chamber music repertoire on the bi-weekly Young Artist Performance series. Additionally, students can expect to perform in any number of public settings on a regular basis: in collaboration concerts with the Colburn Dance Academy, an evening forum called Rush Hour that includes short presentations about each performance, a senior recital for graduating students, and special donor events. Students of the Music Academy receive high-quality performance experience while learning essential skills, including cueing, communications, and active listening in a collegial and collaborative environment. The following are several of the performance opportunities available each year.
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the academy virtuosi is a student-led, conductorless chamber ensemble offering students the chance to explore the rich repertoire for chamber orchestra.
Academy Virtuosi Coached by Margaret Batjer, concertmaster of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the ensemble performs at least two concerts each year and a showcase concert for the winner of the Fall Concerto Competition. Students also have opportunities to experience different performance and leadership perspectives through rotation assignments within the instrumental sections, guided by auditions during orientation.
Music Academy Young Artist Performances
Music Academy Concerto Competition
Music Academy students demonstrate the
Music Academy students perform before
depth and breadth of their training in this
a jury of guest artists for the opportunity
biweekly performance series.
to be a concerto soloist with the Academy
Counterpointe
Virtuosi in the ensemble’s spring concert.
Music Academy and the Trudl Zipper
Senior Concert
Dance Institute Dance Academy students
Graduating seniors select the repertoire
team up for a performance of beloved
for this capstone concert, which includes a
choreography and chamber music classics.
ceremony honoring their accomplishments.
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guest artists and seminars our students participate in workshops, coachings, and master classes by celebrated guest artists and industry experts.
Master Class in Zipper Hall with Renaud Capuçon
Past Guest Artists Renaud Capuçon Ray Chen Steven Doane James Ehnes Martin Fröst
Nobuko Imai Hans Jørgen Jensen Sheku Kanneh-Mason Yoheved Kaplinsky Kim Kashkashian
Anthony Marwood Anne-Marie McDermott Peter Oundjian Elizabeth Rowe
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Artist-in-Residence Since 2014, Jean-Yves Thibaudet has served as artist-in-residence at Colburn, working with students in all units. Seminars The Music Academy curriculum also includes frequent hour-long seminars on topics including Alexander Technique, Dalcroze Eurhythmics, injury prevention, presentational skills, college applications and auditions, and career development. Ray Chen with the Academy Virtuosi
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tuition and financial aid The 2021–22 school year tuition is $15,750. The Colburn School prioritizes the removal of financial barriers to enable talented and committed students access to an exceptional education. All students in the Music Academy display significant merit to qualify for admission to the program. Need-based financial aid is available to qualifying students through a formal application process following admission to the program. Our Music Academy financial aid committee assigns available resources based on information provided by families.
High School Curriculum Most students complete their high school education through a partnership with Oak Crest Academy, an accredited middle and high school that offers a flexible, individualized online curriculum. Students elect their hours of study during a 30-hour time frame each week that coincides with the presence of Oak Crest faculty on site. Students who live locally have the option to pursue their studies at their school of choice. Additional high school options are available for students who do not live in the Colburn residence hall. Housing With spectacular views of downtown Los Angeles, the Colburn residence hall includes a dedicated floor for Music Academy students. Residential life staff are available 24/7 and provide a variety of social activities throughout the school year. This on-campus housing for Academy students is limited, and availability is not guaranteed. There are additional student housing options in the immediate area, and some families choose to secure apartment housing in close proximity to the Colburn School. Application Process Prospective students submit an online application and prescreening videos. Selected applicants are invited to audition in person at the Colburn School. Accepted applicants receive notification of their admission in the spring. Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) The Colburn School is committed to providing equitable access to excellence in performing arts education. Founded on the core principle of community, we believe that equity, diversity, and inclusion is vital to our collective success. Colburn has dedicated resources to enable a diverse pool of aspiring artists to apply, audition, and study at the School, including audition travel support and expanded financial aid. Colburn’s commitment to EDI is also reflected in our artistic programming, community engagement work, and partnerships with established leaders in the EDI space. For more information, visit colburnschool.edu/edi.
learn more or apply colburnschool.edu/musicacademy musicacademy@colburnschool.edu
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a world-class campus in downtown los angeles
situated in the heart of the cultural center of los angeles, the Colburn School not only provides access to excellence in both music and dance instruction, but access to some of the best venues, art installations, and dining experiences in the country. With so much in close proximity, there’s a wealth of opportunity to discover and explore.
Downtown boasts a walkability score of 97*, the highest in Los Angeles. With an average of 34 restaurants and cafés within a 5-minute walk, you are bound to discover some new favorites. You can explore the Grand Central Market, Little Tokyo, or visit over 60 art galleries in the area, including The Broad and the Museum of Contemporary Art that are on the same block as Colburn. If you’re looking to experience performances, walk across the street from campus to the Music Center to enjoy the Walt Disney Concert Hall (home of the LA Phil) and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (home to the LA Opera). Find historical landmarks and architectural gems such as the Central Library with its Egyptian design influences and the Bradbury Building with its skylit atrium, both within walking distance. If you’re seeking some outdoor adventures, Los Angeles provides access to beaches, hiking trails, skiing, and more. With so much to see and experience, come join us in downtown Los Angeles. You bring the passion. Together, we'll build your future. Photos: Courtney Paige Ray, Philip Pirolo, Jon McKee, Craig T. Mathews Notice of Nondiscrimination Policy to Students: The Colburn School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, or religious belief in its admission, retention, student aid, scholarship, or other educational policies, and other school-administered programs. *Source: Walkscore
learn more or apply colburnschool.edu/musicacademy musicacademy@colburnschool.edu 200 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles, California 90012 colburnschool.edu