music academy
exploring the music academy Prospective students and families, welcome. We are thrilled that you are interested in making Colburn’s Music Academy a part of your journey. By joining our community, you are making an investment in your musical, academic, and personal development—and your future. Music Academy graduates go on to top conservatories, prestigious music programs, and Ivy League universities, and are awarded significant scholarship support. Our robust and comprehensive program provides in-depth instrumental instruction, chamber music and ensemble performance opportunities, and academic coursework 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 our world-class faculty and work with renowned guest artists while performing often, both as a soloist and as an ensemble player. The Music Academy’s full-time residential program gives students an opportunity to experience conservatory-style life in the cultural heart of Los Angeles. With three recital halls, numerous practice rooms, a wide range of high-end grand pianos, and recording/ streaming capabilities in recital halls, Colburn provides state-of-the art facilities for aspiring artists to develop their craft. The Music Academy is a place to grow, explore, and engage—all with a committed community of support around you. 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. Bring your passion and dedication, and we will prepare you for the path ahead.
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music academy The Colburn Music Academy, founded in 2010, is a highly selective training program for gifted young musicians, ages 12–18, 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.
a life in music begins here 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. The Music Academy enrolls approximately 50 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: o private instrumental instruction o studio classes
o music theory and ear training
o ensembles
o music history
o chamber music
o performance-related seminars
Additionally, students can take coursework in keyboard skills, movement for musicians, and supportive coursework for non-native speakers of English. 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 today's most renowned teachers, with decades of experience nurturing the next generation of talent.
Music Academy students can currently study instrumental and chamber music with the following faculty: Ted Atkatz, Percussion
Henry Gronnier, Violin
Peter Lloyd, Double Bass
Andrew Bain, Horn
Eugene Izotov, Oboe
Tatjana Masurenko, Viola
Margaret Batjer, Violin
HyeJin Kim, Piano
David Rejano Cantero, Trombone
Martin Beaver, Violin
Joan Kwuon, Violin
JoAnn Turovsky, Harp
Richard Beene, Bassoon
Jeffrey Lavner, Piano
Jim Walker, Flute
Fabio Bidini, Piano
Rodolfo Leone, Piano Duo
James Wilt, Trumpet
Yehuda Gilad, Clarinet
Teng Li, Viola
Clive Greensmith, Cello
Robert Lipsett, Violin
The Music Academy prepares students for the next chapter in their educational endeavors. Recent Music Academy graduates attend the following schools: Cleveland Institute of Music
Harvard University
Royal College of Music, London
Colburn Conservatory
The Juilliard School
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
Columbia University
New England Conservatory
University of California, Berkeley
Curtis Institute of Music
Northwestern University
Yale University
Eastman School of Music
Oberlin Conservatory of Music
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awards, competitions, and summer programs
Students of the Music Academy are recipients of national and international awards and winners of prominent competitions. Recent highlights include: Amadeus International Music Awards, Silver Medal Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition (Junior String Division), Gold Medal Gustav Mahler Prize Cello Competition (Category 4), First Prize XVII International Tchaikovsky Competition, Live Round Manhattan International Music Competition, Gold Medal Music Center's Spotlight Awards, Grand Prize Finalist Music International Grand Prix, First Prize Nina Simone Piano Competition (Seniors Division), Gold Medal Sound Espressivo Competition, Laureate OPUS Music Competition, First Prize Stulberg International String Competition, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals Tibor Junior International Violin Competition, Second Prize Vivo International Music Competition, First Prize YoungArts (Classical Music), Finalist
Each year, Music Academy students attend top summer programs including: Aspen Music Festival and School Boston University Tanglewood Institute Heifetz International Music Institute Morningside Music Bridge National Symphony Orchestra Summer Music Institute Perlman Music Program
Additionally, Music Academy students are regularly profiled on From the Top, America’s largest national platform celebrating the stories, talents, and character of young, classically-trained musicians.
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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, including concerts with the Colburn Dance Academy, a senior recital for graduating students, and special donor events. Students receive high-quality performance experience while learningessential skills, including cueing, communications, and active listening in a collegial and collaborative environment. Music Academy performances are regularly livestreamed to an international audience and students have access to the latest technology and top facilities for recordings.
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the academy virtuosi is a student-led, conductorless chamber orchestra offering students unique leadership opportunities.
Academy Virtuosi Coached by Margaret Batjer, Concertmaster of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, the ensemble performs at least two concerts each year in addition to unique concert opportunities outside the School. The Academy Virtuosi have performed with renowned violin soloist and social media trailblazer Ray Chen and were featured on a Ukraine benefit concert involving North America’s top music conservatories and music programs. In 2024, the Academy Virtuosi performs with celebrated violinist Anne Akiko Meyers at the Laguna Beach Music Festival. 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
bi-weekly 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.
Ray Chen with the Academy Virtuosi
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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 Lang Lang
Past Guest Artists Gautier Capuçon Ray Chen Steven Doane James Ehnes Martin Fröst Nobuko Imai
Hans Jørgen Jensen Sheku Kanneh-Mason Yoheved Kaplinsky Kim Kashkashian Lang Lang
Anthony Marwood Anne-Marie McDermott Peter Oundjian Elizabeth Rowe Gil Shaham
Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Artist-in-Residence Since 2014, acclaimed pianist 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. Master Class in Zipper Hall with Gautier Capuçon
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tuition and financial aid The 2023–24 school year tuition is $17,500. The Colburn Music Academy is honored to be able to welcome students of diverse backgrounds and nationalities by reducing financial barriers through scholarships. Endowment and annual donors make this possible, and we recognize the excellence of Music Academy students by providing full and partial scholarship awards based on demonstrated financial need, as well as through special discretionary scholarships. A full listing of all fees and costs, including residential costs, is found online at colburnschool.edu/music-academy/cost-and-financial-aid/
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 a minimum of 10 hours of dedicated study each week during a 30-hour time frame 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, resume, letters of recommendations, and pre-screen videos. Selected applicants are invited to audition in person at the Colburn School in March. Accepted applicants receive notification of their admission in the spring. Additional audition information, including deadlines, repertoire lists, and more, can be found on our website. 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
Colburn recently announced plans for an ambitious campus expansion project, designed by Frank Gehry. The new facility includes Terri and Jerry Kohl Hall, a 1,000-seat in-the-round concert hall, and state-of-the-art dance studios. Learn more colburnschool.edu/future
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 performances, museums, 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 Philharmonic) and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion (home of 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