Music Academy Brochure 2023-24

music academy

exploring the music academy

Welcome, prospective students and families.

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 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 and affiliation with the Colburn Conservatory gives students an opportunity 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 stateof-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.

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 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.

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 ensembles

o chamber music

o music theory and ear training

o music history

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.

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.

Music Academy students can currently study instrumental and chamber music with the following faculty:

Ted Atkatz, Percussion

Andrew Bain, Horn

Margaret Batjer, Violin

Martin Beaver, Violin

Richard Beene, Bassoon

Fabio Bidini, Piano

Yehuda Gilad, Clarinet

Clive Greensmith, Cello

Henry Gronnier, Violin

Eugene Izotov, Oboe

HyeJin Kim, Piano

Joan Kwuon, Violin

Jeffrey Lavner, Piano

Rodolfo Leone, Piano Duo

Teng Li, Viola

Robert Lipsett, Violin

Peter Lloyd, Double Bass

Tatjana Masurenko, Viola

David Rejano Cantero, Trombone

JoAnn Turovsky, Harp

Jim Walker, Flute

Jim Wilt, Trumpet

The Music Academy prepares students for the next chapter in their educational endeavors. Music Academy graduates from the past three years attend the following schools:

Cleveland Institute of Music

Colburn Conservatory

Columbia University

Curtis Institute of Music

Eastman School of Music

Harvard University

The Juilliard School

New England Conservatory

Northwestern University

Oberlin Conservatory of Music

Royal College of Music, London

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

University of California, Berkeley

Yale University

awards, competitions, and performances

Students of the Music Academy are recipients of national awards, winners of competitions, and featured performers with professional orchestras.

Recent highlights include:

American String Teachers Association of Greater Los Angeles National Solo Competition, First Place

Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, Junior String Division, Gold

Florida Flute Association Young Artist Competition, First Place

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Soloist

Joe Zawinul Foundation for Achievement, American “Z” Award Recipient

Michigan Philharmonic, Soloist

MostArts Young Pianist Competition, Grand Prize

The Music Center’s Spotlight, Grand Prize Winner

Pacific Academy Foundation Concerto Competition, Senior Division, First Prize

Parness Concerto Competition, First Place

Redlands Bowl Young Artists Concerto Competition, Grand Finalist

Sound Espressivo Competition, Laureate

Southern California Philharmonic Young Artist Competition, Artist Instrumental Category, First Prize

Southern California Junior Bach Festival, First Place

Stulberg International String Competition, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medals

Tibor Junior International Violin Competition, Second Prize

YoungArts–Classical Music, Finalists

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.

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.

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.

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 students demonstrate the depth and breadth of their training in this biweekly performance series.

Counterpointe

Music Academy and the Trudl Zipper

Dance Institute Dance Academy students team up for a performance of beloved choreography and chamber music classics.

Music Academy Concerto Competition

Music Academy students perform before a jury of guest artists for the opportunity to be a concerto soloist with the Academy Virtuosi in the ensemble’s spring concert.

Senior Concert

Graduating seniors select the repertoire for this capstone concert, which includes a ceremony honoring their accomplishments.

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

Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Artist-in-Residence

Anthony Marwood

Anne-Marie McDermott

Peter Oundjian

Elizabeth Rowe

Gil Shaham

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.

Ray Chen with the Academy Virtuosi

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 https://www.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

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 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.

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.

Photos: Courtney Paige Ray, Philip Pirolo, Jon McKee, Craig T. Mathews

*Source: Walkscore