952501387 · CA ↑ parent cluster ·
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THE COLBURN SCHOOL

CA · EIN 952501387 · $293.9M rev · operational · www.colburnschool.edu
profile

The Colburn School is a performing arts conservatory in Los Angeles offering rigorous training in music and dance. It serves students from early childhood through professional levels across its Community School, Conservatory, and Music and Dance Academies. The school provides comprehensive instruction, performance opportunities, and public concerts, with a commitment to access and inclusion through scholarships and community programs.

activities · 63

what they do

direct service · 47
  • Arts education outreach for Los Angeles public school students Youth Music Access Programs
    Engages 6,800 Title I public school students annually through a performing arts pipeline, after-school training, and summer immersion programs for rising fifth graders from under-resourced schools.
  • Community and K-12 arts engagement Youth Music Access Programs
    Engages over 6,800 Title I public school students annually through a performing arts pipeline, including an annual performance event for 2,000 fourth graders, a summer arts immersion camp for rising fifth graders, and an after-school music training program with full scholarships for students from under-resourced schools.
  • Community and K–12 arts engagement Youth Music Access Programs
    Engages over 6,800 Title I public school students annually through a performing arts pipeline, multidisciplinary summer camps, after-school programs, and annual performances for fourth graders, with full scholarships provided to students from under-resourced schools.
  • Community and K–12 arts engagement Youth Music Access Programs
    Engages 6,800 Title I public school students annually through a performing arts pipeline, including an immersive after-school program, a summer camp for rising fifth graders, and an annual performance event for over 2,000 fourth graders from partner schools in under-resourced communities.
  • Community and K–12 arts engagement Youth Music Access Programs
    Engages 6,800 Title I public school students annually through a performing arts pipeline, including an immersive after-school program, a summer camp for rising fifth graders, and an annual performance event for over 2,000 fourth graders from under-resourced Los Angeles schools.
  • Community and K–12 arts outreach Youth Music Access Programs
    Engages over 6,800 Title I public school students annually through a performing arts pipeline, after-school training, summer camps, and annual performance events for fourth graders from partner schools.
  • Community and K–12 arts outreach programs Youth Music Access Programs
    Engages over 6,800 Title I public school students annually through a performing arts pipeline, after-school training, summer camps, and annual events such as a performance day for 2,000 fourth graders.
  • Competitions and music community events Hosted Music Competitions & Community Gatherings
    Hosts major competitive and community music events, including the Primrose International Viola Competition (co-presented with the American Viola Society) and TonicCon, the first in-person gathering of the global Tonic app music community.
  • Hosts the Primrose International Viola Competition and special events such as TonicCon, the first in-person gathering of the global Tonic app music community, and media broadcasts including KTLA5 and ABC7.
  • Full-tuition scholarship programs Full-Cost Scholarships for Conservatory Students
    Offers full-tuition, room, and board scholarships to all admitted students in the Colburn Conservatory and provides need-based and merit-based full scholarships to 45% of all students, including 326 full scholarships annually through programs like the Herbert Zipper Scholars and the Access Fund.
  • Full-tuition scholarship programs Full-Cost Scholarships for Conservatory Students
    Offers full-tuition, room, and board scholarships to all admitted conservatory students and provides need-based and merit-based full scholarships to 45% of all students, including through the Herbert Zipper Scholars program and Access Fund, awarding $15.2 million annually.
  • Full-tuition scholarship programs Full-Cost Scholarships for Conservatory Students
    Offers full-tuition, room, and board scholarships to all admitted students in the Colburn Conservatory and provides need-based full scholarships to students in other divisions through programs like the Herbert Zipper Scholars and the Access Fund, awarding $15.2 million annually and supporting 45% of the student body.
  • Hosting international competitions and events Hosted Music Competitions & Community Gatherings
    Hosts the Primrose International Viola Competition and co-presents it with the American Viola Society; hosted TonicCon, the first in-person gathering of the global Tonic app music community.
  • Hosting international music competitions and events Hosted Music Competitions & Community Gatherings
    Hosts the Primrose International Viola Competition and co-presented the 2018 edition with the American Viola Society. Also hosted TonicCon, the first in-person gathering of the global Tonic app music community, in October 2024.
  • Hosting international music competitions and gatherings Hosted Music Competitions & Community Gatherings
    Hosts the Primrose International Viola Competition and co-presented the 2018 edition with the American Viola Society; hosted TonicCon, the first in-person gathering of the global Tonic app music community.
  • Hosting of competitive and community music events Hosted Music Competitions & Community Gatherings
    Organizes and hosts major events such as the Primrose International Viola Competition and TonicCon, the first in-person gathering of the global Tonic app music community.
  • Hosting public performances and concerts Community Live Music Series
    Hosts over 350 public music and dance performances annually on campus, including free concerts for beginners and the public, Friday Night Recitals, and student recitals featuring rare instruments. Also includes high-profile events such as live broadcasts and performances during the L.A. Dodgers Parade.
  • International and competitive performance opportunities Student Ensemble Performance & Touring Programs
    Organizes international tours for student ensembles, including performances in the UK, Ireland, Germany, and France, and hosts competitive events such as the Primrose International Viola Competition, which it co-presented with the American Viola Society in 2018.
  • International and national performance tours Student Ensemble Performance & Touring Programs
    Organizes international and national performance tours for student ensembles, including the Colburn Orchestra’s debut tour in the UK and Ireland and a subsequent chamber music tour across London, Dublin, Berlin, and Paris.
  • International performance tours and competitions Student Ensemble Performance & Touring Programs
    Organizes international tours for student ensembles, including the Colburn Orchestra’s debut tour in the UK and Ireland and a chamber music tour across London, Dublin, Berlin, and Paris. Hosts and participates in major competitions such as the Primrose International Viola Competition, where student ensembles have won top awards.
  • International touring by student ensembles
    Conducts international performance tours featuring the Colburn Orchestra and chamber ensembles, including inaugural tours to the UK and Ireland and subsequent performances in London, Dublin, Berlin, and Paris.
  • Operating student performing ensembles Student Ensemble Performance & Touring Programs
    Manages multiple student and professional-level ensembles including the Colburn Orchestra, Colburn Chamber Players, Colburn Baroque Ensemble, and Conservatory ensembles such as Trio Azura, which have performed internationally and won national awards.
  • Operation of advanced student performance ensembles Student Ensemble Performance & Touring Programs
    Manages multiple high-level performance groups including the Colburn Orchestra, Colburn Chamber Players, and Colburn Baroque Ensemble, offering students professional-level performance experience, including international tours.
  • Performance ensembles and student performance opportunities
    Operates multiple performance ensembles including the Colburn Orchestra, Colburn Chamber Players, and Colburn Baroque Ensemble; hosts over 350 public music and dance performances annually and has conducted international tours in the UK, Ireland, Germany, and France.
  • Providing full scholarships and need-based financial support Full-Cost Scholarships for Conservatory Students
    Awards $15.2 million in scholarships annually, including full-tuition scholarships to all Conservatory students and need-based support through programs like the Herbert Zipper Scholars and Access Fund. Provides full scholarships to 45% of students, including 326 students annually through institutional aid.
  • Public and media engagement events
    Hosts public broadcasts and media events, including ABC7’s live coverage during the L.A. Dodgers Parade and KTLA5’s School Spirit Spotlight Series, to showcase student and faculty talent and increase community visibility.
  • Public concerts and community engagement programming Choral and Orchestral Concert Performances
    Offers free public concerts, including performances for beginners and large-scale events such as an annual performance for over 2,000 fourth graders; hosts media events and broadcasts to engage the broader Los Angeles community.
  • Public performance programming Community Live Music Series
    Hosts over 350 public music and dance performances annually on campus, including free concerts for beginners and the general public, Friday Night Recitals, and student recitals featuring rare instruments.
  • Public performance programming Community Live Music Series
    Hosts over 350 public music and dance performances annually, including free concerts for the public and beginners, student recitals, and ensemble performances by the Colburn Orchestra, Colburn Chamber Players, and Colburn Baroque Ensemble.
  • Public performance programming Community Live Music Series
    Hosts over 350 annual public performances on campus, including free concerts for the general public and beginner audiences, and features ensembles such as the Colburn Orchestra, Colburn Chamber Players, and Colburn Baroque Ensemble.
  • Public performance programming Community Live Music Series
    Hosts over 350 public music and dance performances annually, including free concerts for the public and beginners, student recitals, ensemble performances, and special events such as Friday Night Recitals and broadcasts from major public events like the L.A. Dodgers Parade.
  • Public performance programming Community Live Music Series
    Hosts over 350 public music and dance performances annually on campus, including free concerts for the public and beginners, Friday Night Recitals, and performances by ensembles such as the Colburn Orchestra, Colburn Chamber Players, and Colburn Baroque Ensemble.
  • Public performance programming and concert series Community Live Music Series
    Hosts over 350 public music and dance performances annually, including free concerts for beginners and general audiences, Friday Night Recitals, and student ensemble performances across campus venues.
  • Running community and K–12 arts engagement programs Youth Music Access Programs
    Engages 6,800 Title I public school students annually through programming, including an annual performance event for over 2,000 fourth graders, a summer arts immersion camp for rising fifth graders, and an after-school music training program with full scholarships for students from under-resourced schools.
  • Scholarship and access programs for under-resourced students Full-Cost Scholarships for Conservatory Students
    Awards $15.2 million in scholarships annually, provides full-tuition, room and board for conservatory students, and runs targeted programs such as the Herbert Zipper Scholars and Access Fund to support students with financial need, including 45% of all students and full scholarships for 326 students annually.
  • Scholarship and financial access programs Full-Cost Scholarships for Conservatory Students
    Provides $15.2 million in annual scholarships, including full-tuition and full-cost scholarships for all Conservatory students and need-based support through programs like the Herbert Zipper Scholars and Access Fund, serving 45% of the student body.
  • Scholarship and financial support programs Full-Cost Scholarships for Conservatory Students
    Awards $15.2 million in scholarships annually, including full-tuition, room, and board for all Conservatory students and need-based support through the Access Fund and Herbert Zipper Scholars program, with 45% of all students receiving financial aid.
  • Scholarship and financial support programs Full-Cost Scholarships for Conservatory Students
    Provides $15.2 million in annual scholarships, including full-tuition, room, and board for all Conservatory students and need-based support through programs like the Herbert Zipper Scholars and the Access Fund, benefiting 45% of enrolled students.
  • Student and faculty engagement with the Los Angeles cultural community
    Supports the local arts ecosystem through institutional and faculty partnerships, media collaborations (e.g., KTLA5, ABC7), and public events such as live broadcasts and community spotlights.
  • Student performing ensembles
    Operates and supports professional-level student ensembles including the Colburn Orchestra, Colburn Chamber Players, and Colburn Baroque Ensemble, which perform locally, nationally, and internationally.
  • Summer and youth music programs Youth Music Access Programs
    Hosts annual summer music camps and multidisciplinary arts immersion programs for rising fifth graders and pre-college students from Title I schools, as well as broader summer music camps in Los Angeles.
  • Training for pre-college and conservatory-level musicians and dancers Pre-Professional Ballet Training
    Provides intensive training programs for gifted pre-college musicians through the Colburn Music Academy and for advanced students in music and dance through the all-scholarship Conservatory of Music and Trudl Zipper Dance Institute, preparing them for professional careers.
  • Training for pre-professional musicians and dancers Pre-Professional Ballet Training
    Provides intensive instruction and career preparation for gifted young performers in music and dance through the Colburn Conservatory of Music, the Colburn Music Academy, and the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute, serving over 2,000 students annually from around the world.
  • Training for pre-professional musicians and dancers Pre-Professional Ballet Training
    Provides intensive instruction and career preparation for gifted young performers through the Colburn Conservatory of Music, the Colburn Music Academy, and the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute, serving over 2,000 students annually from around the world. Programs are designed to prepare students for advanced education and careers as professional musicians and dancers.
  • Training for pre-professional musicians and dancers Pre-Professional Ballet Training
    Provides intensive training programs for gifted young performers preparing for advanced education and careers in music and dance, including the Colburn Conservatory of Music, the Colburn Music Academy for pre-college students, and the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute for students aged 14 to 19.
  • Training for pre-professional musicians and dancers Pre-Professional Ballet Training
    Provides intensive instruction and career preparation for gifted young performers through the Colburn Conservatory of Music, the Colburn Music Academy, and the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute, serving over 2,000 students annually from around the world.
  • Training pre-collegiate and conservatory-level musicians and dancers Pre-Professional Ballet Training
    Operates the Colburn Music Academy, a selective pre-collegiate program for gifted musicians, and the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute, a comprehensive dance program for students aged 14 to 19, both preparing students for professional careers in music and dance. The Conservatory of Music offers full-tuition, room, and board scholarships to admitted students based on talent and potential.
research · 8
  • Recovering and performing suppressed musical works Recovery of Nazi-Era Suppressed Music
    Operates the Ziering-Conlon Center for Exiled and Suppressed Composers, which researches, recovers, and performs music by composers suppressed during the Nazi era.
  • Recovery and performance of suppressed composers' works Recovery of Nazi-Era Suppressed Music
    Operates the Ziering-Conlon Center for Exiled and Suppressed Composers, which researches, recovers, and performs music by composers suppressed during the Nazi era.
  • Recovery and performance of suppressed composers' works Recovery of Nazi-Era Suppressed Music
    Operates the Ziering-Conlon Initiative for Exiled and Suppressed Composers, which recovers, studies, and performs music by composers suppressed during the Nazi era, contributing to historical and artistic reclamation.
  • Recovery and performance of suppressed composers' works Recovery of Nazi-Era Suppressed Music
    Operates the Ziering-Conlon Initiative for Exiled and Suppressed Composers, which researches, recovers, and performs music by composers suppressed during the Nazi era.
  • Research and performance of suppressed composers' works Recovery of Nazi-Era Suppressed Music
    Operates the Ziering-Conlon Center for Exiled and Suppressed Composers, which recovers, studies, and performs music by composers persecuted during the Nazi era.
  • Research and recovery of suppressed composers' works Recovery of Nazi-Era Suppressed Music
    Operates the Ziering-Conlon Center for Exiled and Suppressed Composers, which recovers and performs music by composers suppressed during the Nazi era.
  • Research and recovery of suppressed musical works Recovery of Nazi-Era Suppressed Music
    Operates the Ziering-Conlon Initiative for Exiled and Suppressed Composers, which recovers, studies, and performs music by composers suppressed during the Nazi era.
  • Research on exiled and suppressed composers Recovery of Nazi-Era Suppressed Music
    Operates the Ziering-Conlon Center for Exiled and Suppressed Composers, which recovers and performs music by composers suppressed during the Nazi era.
capacity building · 8
  • Campus expansion and infrastructure development Performing Arts Campus Expansion
    Undertook a 100,000-square-foot campus expansion designed by Frank Gehry, with groundbreaking in April 2024 and steel topping-out completed in July 2025.
  • Campus expansion and infrastructure development Performing Arts Campus Expansion
    Undertook a 100,000-square-foot campus expansion designed by Frank Gehry, with groundbreaking in April 2024 and steel topping-out completed in July 2025, to enhance facilities for performing arts education and public programming.
  • Campus expansion and infrastructure development Performing Arts Campus Expansion
    Undertook a 100,000-square-foot campus expansion designed by Frank Gehry, with groundbreaking in April 2024 and steel topping-out in July 2025, to enhance facilities for training and public performance.
  • Campus expansion and infrastructure development Performing Arts Campus Expansion
    Broke ground in April 2024 on a 100,000-square-foot campus expansion designed by Frank Gehry, with steel topping-out completed in July 2025, to enhance facilities for performing arts education and performance.
  • Campus expansion and infrastructure development Performing Arts Campus Expansion
    Undertook a 100,000-square-foot campus expansion designed by Frank Gehry, with groundbreaking in April 2024 and steel topping-out completed in July 2025, to enhance facilities for training and public performance.
  • Campus expansion and infrastructure development Performing Arts Campus Expansion
    Broke ground in April 2024 on a 100,000-square-foot campus expansion designed by Frank Gehry, with the steel topping-out ceremony completed on July 25, 2025, to enhance facilities for performing arts education and public programming.
  • Capacity-building campus expansion Performing Arts Campus Expansion
    Undertook a 100,000-square-foot campus expansion designed by Frank Gehry, with groundbreaking in April 2024 and steel topping-out completed in July 2025, to enhance facilities for training and public performance.
  • Expanding campus infrastructure Performing Arts Campus Expansion
    Broke ground in April 2024 on a 100,000-square-foot campus expansion designed by Frank Gehry, with the steel topping-out ceremony completed on July 25, 2025, marking a major milestone in the construction of the Colburn Center.
strategies · 43

how they think

Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.

named programs · 11

what they call their work

Center for Innovation and Community Impact
Oversees community engagement initiatives including access programs, outreach concerts, and educational partnerships
Center for Innovation and Community Impact (CICI)
Leads community engagement initiatives including access programs, outreach, and social impact projects in the arts
Community School
Offers music and dance training for all ages and levels, including early childhood programs, private instruction, ensembles, and adult studies
Conservatory
Provides collegiate-level training for classical music majors through undergraduate and graduate degree programs
Dance Academy
Provides rigorous ballet training for aspiring dancers aged 14–19 committed to professional careers
Music Academy
Offers advanced pre-collegiate music instruction for students aged 14–18, combining conservatory-level training with academic coursework
Music Restored: The Ziering-Conlon Center for Exiled and Suppressed Composers
Dedicated to researching, performing, and restoring works by composers suppressed during the Nazi era and other periods of political oppression
Music Restored: The Ziering-Conlon Initiative for Exiled and Suppressed Composers
Program dedicated to researching, performing, and recording works by composers persecuted during the Nazi era
Primrose International Viola Competition
Hosts a prestigious international competition for violists in partnership with the Primrose Memorial Scholarship Fund
TeenTix Los Angeles
Partners with TeenTix to provide affordable access to performances for teens, promoting youth engagement with the arts
Youth and Adult Dance Programs
Offers dance instruction in ballet, modern, tap, and other forms for children and adults of all skill levels
relationships · 24

who they work with

  • ABC7 Partner — Hosted ABC7’s live broadcast from Colburn’s Grand Avenue balcony during the L.A. Dodgers Parade.
  • American Viola Society Partner — Co-presented the 2018 Primrose International Viola Competition with Colburn
  • CBS News Partner — Interviewed Colburn student Ray Ushikubo on the eve of his recital debut on the “Playfair” Violin.
  • CNN Partner — Interviewed Colburn student Ray Ushikubo on the eve of his recital debut on the “Playfair” Violin.
  • Delirium Musicum Chamber Ensemble Partner — Faculty member Ryan Emerson Baird is a performing member and co-founder, indicating a direct artistic relationship with the school.
  • Gehry Partners Partner — Architectural design partner led by Frank O. Gehry for the Colburn Center expansion.
  • Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA) Partner — Partnership includes side-by-side collaborations, scholarships, teaching artist support, and a joint strings and literacy program in South LA elementary schools
  • KTLA5 Partner — Collaborated on the School Spirit Spotlight Series featuring Colburn faculty and students.
  • LA Times Partner — Featured Colburn’s Chamber Music Players and student Ray Ushikubo in multiple articles.
  • Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Partner — Faculty member Margaret Batjer serves as Concertmaster, linking the institution artistically with the orchestra.
  • Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra Partner — Faculty member Andrew Bain serves as Principal Horn, creating an artistic affiliation between the orchestra and the school.
  • McCarthy Building Companies Partner — Construction partner for the Colburn Center project, with whom the steel topping-out ceremony was celebrated.
  • Nagata Acoustics Partner — Acoustical consulting partner for the Colburn Center, led by Yasuhisa Toyota.
  • OLIN Partner — Landscape and urban design partner for the Colburn Center project.
  • Ray Chen Partner — Collaborated with the Colburn School to host TonicCon, uniting the global Tonic app music community in person.
  • Santa Barbara Symphony Partner — Faculty member Ryan Emerson Baird performs as a member, indicating a professional connection between the ensemble and the school.
  • Secret Los Angeles Partner — Highlighted Colburn’s free concerts for beginners as an entry point to classical music in Los Angeles.
  • Sphinx Organization Partner — Partnership includes hosting the first West Coast retreat for the Sphinx LEAD cohort and Sphinx Virtuosi residencies with performance, education, and community engagement components
  • TeenTix Los Angeles Partner — Collaborates with TeenTix LA to provide affordable arts access for teens.
  • The Strad Partner — Published an interview with Trio Azura, Colburn’s Ensemble in Residence.
  • TheatreDNA Partner — Theatre design consulting partner for the Colburn Center, led by Michael Ferguson.
  • USC Brain and Creativity Institute Partner — Collaboration enables students from Colburn’s partner schools to receive weekly group instruction and private lessons from Conservatory students
  • University of Southern California Government — Established the original preparatory school in 1950 before Colburn assumed operations
  • University of Southern California Partner — Collaborated in the founding of Colburn's predecessor institution in 1950.