Colburn Conservatory of Music
| The Colburn School provides young people who possess a passion for music, dance, and drama access to quality instruction so they may further explore their interests and continue developing their talents. Our renowned faculty, including professional performers from nationally and internationally acclaimed companies, guide you through classes appropriate and catered to your age and skill level. Young beginners in the Colburn Community School of Performing Arts start by mastering the basics and build confidence with each new level of achievement. High school students hone their skills in the Colburn Music or Dance Academies, and college-age students prepare for careers in the performing arts through diploma and degree programs at the Colburn Conservatory of Music. Every year our students and faculty present hundreds of free or affordable performances in our beautiful, professional theaters on campus as well as in prestigious venues around Los Angeles. |
Degree
| Bachelor of Music | The Bachelor of Music (BM) degree program is a four-year curriculum focusing on the development of highly-skilled performing musicians. Academic requirements include courses in music theory, ear training, music history, and the humanities. BM students perform solo recitals in the junior and senior years. Students completing this program are prepared for graduate study at the master’s level or for employment within the profession. |
| Performance Diploma | The Performance Diploma (PD) is a four-year curriculum designed for the student who has not yet completed a bachelor’s degree, but who has a busy pre-professional performance life which requires more flexibility than is possible in the Bachelor of Music program. Academic requirements are limited to courses in music theory and ear training. Students completing this program are prepared for study at the diploma or certificate level, for a Bachelor of Music degree, or for employment within the profession. PD students present solo recitals in the junior and senior years. The PD program also supports students who need extra time to solidify their English language skills prior to enrolling in the BM degree program. |
| Master of Music | The Master of Music (MM) degree program is a two-year curriculum that includes coursework in music theory, composition, and music history which supports the student’s development as a performer. A Master of Music student may also elect to take pedagogy coursework through the Colburn Teaching Fellows program. Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent prior to enrolling. Students completing this program are prepared for further graduate study at the doctoral level or for employment within the profession. It is possible to be admitted to the MM as a member of an existing chamber group into the Graduate Chamber Ensemble-in-Residence program. |
| Artist Diploma | The Artist Diploma (AD) program focuses on the development of highly- skilled performing musicians. The AD is a minimum of two years and a maximum of four years in length, with a minimum requirement of four recitals. Students must have completed a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent to enroll in the Artist Diploma. Students completing this program are prepared for further study at the post-graduate level or for employment within the profession. In addition to performance, there is a Chamber Music emphasis within the Artist Diploma to which a student may be admitted. See Graduate Chamber Ensemble-in-Residence for details of this emphasis. |
| Graduate Studies in Chamber Music | The Chamber Ensemble-in-Residence program is open to pre-formed groups with significant experience and recognition as an ensemble. The program is two years in length (no extensions granted), and individual ensemble members may enroll in either the AD or MM program-Chamber Music Emphasis. In general, the ensemble should be three or more players; duos should send a letter of inquiry before applying. Only one group will be accepted to the residency program per year. |
| Professional Studies Certificate | The Professional Studies Certificate (PSC) program emphasizes professional and pre-professional activities outside of the Colburn School. It is designed for students seeking intensive training in their applied area, often with specific goals in mind (such as preparation for competitions or auditions). Students are not required to have completed a baccalaureate degree but must have completed an undergraduate diploma or certificate to matriculate. Students completing this program are prepared for employment within the profession. |
| Studies in Conducting | The Colburn School is pleased to announce the addition of the Negaunee Conducting Program to the Colburn Conservatory, led by world-renowned composer and conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen.The Salonen Conducting Fellows will pursue a Diploma with a conducting emphasis. The Fellows will study directly with Salonen and serve as preparatory conductors for the flagship Colburn Orchestra. They will also conduct the Zipper Outreach Orchestra, Colburn’s performing ensemble for its community engagement activities, and the Concerto Forum Showcase, an annual public concert that features soloists from the Conservatory of Music. A maximum of three students will participate in the program in any given year to allow ample podium time and access to Salonen. Additionally, these Fellows will serve as assistants to Maestro Salonen at the Philharmonia Orchestra, where they will lead the orchestra in both its residency series and designated tour dates. The Fellows will have the opportunity to collaborate with other young artists on the Philharmonia’s Emerging Artists program, designed to connect young artists to the wider life of the Philharmonia; work with Philharmonia’s management to develop and produce Salonen’s flagship projects; and serve as assistant conductors to Salonen for his international engagements with the Philharmonia, other orchestras, opera houses, tours, and festivals. In keeping with the Colburn Conservatory model, students will receive a full scholarship to cover tuition, room, and board. |
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