Background

Colburn School: A Downtown LA Conservatory

A world-class performing arts school in downtown Los Angeles, offering music and dance education for all ages and levels.

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The Colburn School, located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, is a renowned performing arts school focusing on music and dance. Founded in 1950, it has grown from a small preparatory program into a multifaceted institution, offering instruction for all ages and levels. With its state-of-the-art facilities and prime location near other cultural landmarks, Colburn is a vital hub for arts education and performance.

A brief summary to Colburn School

  • Monday 7 am-10 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-10 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-10 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-10 pm
  • Friday 7 am-10 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-10 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-10 pm

Local tips

  • Arrive early for performances, as seating may be limited, especially for popular events.
  • Take advantage of public transportation; several Metro lines have stops within walking distance, avoiding downtown parking challenges.
  • Consider parking at the Walt Disney Concert Hall garage across the street, especially for evening or weekend events, but be aware of the hourly rates and maximum daily fees.
  • Visit nearby cultural attractions like The Broad museum or MOCA before or after a Colburn event to make the most of your downtown Los Angeles experience.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach the Colburn School via public transport, use the Metro B or D Line and disembark at the Civic Center/Grand Park station. Alternatively, the A or E lines stop at the Grand Avenue Arts/Bunker Hill station. From either station, walk south toward Grand Avenue. The Colburn School is located at the intersection of Grand Avenue and 2nd Street, directly across from The Broad museum and diagonally across from the Walt Disney Concert Hall. A single Metro fare is $1.75, and a TAP card ($2 to purchase) is required.

  • Walking

    From the Walt Disney Concert Hall, walk south across 2nd Street to reach the Colburn School. From The Broad museum, the Colburn School is directly across Grand Avenue. The school's main entrance is located at 200 South Grand Avenue.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Request a drop-off at 200 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012. This will place you directly in front of the Colburn School. Rideshares from nearby locations such as Union Station or hotels in Downtown Los Angeles typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Parking

    Parking on the Colburn campus is limited to students, faculty, and staff. However, public parking is available nearby. The Walt Disney Concert Hall garage is a convenient option. Numerous parking lots are available in the area. Parking costs range from $8 to $18 for 2 hours. Check parking apps for rates and availability.

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Discover more about Colburn School

The Colburn School stands as a beacon for performing arts education in Los Angeles. Established in 1950, it initially served as a preparatory division of the USC Thornton School of Music. In 1980, it gained independence and broadened its mission, becoming the Colburn School of Performing Arts. A significant endowment from Richard D. Colburn in 1985 led to the school being renamed in his honor. Today, Colburn comprises four divisions: the Conservatory of Music, the Music Academy, the Community School of Performing Arts, and the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute. The Conservatory of Music provides collegiate training for classical musicians, while the Music Academy offers advanced instruction for pre-collegiate students. The Community School provides music training to students of all ages and skill levels. The Trudl Zipper Dance Institute offers comprehensive dance programs, including a Dance Academy for aspiring ballet dancers. Colburn's campus is located in downtown Los Angeles, near the Walt Disney Concert Hall, The Broad museum, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Its main building, designed by Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates, incorporates the Lloyd Wright-designed studio of Jascha Heifetz. Zipper Hall, a 435-seat concert hall within the school, hosts a variety of performances throughout the year. In 2022, plans were announced to build the Colburn Center, a new venue designed by Frank Gehry, further expanding the school's facilities. Colburn has a long list of notable alumni who have achieved success in music and dance. The school's faculty includes distinguished performers and educators, such as conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen and harpist JoAnn Turovsky. Colburn is dedicated to providing access to top-level instruction, with a unique all-scholarship model for its Conservatory students.

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