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Colburn School company history timeline

1950

Colburn traces its beginnings to a small preparatory school established by the University of Southern California in 1950 which offered piano lessons to school-aged children.

1956

1956: The school’s band and orchestra give debut performances.

1972

1972: The Preparatory School is renamed the USC Community School of Performing Arts.

1978

1978: The Community School relocates to the former McMahon Brother Furniture warehouse on Figueroa Street.

1980

In 1980, Richard D. Colburn’s California Foundation re-envisioned the school to further its efforts as an independent, not-for-profit institution.

The 1980’s was a period of significant growth.

1983

In 1983, Joseph Thayer joined the School as dean, and in the decades which followed Colburn added jazz and chamber music to the curriculum, restructured the Suzuki and music theory programs, established an orchestra, and added community outreach programs, among other developments.

1986

1986–87: Jazz program begins under the leadership of Harold Battiste.

1988

1988–89: The School’s name changes to the R.D. Colburn School of Performing Arts.

1992

1992–93: The school establishes a scholarship program based solely on need.

1995

1995–96: The school name is changed to the Colburn School of Performing Arts, officially the Colburn School.

2003

The Colburn Conservatory of Music was created in 2003 with a unique all-scholarship model, attracting the highest level of talent from around the world.

2003–04: The Colburn Conservatory of Music welcomes its first official class of 15 students.

2008

In 2008, Colburn added the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute, a comprehensive dance program from beginning through pre-professional, including a Dance Academy that develops talented young dancers between the ages of 14 and 19 into professional dancers and artistic leaders.

2010

2010: The Colburn Music Academy welcomes its first class of students.

2014

2014: Jenifer Ringer, former principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, chosen to lead the new Colburn Dance Academy, part of the Trudl Zipper Dance Institute; Dance Academy welcomes the first group of students.

2018

To help prepare students for sustainable careers and nurture the passion and ability to serve their communities, the Center for Innovation and Community Impact was created in 2018.

2019

2019: Negaunee Conducting Program created under the direction of Esa-Pekka Salonen; first class of Salonen Fellows enter the Conservatory.

2020

2020: Colburn celebrates a milestone achievement as the Access Fund surpasses the initial scholarship funds goal of $10 million.

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Founded
1950
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Headquarters
Los Angeles, CA
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Colburn School may also be known as or be related to Colburn School, THE COLBURN SCHOOL and The Colburn School of Performing Arts.