An Inside Look at LA's Colburn Music Academy

Margaret Batjer discusses what makes the pre-college program unique

In addition to its Conservatory of Music, the Colburn School's Music Academy offers pre-college training to young musicians looking to become professional musicians. Based in Los Angeles, the Academy is focused on expanding students’ musical knowledge and performance abilities, in preparation for post-secondary study. With applications closing on January 10, you can apply for the 2025/26 school year, here.

Students perform regularly, both on campus and throughout LA, and participate in master classes. Alumni have gone on to study at top music schools, including Juilliard, the Curtis Institute of Music, and the Colburn Conservatory of Music.

We caught up with faculty member Margaret Batjer to learn more!

Can you tell us about the Colburn School? What makes it stand out?

The Colburn Music Academy has developed into one of the most competitive and prestigious pre-college programs in the country. Unlike many pre-college programs, the Music Academy utilizes a holistic approach to developing highly motivated young musicians. We offer both a residential and non-residential program that includes training with the most esteemed faculty, unparalleled facilities, and regular performance opportunities that span the entire academic year. Non-residential students receive musical training 3 days a week, while residential students receive 6 days of musical immersion.

What programs does the academy offer?

We offer a robust program of chamber music, ensemble, theory, aural skills, history, and performance which prepares students for the most respected colleges in the country. The Colburn School has a partnership with Arizona State University International Prep for students in the Academy to complete their high school diploma.

What do you value most in the faculty?

The Colburn faculty are on campus all week to help mentor and oversee their student’s development. I have never been part of a faculty so devoted to their students. This safe environment encourages the students to take artistic chances and explore music in a much deeper way.

What do you feel are the benefits of a young student attending a pre-college training? 

I feel it is extremely important for serious young musicians to attend an excellent Pre-College program. The music world is incredibly competitive and being able to develop in a nurturing and competitive environment during their high school years helps prepare students for a career in music and also prepares them for a top University or Conservatory program. The benefits include having access to highly qualified teachers, a great chamber music program with other young musicians of equal talent and regular performance opportunities. All of these things are important for serious young musicians and difficult to find outside of a pre-college training program.

How imperative is it to give Music Academy students a well-rounded experience in terms of fundamental skills, career development, and community outreach? 

In today’s world, being a well-rounded musician is imperative. They not only need to be wonderful young artists and instrumentalists but also be able to communicate from the stage verbally and contribute to the community in a meaningful way through the lens of music. Colburn has a vibrant community outreach program as well as providing students with “in-home: concerts through generous patrons and board members.

Is the Academy connected to the Conservatory at all?

The Music Academy is also closely aligned with the Colburn Conservatory, offering our students opportunities to attend Conservatory performances, take part in the Conservatory orchestra program, and be mentored by their older colleagues. Participation in an extensive program such as this at a young age enables our students to reach their goals successfully before embarking upon their college years. Our students form lifelong bonds and friendships with their colleagues who then go on to our own Conservatory or other prestigious music conservatories and Universities around the world.

How does the Music Academy prepare students for undergraduate studies, conservatories, and beyond?

Colburn Music Academy is not that different than a great college conservatory experience. In fact, all of our students are exposed daily to the Conservatory environment through attending concerts, and participating occasionally in the Colburn Conservatory orchestra and master classes. The faculty at the Academy are also all teachers at conservatories or Universities and have first-hand experience in how to prepare students technically and musically to successfully matriculate into a great college program.

One of the unique programs Colburn offers is the Academy Virtuosi. It is a conductor-less orchestra that meets 2 hours a week and performs each semester. The repertoire is very challenging and the student’s musical growth is very exciting to watch. They learn to lead the ensemble together in a collaborative way and they perform at the highest level.

What advice would you give to a student looking to attend the Colburn Music Academy?

I think visiting the school during the audition period is an excellent opportunity to see what the Academy has to offer. I encourage them to reach out to faculty they are interested in studying with and perhaps attend one of the weekly studio classes, Virtuosi rehearsals or Saturday recitals.  There are live-streamed events weekly that they could attend virtually as well.

As a teacher, I find the Music Academy one of the most wonderful and unique programs in the country. The students are disciplined, inspired, and full of life and laughter.