Colburn School Appoints Violinist to Dual Director and Professor Role

Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra concertmaster Margaret Batjer will step into the role

Violinist Margaret Batjer has been appointed as Director of the Music Academy at the Colburn School, and will also serve as violin faculty in the school's Conservatory of Music. She has taught the violin at the Music Academy since 2015.

Colburn's Music Academy trains outstanding pre-collegiate musicians who have already decided to dedicate their lives to music. Students study with leading faculty, and take part in studio classes and chamber music including the Academy Virtuosi) as well as music theory, history, and ear training.

Batjer will be responsible for shaping the artistic character of the Music Academy. She will plan performance activities, including chamber music, and continue her work with the Academy Virtuosi, a high-quality unconducted chamber orchestra.

Margaret Batjer has been the concertmaster of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra since 1998 and is a renowned soloist, chamber musician, and pedagogue. She has appeared with the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Seattle Symphony Orchestra, and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra.

For the last 20 years, she has been Adjunct Full Professor of Violin at USC's Thornton School of Music.

"We are thrilled to welcome Margaret Batjer as the Director of Colburn School’s Music Academy," said Sel Kardan, President and CEO of the Colburn School. "Her multifaceted career, international profile, and long history with the School make her the perfect fit for this pivotal role. She has a deep understanding of what exceptional young artists need at the pre-college stage of their development and her vision will undoubtedly enhance our Music Academy, solidifying its position as the foremost training ground for exceptional pre-collegiate musicians."

"I am honored to assume leadership of Colburn’s world-class Music Academy and to join the exceptional string faculty in the Conservatory of Music," said Batjer. "It is a privilege to guide and inspire young musicians within such a prestigious institution, known for its commitment to artistic excellence in music education. I look forward to continuing to foster a community where young artists can thrive and fulfill their potential in the world of classical music."