ALL NEW Colburn-tonebase Piano Seminar! This groundbreaking partnership between the Colburn School and tonebase piano—renowned for its cutting-edge online music education—blends artistry and innovation to deliver an unmatched musical journey. With tonebase’s technology connecting you to artists all across the world, and the Colburn School’s state-of-the-art facilities, you’ll enjoy exceptional instruction, world-class pianos, and inspiring venues like never before. This two-week intensive is the ultimate summer destination for young, aspiring pianists at the iconic Colburn School campus in downtown Los Angeles. Elevate your playing to new heights in this unique fusion of tradition and modernity!
Dates
June 17-30, 2025
- Certain classes will begin on June 17
- June 30 is reserved for move-out day
Age Range
Highschool-aged students
Student Requirements
Intermediate to advanced level pianists
Audition Requirements
- Introduce yourself (name, age, where you are from, and why you want to attend the Piano Seminar)
- One movement of a Classical sonata
- Two contrasting pieces of your choice
- Videos do not need to be made professionally but must have a clear picture and good sound quality. The full profile and hands must be clearly shown.
- Applicants must introduce themselves with their full name, age, and their goals if accepted into the Seminar.
- Your submissions must be in video format. Audio-only submissions will not be accepted.
Tuition, Fees & Applications
- Applications Open: December 10, 2024
- Deadline: February 28, 2025
- Notification of admission decision: March 15, 2025
Fees
Nonrefundable application fee: $40
Early Bird (Pay before March 15th)
- Commuter: $2,400
- Residential (Single Occupancy): $4,500 (includes tuition, room, and board)
- Residential (Double Occupancy): $4,300 (includes tuition, room, and board)
- tonebase Membership: Kick-start your learning with a 1-year complimentary tonebase membership and join the world's largest online piano community!
Final Fee (After March 15th)
- Commuter: $2,800
- Residential (Single Occupancy): $4,900 (includes tuition, room, and board)
- Residential (Double Occupancy): $4,700 (includes, tuition, room, and board)
All fees are nonrefundable.
Residential Policy:
Students/guests ages 14 and younger must reside off campus and are not allowed to be in the residence hall portion of Colburn. Students/guests ages 15 - 17 may stay in the residence hall but are not allowed to be outside of their suite after 10:00 pm. Student/guest ages 15 - 17 will participate in nightly 10:00 pm bed checks to make sure they are safe and accounted for.
The residential life staff will send a list of students who are not at bed check at 10:00pm to the respective program director. Residence Life staff are not responsible for minors who choose to leave campus. For safety reasons, it is strongly recommended that students travel in pairs or groups while in the city.
Steinway Competition
Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Location: Colburn School
Prize: $1,000
Competition Guidelines
The competition is open only to students accepted into the seminar.
Upon acceptance, students wishing to enter the competition will be asked to submit a video for a prescreening judged by the co-directors. This video can be the same or different from the seminar application but must be submitted separately.
The judges will be from outside the Piano Seminar faculty.
Up to ten students will be selected to compete.
Audition Requirements (for prescreening and live round)
Submit a high-quality video recording of two or more contrasting pieces with a maximum time of 20 minutes.