Camp Info
| Ages: | 13–18 |
| Type: | Day, Overnight |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | City |
| Lodging: | Dorm |
| Arts: | Arts, Music, Chamber Music, Classical Music, Concerts, Piano, Violin |
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Los Angeles, CA, USA
Colburn Chamber Music Intensive is a summer program centered on the art of chamber music—making music collaboratively in small ensembles. Hosted by the Colburn School, the program emphasizes teamwork, musical communication, and shared responsibility for interpretation and sound.
The atmosphere is focused, thoughtful, and supportive. Students are placed into chamber groups and spend their days rehearsing, refining repertoire, and working closely with faculty coaches. The program is open to upper-intermediate and advanced musicians. Prior chamber music experience is recommended but not required, making the intensive accessible to motivated students who are ready to learn how ensemble playing works in practice.
Instruction is offered for string instruments—including violin, viola, cello, and double bass—as well as piano. Advanced woodwind players with previous chamber music experience are also welcome. Non-Colburn students are encouraged to apply, adding to a diverse and motivated musical community. The experience is especially well suited for teens who enjoy collaboration, careful listening, and the challenge of growing musically alongside peers with similar goals.
| Ages: | 13–18 |
| Type: | Day, Overnight |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | City |
| Lodging: | Dorm |
| Arts: | Arts, Music, Chamber Music, Classical Music, Concerts, Piano, Violin |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
You can still submit a quick request to let the camp know you’re interested.
Colburn Chamber Music Intensive offers both day and residential attendance options. Day students participate fully in all rehearsals and coaching sessions during the day and return home each evening.
Residential housing is available for eligible students and is designed to support focus and independence in a supervised environment. Room and board are offered only to students ages 15 and older. Parents and guardians are not permitted to stay in the dorms. Residential eligibility is limited to students who attend both weeks of the intensive, helping ensure continuity and stability within the living community.
Students who stay in the dorms are required to have a meal plan. Meals are purchased using meal plan funds at the on-site Colburn Cafe. These funds are non-refundable.
Day students bring their own lunch and any snacks they may need during the day. This allows families to plan meals based on individual preferences. Having the Colburn Cafe on site is convenient for students spending long days in rehearsals and coaching sessions.
The program takes place in a professional educational setting designed for young musicians. Students are supervised during rehearsals, coaching sessions, and transitions throughout the day.
Residential students live in supervised housing with clear expectations that support safety, structure, and well-being. Staff members are present to help maintain an organized, respectful environment. The overall setting encourages responsibility and focus, which is especially important for intensive music study.
Basic health needs are handled with care and attention during the program. Staff members are prepared to assist with minor issues and provide basic first aid if needed.
Families are encouraged to share any relevant medical information in advance. Daily schedules include breaks for rest and hydration, helping students manage physical comfort during extended playing sessions. Attention is given to posture, hand fatigue, and overall well-being throughout the day.
Colburn Chamber Music Intensive reflects the Colburn School’s long-standing tradition of excellence in collaborative music education. One core tradition is learning through listening—students are encouraged to hear beyond their own part and respond thoughtfully to their ensemble partners.
Mentorship is another defining element. Faculty coaches guide rehearsals with detailed feedback, helping students develop musical maturity, accountability, and respect for the ensemble process. This close coaching model has shaped generations of young chamber musicians.
Performance is also central to the experience. Groups work toward shared musical goals and present their repertoire as a culmination of focused rehearsal. These traditions foster pride, connection, and a strong sense of accomplishment.
The activities program focuses on immersive chamber music study. Students rehearse daily in small ensembles, guided by faculty coaches who emphasize communication, balance, and musical interpretation. Coaching sessions encourage careful listening and collaborative problem-solving.
Students explore repertoire in depth, learning how individual musical lines interact within the group. The experience emphasizes preparation, consistency, and shared responsibility for artistic results. Performance opportunities allow ensembles to apply feedback and grow more confident presenting their work.
Admission to the program is selective. Applicants submit an audition video that demonstrates both technical skill and lyrical expression. Students who are not currently enrolled in the Colburn Chamber Music Institute also provide a recommendation from their current instructor. This process helps ensure a focused and supportive learning environment.
Colburn Chamber Music Intensive is ideal for motivated students ready to commit to disciplined ensemble work. The audition-based structure and strong focus on collaboration create an environment where young musicians can grow technically, musically, and personally through shared performance experiences.
