Colburn School Receives $1M Gift To Establish Scholarship Fund For Young Male Dancers From Underrepresented Communities

The Colburn School, one of the world's preeminent schools for music and dance, received a $1 million gift to establish the Beverly, Donald, and David Kobrin Scholarship Fund to provide more opportunities for male dancers from underrepresented communities to study at the School's Trudl Zipper Dance Institute.

This $1 million commitment was made possible by David Kobrin in honor of his parents Beverly and Donald, whose vision for equitable access to arts education fuels the fund's purpose. Recipients of the scholarship can use funds to support individual needs such as tuition, room & board, dancewear, audition expenses, and other related areas.

David loves music and has enjoyed learning to tap dance in adulthood. The art and athleticism of dance has always drawn him in. David recalls chatting with former TZDI Deans Jenifer Ringer and James Fayette at a backyard salon in 2019 and being very moved by their vision of excellence for the dance program at Colburn. And with the recent appointment of the School's new deans, Silas Farley and Darleen Callaghan, he remains incredibly optimistic about the future of dance at the School.

For David, witnessing the growth and progress of scholarship students at Colburn has always been the main impetus behind his giving to the School. Education was of the utmost importance to his late mother, a music teacher, and he is proud to honor both her legacy and his family's commitment to bettering Los Angeles by ensuring that high-quality arts education remains accessible.

"It's my family's hope that the Beverly, Donald, and David Kobrin Scholarship Fund will see its recipients through what Colburn has to offer into their professional careers," said Kobrin. "I have complete confidence that Silas and Darleen will open doors for students who otherwise would not have the opportunity to study at Colburn."

"We are incredibly grateful to David for his generosity, and we look forward to seeing what possibilities await our young male dancers as a result of this monumental gift," said Sel Kardan, President & CEO. "This gift allows us to expand our reach and remove financial barriers so that aspiring young male dancers have the opportunity to train with Colburn School's esteemed faculty."

"If it were not for the doors opened to me by scholarship opportunities, I would not have a career in dance," said Farley. "David Kobrin's incredibly generous gift will change the lives of young dancers by making dreams a reality, and will literally change the face of ballet by diversifying the student body and inspiring future generations of dancers from all backgrounds."
Having devoted his career to community service through his work at AmeriCorps and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America since his early thirties, David took his commitment one step further in 1999 when he and his family decided to sponsor scholarships for inner-city youth in Los Angeles. After conducting some research and meeting with various foundations and organizations, David was welcomed into the community by Colburn founding executive director Toby Mayman and dean Joe Thayer, double bass faculty David Young, and piano faculty Jeffrey Lavner. At that time, he began supporting scholarships in the School.

A performing arts institution located in the heart of Los Angeles, the Colburn School trains students from beginners to those about to embark on professional careers. The academic units of the School provide a complete spectrum of music and dance education united by a single philosophy: that all who desire to study music or dance should have access to top-level instruction.

• The Community School of Performing Arts welcomes students of all ages, from seven months old to adults. It offers over 120 classes each year in orchestral instruments, piano, guitar, voice, jazz, music theory, drama, and ensembles including orchestra, choir, and chamber music.
• The diploma- and degree-granting Conservatory of Music is distinguished by a unique all-scholarship model, renowned faculty, and outstanding performance opportunities. It prepares the very highest level of collegiate musicians for professional careers.
• The Trudl Zipper Dance Institute develops performers of all levels, from aspiring professionals in the Dance Academy to beginners starting in Youth Dance. Students of all levels receive training in ballet, tap, musical theater, and modern genres as part of a comprehensive dance education.
• The Music Academy is a highly selective training program for gifted young pre-collegiate musicians, designed to prepare students for conservatory study and performing careers at the highest levels of achievement. This residential program balances performance, musical instruction, and academics.
• Created to serve all units of the School, the Center for Innovation and Community Impact empowers the musical and dance leaders of tomorrow by nurturing students' passion and ability to serve their communities, preparing them for sustainable careers, and embracing the development of new ideas. The Center embodies Colburn's commitment to developing young artists with the curiosity, skills, and commitment to make a difference in their field.

Each year, more than 2,000 students from around the world come to Colburn to benefit from the renowned faculty, exceptional facilities, and focus on excellence that unites the community. Learn more at www.colburnschool.edu.

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