It was originally located across the street from the Shrine Auditorium, in a warehouse that had been converted into extra USC practice rooms, rehearsal halls, and dance studios.

[5] In 2010, the school opened the Colburn Music Academy, a highly selective program designed for young pre-collegiate musicians.

Former New York City Ballet principal dancer Jenifer Ringer was appointed as dean and Benjamin Millepied was made artistic advisor.

[8] In 2019, the Colburn School instituted the Negaunee Conducting Program and appointed conductor and composer, Esa-Pekka Salonen to lead it.

In addition to working with various ensembles within the school, fellows join the conducting staff at the San Francisco Symphony and serve as assistant conductors to Salonen for his international engagements.

[15] The Community School of Performing Arts serves all ages through to 18 and offers classes for piano, strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, jazz, voice and choir, ensembles, and drama among other disciplines.

[19] Approximately 120 students attend the Conservatory of Music and more than 1,700 are enrolled in classes at the Community School of Performing Arts.

Originally situated in Heifetz's backyard, it was saved from demolition and rebuilt on the second floor of the school's Grand Avenue building.

[27][28] Designed by Frank Gehry, the center will include a 1,000-seat concert hall with acoustics by Yasuhisa Toyota, and a 100-seat theater along with several dance studios.