The Washington Conservatory of Music was established as an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit community music school in 1984. The school was first accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Non-degree Granting Institutions in 1991. WCM is dedicated to fostering the joy of music and guiding students of all ages and all levels to reach their personal musical potential.
As a nationally accredited community music school, students of all ages and levels may study without audition under the guidance of WCM’s international artist-faculty. The school offers:
- Individual lessons weekly on piano, guitar, voice, all strings, all brass, all woodwind instruments, jazz piano, improvisation, drums, percussion, conducting, and theory
- Classes weekly in guitar, voice, strings, early childhood music, traditional music, and more
- Ensembles for classical, rock, pop, and jazz musicians
- Summer music camps for children at Glen Echo Park
As a public service, WCM sponsors a free community orchestra for amateur adult musicians that meets weekly throughout the year. Additionally, WCM presents a series of free professional concerts at Westmoreland Circle. Since 1998, WCM has presented over two hundred concerts to the greater Washington, D.C. community.