WCM is currently offering online classes so you can enjoy learning from the comfort of your home. Click here for more information about online learning. For help setting up Zoom for music classes, click here.
WCM is pleased to offer an exciting array of classes in many musical styles. All classes are taught by our outstanding faculty of performing artists and music educators. Explore our class offerings by clicking on the categories below.
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Conservatory Kids (Ages 3 mos-2 yrs)
For child and caregiver. Tap into your child’s magical sense of wonder. Music supports development of beginning language, listening, and motor skills. Singing, movement, and fun age-appropriate instruments help to develop cognitive abilities, awaken a sense of pitch and rhythm, and nurture an early love of music. These sessions can be taken individually, but are designed to be taken consecutively for maximum musical benefit.
Tuesdays 10-10:45 am, Apr 14-Jun 16, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 10 sessions | $245
Conservatory Kids (Ages 2-3 yrs)
For child and caregiver. Discover the wonderful world of music through fun musical building blocks. Reinforce and expand on the fundamentals of music with singing, rhythm instruments, and dance. Research shows that music enhances learning and fine motor skills, and continues to develop the senses, vocabulary, literacy, and math. Prior Conservatory Kids classes not required. These sessions can be taken individually, but are designed to be taken consecutively for maximum musical benefit.
Tuesdays 11-11:45 am, Apr 14-Jun 16, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 10 sessions | $245
Conservatory Kids – Saturdays (Ages 18 mos-3 yrs)
For child and caregiver. To experience music through listening, bouncing, clapping, moving, singing, and rhythm instruments helps the child to develop musical and sensory skills during the early years. Fun, energetic age-appropriate exposure to the joy of music enhances emotional, mental, and physical development. Students are encouraged to repeat the class consecutively for maximum musical benefit.
Saturdays 10-10:45 am, May 2-Jul 11, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 10 sessions | $245
Conservatory Kids – Saturdays (Ages 3-5 yrs)
For child and caregiver. A great opportunity for a child or siblings to engage with their caregiver and others while experiencing the joy of music at their own level. Various fun styles of music are presented for singing, moving, listening, or observing to awaken awareness of the elements of music (pitch, rhythm, tempo, timbre) and enhance a range of motor and learning skills appropriate for their age. These sessions can be taken individually, but are designed to be taken consecutively for maximum musical benefit.
Saturdays 11-11:45 am, Apr 18-Jun 20, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 10 sessions | $245
Sunshine Music Time (Ages 18 mos-3 yrs)
Fun for child and caregiver. Summertime is a great time to share music. Dance, clap, sing, and march to music ranging from folk to pop to classics. Great for siblings. Fun introduction to the world of music.
Tuesdays, 10-10:45 am, Jun 23-Jul 28, Glen Echo Park Hall of Mirrors, 6 sessions | $138
Sunshine Sing-Along (Ages 3-5 yrs)
Sing new and familiar songs as we learn to sing together, breathe properly, care for the young voice, and reinforce the elements of music. Performance for parents and friends at last class.
Tuesdays, 11-11:45 am, Jun 23-Jul 28, Glen Echo Park Hall of Mirrors, 6 sessions | $138
Let’s Sing! (Ages 5-8 yrs)
Learn songs from popular films and other genres while having fun learning to breathe and care for the young voice and reinforce the elements of music. Performance for families and friends at last class.
Saturdays, 12-12:45 pm, Apr 25-Jun 27, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 10 sessions | $255
Sparks! Vocal Ensemble (Ages 7-12)
Ignite the musical spark in your child. The Washington Conservatory’s new performing ensemble teaches age-appropriate vocal techniques for proper breath support, projection, pitch, and phrasing. Sing songs from pop to stage to classical, a cappella and with accompaniment, in unison and harmony, all while having fun! End of semester and other community outreach performances.
Mondays, 4:15-5 pm, Feb 3-May 11, Glen Echo Park, 15 sessions | $383
Young Yukes (Ages 9-14)
Join this fun class and learn to play the ukulele, a small member of the guitar family. It’s easy to start, and the possibilities are endless! You’ll learn the basics of chords, strumming, fingerpicking, and more so you can play your favorite songs solo or in our ukulele band. Bring your own ukulele.
Thursdays, 5-6 pm, Apr 16-Jun 4, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 8 sessions | $164
Thursdays, 5-6 pm, Jul 2-Aug 20, Glen Echo Park, 8 sessions | $164
Beginning Irish Bodhran (Ages 10+)
Class focuses on the traditional Kerry-style of playing emphasizing drum positioning, stick control, and basic styles. Tune types include jigs, reels, hornpipes, slip jigs, slides, and polkas. Discussion of definitions and characteristics of Irish traditional music, as well as history and the role of percussion. Student must provide own instrument.
Mondays, 5:30-6:30 pm, Fall 2020, Glen Echo Park, 6 sessions | $TBD
REGISTER ▸ (Registration opens Aug 2020)
Irish Bodhran Intensive (Ages 10+)
Bodhran enthusiasts everywhere! Sharpen your skills and refresh your techniques in a three-week, three-class workshop for bodhran players of all levels. The class will be tailored to your particular abilities, focusing on individual needs in a group setting. Students must provide own instrument.
Mondays, 5:30-6:30 pm, Jan 2021, Glen Echo Park, 3 sessions | $TBD
REGISTER ▸ (Registration opens Aug 2020)
Continuing/Intermediate Irish Bodhran (Ages 10+)
This class picks up where the Beginning Bodhran class ends and continues working on all of the Irish dance rhythms. Includes video presentations and discussion. Prerequisite: Beginning Bodhran (offered in the fall), solid understanding of traditional Irish tune types, and good basic stick control. Student must provide own instrument.
Mondays, 5:30-6:30 pm, Apr 13-May 18, online (orig. Glen Echo Park, Arcade 304), 6 sessions | $151
Fun with Music & Movement Camp (Ages 4-7)
At Glen Echo Park. Exploring music is fun! Rhythm, pitch, and melody are experienced through singing, listening, moving to music, and crafts!
Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm, Jun 22-26, Glen Echo Park, 5 sessions | $323
Pop Songs for Young Voices Camp (Ages 4-7)
At Glen Echo Park. Students experience the joy of singing songs from movies and pop charts under expert guidance. Musical crafts, games, and learning about music in general, round out a fun day at the Washington Conservatory.
Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm, Jun 29-Jul 3, Glen Echo Park, 5 sessions | $323
Little Prince & Princess Singers Camp (Ages 4-7)
At Glen Echo Park. Learning to use the young voice through popular songs from classic and recent children’s movies, while developing imagination and having fun with music. Final performance for parents.
Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm, Jul 6-10, Glen Echo Park, 5 sessions | $323
Drumset and Percussion Camp (Ages 7-11)
At Glen Echo Park. Rhythm is all around us! A fun hands-on experience of making the beats of music in a variety of exciting ways. Even buckets and boards can be turned into modern-day rhythm instruments, along with traditional drumming, drumsets and more! All instruments provided.
Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm, Jul 13-17, Glen Echo Park, 5 sessions | $358
Meet the Instruments Camp (Ages 5-9)
At Glen Echo Park. A fun introduction to the instruments through demonstrations of a stringed, brass or woodwind instrument, with hands-on experiences, too. Explore the different voices and personalities of instruments that use bows and those that use air. Play musical games, create musical crafts, and try the recorder. A great way to inspire and engage a child’s musical interest. Recorders provided.
Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm, Jul 20-24, Glen Echo Park, 5 sessions | $358
Around the World Music Camp (Ages 4-7)
At Glen Echo Park. Visit the world through music. From singing folk songs from around the world to an African drum circle, campers will see the world through the eyes of music and movement within traditional cultures. All instruments provided.
Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm, Jul 27-31, Glen Echo Park, 5 sessions | $358
Kids Who Sing Camp (Ages 7-12)
At Glen Echo Park. Does your child love to sing? Young singers need early guidance to protect their youthful voices and set good vocal habits. Boys and girls will learn to sing a broad range of fun songs – Broadway, popular, jazz and classical – as well as learning how to move on stage, to breathe, and to sing together with confidence and joy!
Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm, Aug 3-7, Glen Echo Park, 5 sessions | $323
Little Star Violin Camp (Ages 4-5)
At Glen Echo Park. Let your child shine through a fun experience of music and the violin. Children explore the basics of rhythm and sound through musical games, crafts, songs and movement. Great hands-on introduction of the violin for beginners! Violins and bows provided. Siblings requesting the same camp whose ages fall outside the parameters will be accommodated to the extent possible, with the approval of the teacher.
Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm, Aug 10-14, Glen Echo Park, 5 sessions | $358
Little Star Violin Camp (Ages 6-7)
At Glen Echo Park. Let your child shine through a fun experience of music and the violin. Children explore the basics of rhythm and sound through musical games, crafts, songs and movement. Great hands-on introduction of the violin for beginners! Violins and bows provided. Siblings requesting the same camp whose ages fall outside the parameters will be accommodated to the extent possible, with the approval of the teacher.
Mon-Fri, 9 am-3 pm, Aug 17-21, Glen Echo Park, 5 sessions | $358
Young Yukes (Ages 9-14)
Join this fun class and learn to play the ukulele, a small member of the guitar family. It’s easy to start, and the possibilities are endless! You’ll learn the basics of chords, strumming, fingerpicking, and more so you can play your favorite songs solo or in our ukulele band. Bring your own ukulele.
Thursdays, 5-6 pm, Apr 16-Jun 4, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 8 sessions | $164
Thursdays, 5-6 pm, Jul 2-Aug 20, Glen Echo Park, 8 sessions | $164
Acoustic Guitar for Beginners (Ages 13+)
Learn a few basic chords and strums, and soon you’ll be playing satisfying versions of your favorite songs in this fun class. You know a lot about music just from years of listening. Use that knowledge and you’ll be playing by ear in no time. Bring guitar and notebook.
Thursdays, 7-8 pm, Apr 16-Jun 4, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 8 sessions | $164
Thursdays, 7-8 pm, Jul 2-Aug 20, Glen Echo Park, 8 sessions | $164
Intermediate Acoustic Guitar (Ages 13+)
So you’ve taken beginning guitar or you’ve been playing for a while and want to take your playing to the next level. Learn some finger picking and other techniques that will make your playing more interesting. Use these skills to play songs you love. Bring guitar and notebook.
Thursdays, 8-9 pm, Apr 16-Jun 4, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 8 sessions | $164
Thursdays, 8-9 pm, Jul 2-Aug 20, Glen Echo Park, 8 sessions | $164
Songs With Friends (Ages 13+)
From blues to Bob Dylan, Bono, Beyoncé and beyond, expand your guitar/ukulele technique and repertoire while playing great music with others. We all pick suitable songs and learn to play them as individuals and as a group. Bring guitar or ukulele and notebook.
Thursdays, 9-10 pm, Apr 16-Jun 4, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 8 sessions | $164
Thursdays, 9-10 pm, Jul 2-Aug 20, Glen Echo Park, 8 sessions | $164
Holiday Guitar & Ukulele Workshop (Ages 13+)
Learn to play your favorite holiday songs in this fun workshop. Chords and words will be provided as well as tips on leading a group sing-along. Seasonal music spans the ages and styles and is a great way to improve your playing. Bring your guitar/ukulele and voice!
Thursday, 7-9:30 pm, Dec 2020, Glen Echo Park, 1 session | $TBD
REGISTER ▸ (Registration opens Aug 2020)
Beginning Ukulele (Ages 13+)
A fun class to explore this wonderful member of the guitar family! You will learn simple chords and how to use them in a variety of traditional and contemporary songs. Great for personal enjoyment. Bring ukulele and notebook.
Thursdays, 6-7 pm, Jul 2-Aug 20, Glen Echo Park, 8 sessions | $164
Continuing Ukulele (Ages 13+)
Take your basic ukulele skills to a new level as you learn more picking and some melody playing too! Tackle the songs you really want to play. Beginning Ukulele or equivalent required. Bring ukulele and notebook.
Thursdays, 6-7 pm, Apr 16-Jun 4, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 8 sessions | $164
Beginning Irish Bodhran (Ages 10+)
Class focuses on the traditional Kerry-style of playing emphasizing drum positioning, stick control, and basic styles. Tune types include jig, reel, hornpipe, slip jig, slide, and polka. Discussion of definition and characteristics of Irish traditional music, as well as the history and role of percussion. Student must provide own instrument.
Mondays, 5:30-6:30 pm, Fall 2020, Glen Echo Park, Arcade 304, 6 sessions | $TBD
REGISTER ▸ (Registration opens Aug 2020)
Continuing/Intermediate Irish Bodhran (Ages 10+)
This class picks up where the Beginning Bodhran class ends and continues working on all of the Irish dance rhythms. Includes video presentations and discussion. Prerequisite: Beginning Bodhran (offered in the fall), solid understanding of traditional Irish tune types, and good basic stick control. Student must provide own instrument.
Mondays, 5:30-6:30 pm, Apr 13-May 18, online (orig. Glen Echo Park, Arcade 304), 6 sessions | $151
Irish Bodhran Intensive (Ages 10+)
Bodhran enthusiasts everywhere! Sharpen your skills and refresh your techniques in a three-week, three-class workshop for bodhran players of all levels. The class will be tailored to your particular abilities, focusing on individual needs in a group setting. Student must provide own instrument.
Mondays, 5:30-6:30 pm, Jan 2021, Glen Echo Park, Arcade 304, 3 sessions | $TBD
REGISTER ▸ (Registration opens Aug 2020)
Celtic Backup for Bouzouki & Guitar (Ages 15+)
Covers techniques of accompaniment for jigs, reels, hornpipes, etc., with a focus on rhythmic patterns and constructing chord progressions. Well-known session tunes serve as examples. Also discussed: “session survival,” playing in an ensemble. Recording device helpful. Student must provide own instrument.
Tuesdays, 7-8 pm, Apr 14-Jun 16, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 10 sessions | $260
Irish Tenor Banjo & Mandolin (Ages 15+)
Covers Irish melody playing for mandolin and four-string banjo tuned GDAE. For advanced beginner and intermediate level players. Students must already have basic proficiency on their instrument and be capable of playing and learning by ear. Well-known session tunes, including reels, jigs, and hornpipes, serve as examples. Recording device helpful. Student must provide own instrument.
Tuesdays, 8-9 pm, Apr 14-Jun 16, online (orig. Glen Echo Park), 10 sessions | $260
Introductory Irish Fiddle (Ages 18+)
For adult violin students who are interested in learning more about traditional Irish fiddling. Explore various rhythms and tune types, and experiment with ornamentation and bowing principles while learning a variety of tunes: jigs, reels, hornpipes, mazurkas, highlands, barn dances, and more. Great ear training and great fun! Field trips to local Irish sessions. Student must provide own instrument.
Wednesdays, 7:30-8:30 pm, Jan 29-May 6 (no class Apr 8), Glen Echo Park, 15 sessions | $330
Intermediate Irish Fiddle (Ages 18+)
This class is designed for experienced violin students and those who have taken Introductory Irish Fiddle and want to continue their studies and learn more complex tunes. Field trips to local Irish sessions. Student must provide own instrument.
Wednesdays, 8:30-9:30 pm, Jan 29-May 6 (no class Apr 8), Glen Echo Park, 15 sessions | $330
Introduction to Singing for Adults (Ages 18+)
Yes, you can sing! It’s never too late to learn! In a small-group setting, enjoy learning ways to warm up your voice for the best sound, range, and vocal health, how to stay in tune, and how changes in posture and breathing can help you sing. You will learn a technique that applies to all styles of music, along with basic skills in reading notes and pitches. No one is required to sing alone.
Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm, Fall 2020, Glen Echo Park, 15 sessions | $TBD
REGISTER ▸ (Registration opens Aug 2020)
Continuing Intro to Singing for Adults (Ages 18+)
A continuation of Introduction to Singing for Adults, this class reinforces and builds upon techniques learned in that class, including warming up, healthful singing, staying in tune, posture, and breathing. Students with prior singing experience may enroll with permission of instructor.
Mondays, 6:30-7:30 pm, Feb 3-May 11, Glen Echo Park, 15 sessions | $345
Intermediate Voice (Ages 18+)
This class is designed for more experienced singers and those who have taken Introduction to Singing for Adults and want continued refinement of vocal skills. Prerequisite: one full year of Introduction to Singing, or recommendation by the instructor after an audition. Audition requirement: prepared piece with audio accompaniment (no vocal track).
Mondays, 7:30-8:30 pm, Feb 3-May 11, Glen Echo Park, 15 sessions | $345
Encore Chorale (Ages 55+)
Do you love to sing? Are you over 55? Then Encore Chorale is the perfect way to spend your Thursday afternoon. Join these very talented singers in rehearsing exciting four-part SATB repertoire in preparation for spectacular concerts at the Cultural Arts Center and The Kennedy Center. Auditions are not required, and singers may sit for rehearsals and performances. Tuition includes music and rehearsal CD.
Thursdays, 1-2:30 pm, Jan 23-May 7, Glen Echo Park, 15 sessions | $185
Encore Rocks (Ages 55+)
Do you sing “California Dreamin’” in the car and belt out “Proud Mary” in the shower? If you want to have a blast singing rock ‘n’ roll with a group of like-minded folks, you’re in luck. Join the Encore Rocks, a rock ‘n’ roll chorus for singers age 55 and up. Sing hit tunes in three parts under the fabulous direction of Jeff Dokken, and present a concert at the end of the 15-week session.
Wednesdays, 1:30-3 pm, Jan 22-May 6, Glen Echo Park, 15 sessions | $185
Chamber Music Match-Up (Ages 18+)
Intermediate and advanced string players will be matched to play level-appropriate chamber music with a professional musician/coach performing as a member of the ensemble. Wind players who wish to be in an ensemble with strings may enroll.
Minimum 6 sessions on weekdays as arranged.
Enrollment by phone only — please call 301.320.2770.
Washington Conservatory Orchestra (Ages 18+)
Open to amateur adult musicians of all levels, the WCM Community Orchestra provides participants the opportunity to learn and perform both traditional and lesser-known orchestral literature with like-minded avid adult musicians in a friendly professional atmosphere. The orchestra performs three public concerts each year.
Rehearsals: Tuesdays, Mar 24-Jun 9, 8-9:30 pm; Dress Rehearsal: Thursday, Jun 11, 8-9:30 pm; Concert: Sunday, Jun 14, 5 pm; Westmoreland Circle; 14 sessions | $57
Befriending Beethoven (Ages 18+)
What is it about Beethoven that has captivated audiences for centuries? With the guidance of cellist Drew Owen, we will take a closer look at the ways Beethoven’s music has endured. We will examine how his personal struggles, including the tragic loss of hearing, may have informed his musical genius, and consider his compositional style and technique. Through recordings and live performance, we will examine four contrasting works: Symphony No. 5; String Quartet Op. 59, No. 1; Cello Sonata in C Major No. 4, Op. 102; Violin Sonata No. 9, Op. 47 “Kreutzer”.
Mondays, 10-11:30 am, Dates TBD, Glen Echo Park, 4 sessions | $TBD