Table of Contents
- Musical Playtime for Little Ones (ages 18 months – 2 years)
- Musical Imagination Station (ages 3 – 6)
- Young Yukes (ages 9 – 14)
- Beginning Ukulele (ages 13 – adult)
- Continuing Ukulele (ages 13 – adult)
- Acoustic Guitar for Beginners (ages 13 – adult)
- Songs with Friends (ages 13 – adult)
- Holiday Guitar Workshop (ages 13 – adult)
- Beginning Irish Bodhran (ages 10 – adult)
- Irish Tenor Banjo and Mandolin (ages 15 – adult)
- Bouzouki and Guitar Accompaniment for Irish Traditional Music (ages 15 – adult)
- Advanced Beginners Irish Flute and Tin Whistle (ages 13 – adult)
- Intermediate to Advanced Irish Flute and Tin Whistle (ages 13 – adult)
- Introductory Irish Fiddle for Violinists (ages 18 – adult)
- Intermediate Irish Fiddle (ages 18 – adult)
- Let’s Sing! Class (ages 5 – 7)
- Sparks Vocal Class (ages 7 – 12)
- Introduction to Singing for Adults (ages 18 – adult)
- Intermediate Voice for Adults (ages 18 – adult)
If you are looking for the Washington Conservatory Encore Chorale or Encore Rocks, please visit our ensembles page for more information.
Early Childhood Music
Musical Playtime for Little Ones (Ages 18 months – 2 years)
Child and parent/caregiver enjoy musical toe-tapping tickling fun as you and your child discover the joys of music together. Our creative musical experiences support developing language, listening, and motor skills. Lots of singing, finger play, and playing of age-appropriate instruments nurture cognitive ability while awakening an awareness of foundational musical elements such as steady beat, rhythm, tempo, pitch, and dynamics. Before our music goodbye, we will share educational suggestions about how to fill your child’s days with effective musical play.
Instructor: Mary Gresock
Dates: Saturdays, October 9 – December 18, 2021
Times: 10:00am – 10:45am
Sessions: 10
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $230 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Musical Imagination Station (Ages 3 – 6)
Child and parent/caregiver share creative music, movement, and drama fun. We begin with a musical greeting and a jazzy body warm-up, then explore beat and rhythmic patterns with instruments. Next, we use visuals to travel with Mr. B Box on exciting musical journeys from the moon to a farm. Our return home is celebrated with singing, dancing and playing with our special stuffed animal friends. Our travels cover musical elements as steady beat, tempo, pitch, dynamics and timbre.
Instructor: Mary Gresock
Dates: Saturday, September 18 – November 20, 2021
Time: 11:00am – 11:45am
Sessions: 10
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $230 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Guitar and Ukulele
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 a ukulele band. Bring your own ukulele.
Instructor: Mike Kligerman
Dates: Thursdays, September 30 – November 18, 2021
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Online (Live and Interactive) via Zoom. The Zoom link will be provided to registered students by the instructor prior to the first day of class.
Tuition: $184 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Beginning Ukulele (Ages 13 – adult)
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, parties, & open mics! Have ukulele & notebook ready.
Instructor: Mike Kligerman
Dates: Thursdays, September 30 – November 18, 2021
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Online (Live and Interactive) via Zoom. The Zoom link will be provided to registered students by the instructor prior to the first day of class.
Tuition: $184 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Continuing Ukulele (Ages 13 – adult)
Take your basic skills to a new level as you learn more picking and some melody playing too, and tackle the song you really want to play. Beginning Uke or equivalent required. Bring ukulele & notebook.
Instructor: Mike Kligerman
Dates: Thursdays, September 30 – November 18, 2021
Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Online (Live and Interactive) via Zoom. The Zoom link will be provided to registered students by the instructor prior to the first day of class.
Tuition: $184 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Acoustic Guitar for Beginners (Ages 13 – adult)
Learn a few chords and strums; 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 at all.
Instructor: Mike Kligerman
Dates: Thursdays, September 30 – November 18, 2021
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Online (Live and Interactive) via Zoom. The Zoom link will be provided to registered students by the instructor prior to the first day of class.
Tuition: $184 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Songs With Friends (Ages 13 – adult)
For guitar and ukulele players. From blues to Bob Dylan to Bono and beyond, expand your technique and repertoire while playing great music with others. We’ll pick suitable songs and learn to play them as individuals and as a group.
Instructor: Mike Kligerman
Dates: Thursdays, September 30 – November 18, 2021
Time: 9:00pm – 10:00pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Online (Live and Interactive) via Zoom. The Zoom link will be provided to registered students by the instructor prior to the first day of class.
Tuition: $184 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Holiday Guitar Workshop (Ages 13 – adult)
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. All you need is a guitar or ukulele and your voice!
Instructor: Mike Kligerman
Dates: Thursday, December 9, 2021
Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pm
Sessions: 1
Location: Online (Live and Interactive) via Zoom. The Zoom link will be provided to registered students by the instructor prior to the first day of class.
Tuition: $28 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Washington Conservatory website.
Traditional Irish Music
Beginning Irish Bodhran (Ages 10 – adult)
Class focuses on traditional Kerry-style of playing emphasizing drum positioning, stick control, basic styles. Tune types include jig, reel, hornpipe, slip jig, slide, polka. Discussion of definition, characteristics of Irish traditional music including history, role of percussion. Students must provide own instrument.
Instructor: Jesse Winch
Dates: Mondays, October 18 – November 22, 2021
Times: 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Sessions: 6
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $156 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Irish Tenor Banjo and Mandolin (Ages 15 – adult)
Covers Irish melody style playing for mandolin & four-string banjo tuned GDAE. For advanced beginner & intermediate level players. Students must already have at least basic proficiency on their instrument and be capable of playing and learning by ear. Well-known session tunes serve as examples & include reels, jigs, hornpipes. Recording device helpful. Must provide own instrument. More info: 703.969.6909 or keithcarr@mac.com.
Instructor: Keith Carr
Dates: Tuesdays, November 9, 2021 – January 11, 2022 (No class Tuesday, December 28, 2021)
Times: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Sessions: 9
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $207 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Bouzouki and Guitar Accompaniment for Irish Traditional Music (Age 15 – adult)
Covers techniques of accompaniment for jigs, reels, hornpipes, etc., with focus on rhythm patterns, constructing chord progressions. Well-known session tunes serve as examples. Also discussed: “session survival,” playing in an ensemble. Recording device helpful. Must provide own instrument. More info: 703.969.6909 or keithcarr@mac.com.
Instructor: Keith Carr
Dates: Tuesdays, November 9, 2021 – January 11, 2022 (No class Tuesday, December 28, 2021)
Times: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Sessions: 9
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $207 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Advanced Beginners Irish Flute and Tin Whistle (Ages 13 – adult)
Combined class for advanced beginning players. Some basic knowledge of the instrument, fingering, simple scales, and simple tunes is required. Explore the rich mostly aural tradition of Irish music and expand your repertoire. Irish tunes learned by ear: jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas. Learn about fingering, ornamentation, breath control, intonation, basic repertoire & listening recommendations. Bring Irish flute or tin whistle in key of D and recording device. More info: Tinaeck@yahoo.com
Instructor: Tina Eck
Dates:Wednesdays, September 22 – November 17, 2021
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Sessions: 9
Location: Online (Live and Interactive) via Zoom (and occasionally outside at Glen Echo Park, weather permitting) until County safety mandates regarding face masks are lifted. The Zoom link will be provided to registered students by the instructor prior to the first day of class.
Tuition: $207 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Intermediate to Advanced Irish Flute & Tin Whistle (Ages 13 – adult)
Builds on the Advanced Beginners Irish Flute/Tin Whistle class. Fundamental skills required. Explores additional repertoire, ornamentation, phrasing; also focuses on tone, intonation, breath control, session tunes, learning by ear. We explore jigs, reels, hornpipes, polkas, and other tuneforms. Bring an Irish simple system flute or tin whistle in the key of D and recording device. More info: Tinaeck@yahoo.com.
Instructor: Tina Eck
Dates: Wednesdays, September 22 – November 17, 2021
Time: 8:00pm – 9:00pm
Sessions: 9
Location: Online (Live and Interactive) via Zoom (and occasionally outside at Glen Echo Park, weather permitting) until County safety mandates regarding face masks are lifted. The Zoom link will be provided to registered students by the instructor prior to the first day of class.
Tuition: $207 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Introductory Irish Fiddle for Violinists (Ages 18 – adult)
For adult violin students who are interested in learning more about traditional Irish fiddling. Explore various rhythms and tune types, experiment with ornamentation and bowing principles while learning jigs, reels, hornpipes, mazurkas, highlands, barn dances, and more. Great ear training, great fun! Field trips to local Irish sessions. Student must provide own instrument.
Instructor: Mitchell Fanning
Dates: Wednesdays, September 8 – December 22, 2021 (No class Wednesday, November 24, 2021)
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Intermediate Irish Fiddle (Ages 18 – adult)
This class is designed for more experienced violin students and those who have taken Introductory Irish Fiddle who want to continue their studies and learn more advanced and complex tunes. Field trips to local Irish sessions. Student must provide own instrument.
Instructor: Mitchell Fanning
Dates: Wednesdays, September 8 – December 22, 2021 (No class Wednesday, November 24, 2021)
Time: 8:30pm – 9:30pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Singing
Let’s Sing! Class (Ages 5 – 7)
Become a singing star! 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 parents and friends at last class.
Instructor: Mary Gresock
Dates: Saturdays, September 18 – November 20, 2021
Time: 12:00pm – 12:45pm
Sessions: 10
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $230 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Sparks! Vocal Class (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 capella and with accompaniment, in unison and harmony, all while having fun! End of semester performance.
Instructor: Jennifer Suess
Dates: Mondays, September 13 – December 20, 2021
Time: 4:15pm – 5:00pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Introduction to Singing for Adults (Ages 18 – adult)
Yes, you can sing! It’s never too late to learn! In a 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.
Instructor: Jennifer Suess
Dates: Mondays, September 13 – December 20, 2021
Time: 6:30pm – 7:30pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Intermediate Voice for Adults (Ages 18 – adult)
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 year of Introduction to Voice, or upon the recommendation of the instructor after an audition. Minimum age 18. Audition requirement: a prepared piece with audio accompaniment (no vocal track). To schedule call: 301.320.2770
Instructor: Jennifer Suess
Dates: Mondays, September 13 – December 20, 2021
Time: 7:30pm – 8:30pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus the $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.