WCM currently offers remote lessons. Additionally, we are continuing to expand our online learning opportunities with classes, camps, and one-off events. Click here for more information about online learning. For help setting up Zoom for music lessons, click here.
Washington Conservatory of Music provides a nurturing environment for students of all ages and skill levels to study instruments and voice in individual lessons. Our international faculty consists of professional musicians and trained educators who take a personal approach to teaching and mentoring. Through lessons, we are dedicated to fostering a lifelong love of music and helping all students achieve their goals.
Areas of Study — Click on a department to meet the faculty.
Guitar & Bass
acoustic guitar
electric guitar
electric bass
Percussion
drum set
marimba
timpani
Voice
all styles
Music Studies
composition
conducting
ear training
improvisation
music theory
Program Details
How old should my child be to start lessons?
We consider a number of developmental factors when recommending instruments. Below are general guidelines for developmental progress, with the typical ages children reach these milestones.
String instruments come in small sizes, so instruction can start when a child is able to focus for the duration of a half hour, one-on-one lesson. String instruments require finger precision and dexterity, and a refined ear for tuning. Instruments can be rented to start.
Recommended age: 4+ (Suzuki violin, viola, and cello); 7+ (traditional violin, viola, and cello)
Piano instruction can start when a child is able to reach the keys of an acoustic piano, has strength to press them and make consistent sound, and is able to focus for the duration of a half hour, one-on-one lesson. Children can “see” the relationship between piano keys and written notes, making the piano a good introductory instrument. Pianos can be rented to start. Acoustic pianos are recommended.
Recommended age: 5+
Soprano recorder is a wonderful introduction to reading notes and making music. The small size of the instrument and close spacing of the holes is suited to children’s fingers and breath control. The recorder is inexpensive as a first instrument, and the skills developed are transferable to other instruments, allowing children to get a head start on learning music. Group classes foster friendship and teamwork as children perform in a recorder choir. Individual lessons are also available.
Recommended age: 5+
Acoustic guitars with nylon strings are available in small sizes and are recommended for young children over electric guitars.
Recommended age: 7+
A distinct instrument from the guitar, the ukulele has fewer strings (4), different tuning, and a smaller range. It requires less finger strength than guitar, and is typically less expensive to purchase. Learning chords and strumming develop listening skills and coordination, and children will have fun singing along as they play. The Young Yukes class provides a social environment that fosters friendship and teamwork as children perform together.
Recommended age: 8+
Drum set requires complex control of fine hand and wrist movement, and specific rhythmic capabilities. Other percussion instruments include vibraphone, timpani, and hand drums, which can be studied with teacher recommendation.
Recommended age: 8+
Wind and brass instruments are not recommended for young children due to the size of the instruments, the pressure placed on children’s teeth, and the lip strength needed to make sound.
Recommended age: 8+ (flute, clarinet); 10+ (saxophone, trumpet, trombone, french horn)
Starting children on instruments before they are developmentally ready can lead to frustration and disengagement. An instructor recommendation to wait before starting on a particular instrument is not a negative reflection of your child’s potential to succeed on that instrument in the future. Our goal in making recommendations is to support your child’s emotional well-being and foster a lifelong love of music. If you would like additional guidance about when to start lessons for your child, please contact the main office.
Are auditions required to enroll?
No, auditions are not required. As a community music school, Washington Conservatory of Music provides exceptional faculty instruction to students of all skill levels.
What performance opportunities are available?
Students of all ages have regular opportunities to participate in student recitals, juried recitals, honors recitals, and studio classes. Recitals are held at both our Westmoreland Circle and Glen Echo Park locations, featuring our 9-foot Blüthner grand piano (WC) or our Steinway grand piano (GEP) as solo or accompanying instruments. Please see Student Opportunities for more information.
Expectations and requirements:
Washington Conservatory of Music expects all students and parents to behave in a way that is conducive to a nurturing musical environment. Regular weekly attendance allows students to fully benefit from lessons with our faculty members, and is required. We recognize that each student brings unique goals to musical study, and progress is measured on an individual basis according to these goals. Please review our general conduct and attendance policies and consult your teacher with any questions.
For tuition and fee information, see here.
Why Choose WCM? (hover)
NationallyAccredited
WCM is one of only 17 community arts schools in the nation to earn accreditation by the Accrediting Commission for Community & Precollegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS).
InternationalArtistFaculty
Hailing from around the world, WCM’s faculty members are professional musicians and trained educators. Faculty members have earned degrees from top music schools, including Juilliard, the Peabody Institute, New England Conservatory, and Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory.
Nonprofit
We’re a 501(c)3 nonprofit community music school, not a commercial business. Our mission — to provide exceptional musical learning and listening experiences for our students and community — guides everything we do.
Giving BackTo OurCommunity
To enrich and strengthen our community, WCM presents a monthly professional concert series with give-what-you-can admission and provides free music classes to underserved students through the Tapestry Music Project.