Table of Contents
Registration for Fall and Winter music classes begins Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at our campus in Glen Echo Park. All classes follow the policies of Glen Echo Park. Click on the “Register” link to be directed to the Glen Echo Park registration page for each class.
Music Classes for babies, toddlers, and kids
(in order by minimum age)
- Conservatory Kids Level 1 Music Class (Ages 3 months – 2 years)
- Conservatory Kids Level 1 Music Class (Ages 1 – 3 years)
- Conservatory Kids Levels 1 and 2 Combined Music Class (Ages 18 months – 5 years)
- Conservatory Kids Level 2 Music Class (Ages 2 – 3 years)
- Drumming for Kids Class (Ages 4 – 7 years)
- Let’s Sing! Class (Ages 5 – 7 years)
- Sparks! Vocal Ensemble (Ages 7 – 12 years)
Music Classes for teens and adults
(grouped by subject / instrument / voice and then in order by skill level)
Guitar Classes (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Beginning Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Intermediate / Advanced Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Jazz Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
Ukulele Classes (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Beginning Ukulele Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Intermediate Ukulele Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Introductory Irish Fiddle Class (Ages 18 – Adult)
- Intermediate Irish Fiddle Class (Ages 18 – Adult)
- Advanced Beginners Irish Flute and Tin Whistle Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Intermediate / Advanced Irish Flute and Tin Whistle Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Beginning Irish Bodhran Class (Ages 10 – Adult)
- Irish Bodhran Refresher Class (Ages 10 – Adult)
- Bouzouki and Guitar Accompaniment for Irish Traditional Music Class (Ages 15 – Adult)
- Irish Tenor Banjo and Mandolin Class (Ages 15 – Adult)
- Introduction to Singing for Adults Class (Ages 18 – Adult)
- Intermediate Voice for Adults Class (Ages 18 – Adult)
- Singing for Adults Class (Ages 18 – Adult)
- Washington Conservatory Community Chorus (Ages 18 – Adult)
- Create Your Own Music Class (All Ages)
If you are looking for the Washington Conservatory Community Chorus, the Washington Conservatory Community Orchestra, or chamber music ensembles please visit our ensembles page for more information.
See the full calendar of music lessons, music classes, summer music camps, ensembles, performances, and special events.
Music Classes for babies, toddlers, and kids
Conservatory Kids Level 1 Music Class (Ages 3 months – 2 years)
For children ages 3 months to 2 years with a caregiver. Tap into your child’s magical sense of wonder. Our youngest musicians will enjoy singing, moving, and playing instruments to help awaken the basic sense of pitch and rhythm during this critical early stage of development. Class includes classical, Broadway, folk, pop, jazz and children’s favorites. Weekly lesson plans offer both repeated and new musical elements to enhance motor skills and develop a joyful love of music for all! Class is designed with a multi-year curriculum. Students are encouraged to join multiple times for maximum musical benefit.
Instructor: Ernesto Lima-Parets
Fall Dates: Tuesdays, September 19 – January 2, 2024 (no class December 26)
Time: 10 am – 10:45 am
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Conservatory Kids Level 1 Music Class (Ages 1 – 3 years)
For caregiver and child. Tap into your child’s magical sense of wonder. Our youngest musicians will enjoy singing, moving, and playing instruments to help awaken the basic sense of pitch and rhythm during this critical early stage of development. Class includes classical, Broadway, folk, pop, jazz and children’s favorites. Weekly lesson plans offer both repeated and new musical elements to enhance motor skills and develop a joyful love of music for all! Class is designed with a multi-year curriculum. Students are encouraged to join multiple times for maximum musical benefit.
Instructor: Ernesto Lima-Parets
Fall Dates: Saturdays, September 16 – January 6, 2024 (no class November 25 and December 30)
Time: 10 am -10:45 am
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Conservatory Kids Levels 1 and 2 Combined Music Class (Ages 18 months – 5 years)
For caregiver and child. Perfect for siblings. Sing, clap, dance, play to music of all styles: movie, classical, popular and traditional children’s music. Awakens awareness of the elements of music (pitch, rhythm, tempo, timbre) and enhances range of motor and learning skills. Class may be repeated multiple times. Different each season.
Instructor: Ernesto Lima-Parets
Fall Dates: Saturdays, September 16 – January 6, 2024 (no class November 25 and December 30)
Time: 11 am – 11:45 am
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Conservatory Kids Level 2 Music Class (Ages 2 and 3 years)
For children ages 2 and 3 years and caregiver. Discover the magical world of music through a range of styles from famous symphonies to jazz, folk, popular and other classical compositions. Level 2 builds a strong foundation for further musical growth. Learn the basic elements of music through singing, percussion instruments, and dance. Includes an intro to ear training using solfege syllables. Students learn to recognize pitch and create rhythmic patterns and develop tempo awareness. Students are encouraged to join multiple times for maximum musical benefit. Prior Conservatory Kids classes are not required.
Instructor: Ernesto Lima-Parets
Fall Dates: Tuesdays, September 19 – January 2, 2024 (no class December 26)
Time: 11 am – 11:45 am
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Drumming for Kids Class (Ages 4 – 7 years)
Rhythm is the heartbeat of music in every country. Have fun playing drums with your hands and with sticks. From Africa to Latin America to New York City, we travel the world of rhythm.
Instructor: Ernesto Lima-Parets
Fall Dates: Saturdays, September 16 – January 6, 2024 (no class November 25 and December 30)
Time: 12 pm – 12:45 pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
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: Jennifer Suess
Fall Dates: Tuesdays September 12 – December 19, 2023
Time: 5:15 pm – 6 pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Sparks! Vocal Ensemble (Ages 7-12)
Ignite the musical spark in your child. The Washington Conservatory’s 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
Fall Dates: Monday, September 11 – December 18, 2023
Time: 4:15 pm – 5 pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Music Classes for teens and adults
Guitar
Beginning Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
Using songs as the focus, learn basic chords and rhythms to learn guitar fundamentals. Guitar required.
Instructor: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, November 16, 2023 – January 18, 2024 (no class November 23 and December 28)
Time: 6 pm – 7 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $184 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website. (To register for the correct class, click on the “continuing” class option on the GEP website.)
Intermediate / Advanced Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
Learn more advanced techniques including bar chords and finger-picking styles along with strumming, to play more advanced pop songs from throughout the decades.
Instructor: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, November 16, 2023 – January 18, 2024 (no class November 23 and December 28)
Time: 9 pm – 10 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $184 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website. (To register for the correct class, click on the “continuing” class option on the GEP website.)
Jazz Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
For the intermediate to advanced electric or acoustic guitar player. Learn to apply jazz music theory concepts to be able to improvise and play jazz standards.
Instructor: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, November 16, 2023 – January 18, 2024 (no class November 23 and December 28)
Time: 5 pm – 6 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $184 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website. (To register for the correct class, click on the “continuing” class option on the GEP website.)
Ukulele
Beginning Ukulele Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
Learn the basics of chords and rhythms to strum your favorite songs! Ukulele required.
Instructor: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, November 16, 2023 – January 18, 2024 (no class November 23 and December 28)
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $184 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website. (To register for the correct class, click on the “continuing” class option on the GEP website.)
Intermediate Ukulele Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
Learn to play more advanced chords along with playing melodies of favorite songs – making music as part of a class ensemble. Ukulele required.
Instructor: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, November 16, 2023 – January 18, 2024 (no class November 23 and December 28)
Time: 8 pm – 9 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $184 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website. (To register for the correct class, click on the “continuing” class option on the GEP website.)
Folk Music Classes
Introductory Irish Fiddle Class (Ages 18 – Adult)
For adult violinists 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. Students must provide own instrument.
Instructor: Mitchell Fanning
Fall Dates: Wednesdays, September 13 – December 20, 2023
Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Intermediate Irish Fiddle Class (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. Students must provide their own instrument.
Instructor: Mitchell Fanning
Fall Dates: Wednesdays, September 13 – December 20, 2023
Time: 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Advanced Beginners Irish Flute and Tin Whistle Class (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.
Instructor: Tina Eck
Fall Dates: Wednesdays, October 11 – December 6, 2023
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm
Sessions: 9
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $207 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Intermediate / Advanced Irish Flute and Tin Whistle Class (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 tune forms. Bring an Irish simple system flute or tin whistle in the key of D and recording device.
Instructor: Tina Eck
Fall Dates: Wednesdays, October 11 – December 6, 2023
Time: 8 pm – 9 pm
Sessions: 9
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $207 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Beginning Irish Bodhran Class (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 their own instrument.
Instructor: Jesse Winch
Fall Dates: Tuesdays, October 17 – November 21, 2023
Time: 6 pm – 7 pm
Sessions: 6
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $156 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Irish Bodhran Refresher Class (Ages 10 – Adult)
This multi-level refresher class focuses on traditional Kerry-style of playing emphasizing drum positioning, stick control, basic styles and finding the downbeat. Tune types include the jig, reel, hornpipe, slip jig, slide, and polka. Class will informally discuss the definition and characteristics of Irish traditional music including history and the role of percussion. Students must provide their own instrument
Instructor: Jesse Winch
Winter Dates: Tuesdays, January 9 – 23, 2024
Time: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Sessions: 3
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $94 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Winter: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Bouzouki and Guitar Accompaniment for Irish Traditional Music Class (Ages 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 your own instrument.
Instructor: Keith Carr
Winter Dates: Tuesdays, November 14, 2023 – January 23, 2024 (no class December 26)
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm
Sessions: 10
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $207 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Irish Tenor Banjo and Mandolin Class (Ages 15 – Adult)
Covers Irish melody style playing for mandolin and four-string banjo tuned GDAE. For advanced beginner and 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 and include reels, jigs, hornpipes. Recording device helpful. Must provide your own instrument.
Instructor: Keith Carr
Winter Dates: Tuesdays, November 14, 2023 – January 23, 2024 (no class December 26)
Time: 8 pm – 9 pm
Sessions: 10
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $207 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Singing
Introduction to Singing for Adults Class (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
Fall Dates: Mondays, September 11 – December 18, 2023
Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Intermediate Voice for Adults Class (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.
Audition requirement: a prepared piece with audio accompaniment (no vocal track). To schedule audition, call: 301.320.2770
Instructor: Jennifer Suess
Fall Dates: Mondays, September 11 – December 18, 2023
Winter Dates: Mondays, January 29 – May 6, 2024
Time: 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Winter: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Singing for Adults Class (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.
Audition requirement: a prepared piece with audio accompaniment (no vocal track). To schedule audition, call: 301.320.2770
Instructor: Jennifer Suess
Winter Dates: Mondays, January 29 – May 6, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $345 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Winter: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Washington Conservatory Community Chorus (Ages 18 – Adult)
Full details are on the ensembles webpage.
Miscellaneous
Create your own music class
Is there something musical that you would specifically like to learn – an instrument or topic about music? For a pre-formed group of six or more, we are happy to hear your ideas and offer suggestions for tailor-made group classes to address your special interests. Minimum of 5 sequential weekly to maximum 15 sequential weekly classes. Complete this Create Your Own Music Class Contact Form or call 301-320-2770 to discuss.
Music Appreciation and Seminars
There are no seminars currently scheduled.
Ensembles
Washington Conservatory Community Orchestra
Full details are on the ensembles webpage.
Washington Conservatory Community Chorus
Full details are on the ensembles webpage.
Capital Horns
Full details are on the ensembles webpage.
Custom Ensembles
Full details are on the ensembles webpage.
Chamber Music Coaching for Pre-Formed Groups
Full details are on the ensembles webpage.