Table of Contents
Registration for Fall 2024 and Winter 2025 music classes began on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 10:00 am. 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
- Conservatory Kids Level 1 Music Class (Ages 1 – 3 years)
- Conservatory Kids Levels 1 and 2 Combined Music Class (Ages 18 months – 5 years)
- Let’s Sing! Music Class (Ages 5 – 7 years)
- Sparks! Vocal Ensemble (Ages 7 – 12 years)
- Create Your Own Music Class (all ages)
Music Classes for teens and adults
(grouped by subject / instrument / voice and then in order by skill level)
- Beginning Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Continuing Beginning Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Intermediate / Advanced Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Continuing Intermediate / Advanced Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Jazz Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Continuing Jazz Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Beginning Ukulele Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Continuing Beginning Ukulele Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Intermediate Ukulele Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Continuing 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)
- Singing Traditional Irish Folk Songs Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Klezmer Class (Ages 16 – 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)
- Singing Traditional Irish Folk Songs Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
- Create Your Own Music Class (All Ages)
If you are looking for 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 1 – 3 years)
For caregiver and child. 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. 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.
Music Teacher: Ernesto Lima Parets
Fall Dates: Saturdays, September 14, 2024 – January 4, 2025 (no class November 30, December 28)
Winter Dates: Saturdays, January 25, 2025 – May 3, 2025
Time: 10 am – 10:45 am
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in 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.
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.
Music Teacher: Ernesto Lima Parets
Fall Dates: Saturdays, September 14, 2024 – January 4, 2025 (no class November 30, December 28)
Winter Dates: Saturdays, January 25 – May 3, 2025
Time: 11 am – 11:45 am
Sessions: 15
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in 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.
Let’s Sing! Music Class (Ages 5 – 7 years)
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.
Music Teacher: Jennifer Suess
Fall Dates: Tuesdays, September 10 – December 17, 2024
Winter Dates: Tuesdays, January 28 – May 6, 2025
Time: 5:15 pm – 6:00 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.
Sparks! Vocal Ensemble (Ages 7 – 12 years)
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 cappella and with accompaniment, in unison and harmony, all while having fun! End of semester performance.
Music Teacher: Jennifer Suess
Fall Dates: Mondays, September 9 – December 16, 2024
Winter Dates: Mondays, January 27 – May 5, 2025
Time: 4:15 pm – 5:00 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.
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 Classes for teens and adults
Guitar Classes
Beginning Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
Using songs as the focus, learn basic chords and rhythms to learn guitar fundamentals. Guitar required.
Music Teacher: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, September 19 – November 7, 2024
Time: 6 pm – 7 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $194 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Continuing Beginning Guitar Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
Using songs as the focus, learn basic chords and rhythms to learn guitar fundamentals. Guitar required.
Music Teacher: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, November 21, 2024 – January 23, 2025 (no class November 28, December 26)
Time: 6 pm – 7 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $194 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park 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.
Music Teacher: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, September 19 – November 7, 2024
Time: 8 pm – 9 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $194 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Continuing 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.
Music Teacher: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, November 21, 2024 – January 23, 2025 (no class November 28, December 26)
Time: 8 pm – 9 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $194 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park 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.
Music Teacher: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, September 19 – November 7, 2024
Time: 9 pm – 10 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $194 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Continuing 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.
Music Teacher: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, November 21, 2024 – January 23, 2025 (No class November 28, December 26)
Time: 9 pm – 10 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $194 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Ukulele Classes
Beginning Ukulele Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
Learn the basics of chords and rhythms to strum your favorite songs! Ukulele required.
Music Teacher: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, September 19 – November 7, 2024
Time: 5 pm – 6 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $194 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Continuing Beginning Ukulele Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
Learn the basics of chords and rhythms to strum your favorite songs! Ukulele required.
Music Teacher: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, November 21, 2024 – January 23, 2025 (No class November 28, December 26)
Time: 5 pm – 6 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $194 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park 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.
Music Teacher: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, September 19 – November 7, 2024
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $194 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Continuing 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.
Music Teacher: Bernardo de Leon
Fall Dates: Thursdays, November 21, 2024 – January 23, 2025 (No class November 28, December 26)
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm
Sessions: 8
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $194 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park 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.
Music Teacher: Mitchell Fanning
Fall Dates: Wednesdays, September 11 – December 18, 2024
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.
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.
Music Teacher: Mitchell Fanning
Fall Dates: Wednesdays, September 11 – December 18, 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)
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.
Music Teacher: Tina Eck
Fall Dates: Wednesdays, October 9 – December 18, 2024 (No class November 27)
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm
Sessions: 10
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $240 (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.
Music Teacher: Tina Eck
Fall Dates: Wednesdays, October 9 – December 18, 2024 (No class November 27)
Time: 8 pm – 9 pm
Sessions: 10
Location: Washington Conservatory Campus at Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $240 (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.
Music Teacher: Jesse Winch
Fall Dates: Tuesdays, October 29 – December 3, 2024
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.
(Note: The correct class dates are on the WCM 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.
Music Teacher: Jesse Winch
Winter Dates: Tuesdays, January 7 – 21, 2025
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.
Singing Traditional Irish Folk Songs Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
For singers of all levels! Curious about resonance, ornaments and phrasing for a traditional Irish sound? Learn techniques specific to Irish Music while gathering a repertoire of traditional Celtic songs. Use the whole body as an instrument and learn tools to relax for better sound and more joy!
Music Teacher: Eileen Estes
Fall Dates: Mondays, October 7 – December 9, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Sessions: 10
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $240 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
Klezmer Class (Ages 16 – Adult)
This two-part workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced musicians eager to dive deeper into the vibrant world of Klezmer music, taught by members of the renowned Machaya Klezmer Band. Each session will feature a unique selection of traditional pieces. Participants are encouraged to bring their instruments – though you are welcome to join just to learn more about this lively genre. In addition to broadening your musical skills, the workshop will incorporate elements of dance. We highly recommend attending both sessions to fully benefit from the class.
Music Teacher: Machaya Klezmer Band
Fall Dates: Sundays, November 24 and December 8, 2024
Time: 12:30 pm – 2 pm
Sessions: 2
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $110 for both classes ($75 for one class)
Fall: REGISTER through the Washington Conservatory
Voice Classes
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.
Music Teacher: Jennifer Suess
Fall Dates: Mondays, September 9 – December 16, 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)
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
Music Teacher: Jennifer Suess
Fall Dates: Mondays, September 9 – December 16, 2024
Winter Dates: Mondays, January 27 – May 5, 2025
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
Music Teacher: Jennifer Suess
Winter Dates: Mondays, January 27 – May 5, 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.
Singing Traditional Irish Folk Songs Class (Ages 13 – Adult)
For singers of all levels! Curious about resonance, ornaments and phrasing for a traditional Irish sound? Learn techniques specific to Irish Music while gathering a repertoire of traditional Celtic songs. Use the whole body as an instrument and learn tools to relax for better sound and more joy!
Music Teacher: Eileen Estes
Fall Dates: Mondays, October 7 – December 9, 2024
Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Sessions: 10
Location: Washington Conservatory campus in Glen Echo Park
Tuition: $240 (plus $15 Glen Echo Park registration fee)
Fall: REGISTER on the Glen Echo Park website.
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.
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.