The Washington Conservatory of Music offers individual, private piano lessons for all skill levels. Our program welcomes students beginning at age 5, though we welcome students at all stages of learning, from beginners to advanced.
We work closely with each family to set clear goals and develop a personalized curriculum that reflects each student’s interests. Our dedicated faculty provides regular feedback to monitor musical growth and address areas for improvement.
Beyond learning the piano, our lessons open doors to performance opportunities, competitions, and elite summer programs—helping your child build a lifelong love of music.
Have questions?
Our staff is here to help you find the perfect class or private lesson!
World-Class Faculty
At Washington Conservatory of Music, we’re proud to have world-class piano faculty trained at some of the most prestigious institutions, including The Juilliard School, Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, and New England Conservatory. Our faculty have performed on stages in Washington, D.C. and around the globe, won international awards, and collaborated with renowned artists.
Every session is personalized to each student’s level or experience—whether they’re just beginning or building a lifelong love of music. Our faculty are known for their warm, patient, and empathetic teaching style that helps each student progress confidently at their own pace. Meet our Piano teachers.
Scheduling & Availability
At Washington Conservatory of Music, we offer private piano lessons in 30-, 45-, 60-, or 90-minute sessions throughout an 18-week semester.
You can register at any time during the year, and we’ll work with you to find the best lessons times that work for your schedule. Our instructors are available after school, in the evenings, and on weekends.
Tuition
Our tuition is designed to reflect the quality and depth of instruction you can expect:
- 30-minute lessons: $1170
- 45-minute lessons: $1710
- 60-minute lessons: $2160
- 90-minute lessons: Inquire within
Pro-rated options available if you join after the semester has started. We also offer a split semester payment plan. Learn more about tuition.
Student Opportunities
We provide a number of wonderful opportunities to students in addition to regular one-on-one lessons. Students may take advantage of these opportunities to further develop their musical skills, reinforce their sense of achievement, and engage with the larger school community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old should a student be to start lessons?
Recommended age: 5+. 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.
Are online or remote lessons available?
Yes, our online music lessons and online music classes are led by the same faculty of professional musicians and music teachers as in-person music lessons and music classes. You’ll receive the same expert, personalized teaching that you would receive in the studio and classroom. The online music lessons are available using the Zoom video conferencing platform and are easy to set up on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Our staff is available to guide you through the process if you have any questions.
Does a student need to have a piano to take lessons?
Each lesson room at The Washington Conservatory includes a piano for instruction. Additionally, pianos can be rented to start. Acoustic pianos are recommended.
Are auditions required to enroll?
No, auditions are not required. As a community music school, Washington Conservatory of Music provides exceptional music instruction to students of all skill levels.
What happens if a student misses a lesson?
- One missed lesson per semester may be made up only if students report the absence to the WCM office 24 hours before the scheduled lesson. This privilege applies only to students who have enrolled during the first seven weeks of the semester.
- All teacher absences due to professional obligations, teacher illness, or emergencies will be made up by arrangement between teacher and student.
- If WCM closes due to inclement weather, all missed lessons and classes will be rescheduled.
- WCM’s academic calendar includes scheduled makeup days for each teaching day of the week. Makeup lessons may also be given on a day other than the student’s regular lesson day, if the teacher is available.
- Once agreed upon, makeup lesson times cannot be rescheduled. A missed makeup lesson cannot be made up.
- With the agreement of the student and teacher, makeup lessons may be conducted remotely via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, etc.
- Summer lessons missed because of student absences will not be made up.
Is financial aid available?
WCM offers a limited number of scholarships for students up to age 18 of limited financial means who demonstrate commitment to musical study. To be considered, students must submit an application with a copy of their most recent federal tax return or equivalent. Timely receipt of completed application does not guarantee a scholarship.
Can students withdraw or receive refunds?
Students who enroll in individual lessons during the academic year are entitled to a three-week assessment period, during which they can request a prorated tuition refund, minus the non-refundable registration fee. Students are eligible for a prorated refund only if they notify their teacher and the WCM office no later than one day after their third scheduled lesson. Refunds will not be issued if requested more than one day after the third lesson. New students enrolling in summer lessons will not receive a refund if they withdraw.
What performance opportunities are available?
Students of all ages have regular opportunities to participate in student recitals, juried recitals, honors recitals, and studio classes. Due to COVID-19, recitals are currently being held over Zoom to ensure the health and safety of students, their families, and our music teachers. Please see Student Opportunities for more information.
Custom Ensembles
Interested in playing a specific style of music in a small ensemble? We will gladly form chamber music, jazz, rock, vocal, and instrumental ensembles by request. Contact us for more information