Tuition & Fees

Tuition for one full semester (18 weeks) is due at the time of registration in advance of the first class. Private lesson tuition will be prorated for students who begin their studies after a semester has begun.  The $35 registration fee for new students is applied throughout the full academic year. There is a monthly payment option with a 2% service fee.

Individual Lessons

Lesson Length

Per Lesson

Monthly (w/ 2% service charge). With 4 lessons per month, please note the number is subject to change based on how many weeks in the month. 

Full Semester 

30-minute lesson

$65

$265.20

$1170

45-minute lesson

$95 

$387.60

$1710

60-minute lesson

$120

$489.60

$2160

90-minute lesson

$185

$754.80

$3330

Group Classes

Group class prices are listed on each group class page.  Group class payments at the Washington Conservatory of Music are a one-time fee for the entire semester, due at the time of registration. All class dates are listed on our website, and there are no make-up sessions for missed classes. We encourage students to review the schedule carefully before enrolling.

Suzuki Academy

Suzuki Strings Group Class:
  • Beginner: $1385
  • Book 1: $1665
  • Books 2 – 4: $2175
  • Advanced: $2600
Suzuki Flute Group Class:
  • Drop-In Rate: $35 per class
  • Full 9-Class Package (Asynchronous, Paid Upfront): $225 (Save $90)
  • Total Cost for 9 Drop-In Classes: $315

Amounts below include a program fee, new as of 2026-27 school year.

Any student studying in the Suzuki program will be charged tuition as listed below. Please note Suzuki is a full semester commitment whether you choose the monthly or full semester tuition payment plan:

30 minutes: Full Semester $1,450. Monthly (based on 4 lessons per month) $82.17

45 minutes: Full Semester $1,950. Monthly (based on 4 lessons per month) $110.50

60 minutes: Full Semester $2,360. Monthly (based on 4 lessons per month)

Please note monthly lesson payments vary based on how many weeks in the month

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Additional Fees

  • Yearly Registration fee $35. If enrolling more than one student, each subsequent registration fee is $20
  • Late payment fee $25
  • Accompanist fee for recital $1 per minute to be charged in Opus1
  • Monthly payment plan incurs a 2% service fee
Review our Terms and Conditions and Lesson Policies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between monthly and full payment?

Monthly payment has a 2% service charge and offers some additional flexibility if you need to cancel lessons during the semester. Auto pay is available to avoid late fees and interruptions to your lesson. Full payment is a one-time fee at the top of the semester, which commits students to lessons for the full semester. No refunds are available should a student need to withdraw.

What is the best lesson length for me?

Your matched faculty member will be able to best help determine what is a good lesson length for you. We recommend starting with a trial lesson to discuss what is best for you before registering for the semester. For our younger students, we recommend 30 minutes to start. For adult students, even at the beginner level, 45 minutes is a great place to start.

Do you offer free trial lessons?

We do not offer free trial lessons. Trial lessons are scheduled at the standard lesson rate:

• 30 minutes – $65
• 45 minutes – $95
• 60 minutes – $120

Because we operate on a semester system, the trial lesson is an opportunity to meet your teacher, discuss goals, and determine fit before registering and paying the semester tuition and registration fee.

How long is a semester?

Our semesters typically run 16–18 weeks, aligned with the Glen Echo Park calendar.

Can I start lessons in the middle of a semester?

Yes, if space is available. Tuition will be prorated based on the remaining weeks in the semester.

What is your cancellation policy?

Private lesson students are allowed one excused absence per semester with at least 24 hours’ notice. Additional absences may be forfeited. Please refer to our full policy page for detailed guidelines.

Can I reschedule a missed lesson?

Make-ups are not guaranteed and depend on faculty availability. One excused absence may be eligible for a make-up lesson.

What if my teacher cancels?

If a teacher cancels a lesson, a make-up will be scheduled, or a credit will be issued

When are make-up lessons provided?

Make-up lessons are scheduled during our designated “make-up weeks” which typically occur after the end of the semester. Students have about three weeks to complete their make-up lessons. During this period, lessons are scheduled based on teacher availability, and some flexibility is provided to accommodate different schedules.

Students and teachers are also able to schedule make-up lessons based on their availability during the semester.

Can I withdraw mid-semester?

Students enrolled in a monthly payment may withdraw with notice (per policy terms). Students who pay in full commit to the entire semester and are not eligible for refunds.

What ages do you teach?

We offer early childhood classes beginning at 18 months, private lessons for children and teens, and lessons for adults at all levels

Do I need my own instrument?

Yes. Students are expected to have regular access to an instrument for home practice. If you need guidance on renting or purchasing, we’re happy to help. We recommend Music and Arts for rentals and purchases.

Do you offer group classes?

Yes. We offer early childhood classes, ensembles, and select group programs based on enrollment.

Do you offer scholarships?

Yes. We are committed to access and offer need-based scholarships . Please contact us for application details.

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