Written by: Cecelia McKinley
Nestled at the far end of Glen Echo Park stands the Washington Conservatory of Music. For forty years, it has been a cornerstone of the music community in the DMV. The conservatory offers just what you would hope for in a nationally accredited community music school: highly skilled and experienced faculty in strings, piano, brass, woodwinds, even Irish folk singing. It hosts a variety of regularly performing ensembles such as the Washington Conservatory Community Orchestra and the Pressenda Chamber Players; it even brings in guest artists for recitals and masterclasses, often free to the public. Even so, there is more still to the Washington Conservatory of Music.
In 2017, the Washington Conservatory of Music launched the Tapestry Music Project, thanks to the estate of Gertrude Delfino. A daughter of Italian immigrants, Delfino dreamed of expanding the opportunities available to children of immigrant families to study and excel in music. Since then, the Washington Conservatory has provided music classes to over 791 children free of charge, in collaboration with the Montgomery Housing Partnership. Twice a week, across five locations in Silver Spring and Takoma Park, children ages 3-5 receive early childhood music education classes. The Tapestry Music Project has also provided group guitar, violin, and ukulele classes to more than 131 middle school students in Montgomery County as a part of the Montgomery Housing Partnership’s Community Life GATOR Program. The Tapestry Music Project’s outreach extends even beyond the classroom through its Listening & Learning Concerts–performances by local professional musicians in Elementary schools across Maryland—the Washington Conservatory of Music estimates over 1,000 children have had the chance to experience live classical music, many for the very first time.
But the heart of the Tapestry Music Program lies in its early childhood music classes for children of low-income and immigrant families. These classes, hosted in community centers and public schools throughout Montgomery County, lay the foundation for lifelong learning. The curriculum includes exposure to a variety of instruments, singing folk songs from different cultures, and listening to books read in English about music and art. Through this, students develop vocabulary, learn fine motor skills, develop their ears to recognize pitch, and demonstrate understanding of rhythmic patterns. Beyond musicianship, these classes also promote important social skills such as taking turns, teamwork, and following instructions.
“The kids are just so enthusiastic,” says Ernesto Lima Parets, a Washington Conservatory of Music faculty member, as well as an instructor with the Tapestry Music Project. Lima Parets is a Cuban-American multi-instrumentalist, conductor, and educator. After receiving his Masters in Conducting from Georgia State University, Parets came to DC to serve as an Artist-In-Residence with the Georgetown University Orchestra. While maintaining an active performing career, Lima Parets has worked with the Tapestry Music Project since 2022, helping the organization adjust back from the Covid-Era online instruction model; “an important part of my heart has always been in music education, especially with little ones! I truly believe a solid music foundation early on helps them grow into awesome people. So, when the opportunity to work with Tapestry at the Washington Conservatory of Music came up, I jumped right in”.
Free from the pressure of grades, the Tapestry Music Project provides a space for children from underserved communities to get creative, sharpen their focus, and feel a sense of belonging. According to the National Institute of Health, music education has numerous benefits on mental health such as emotional regulation, stress management, and social intelligence–a balm for those who may feel isolated or alienated, particularly in the early stages of life. The Tapestry Music Project’s impact lasts much longer than after the last song of the day has been sung, these children move forward in their day, their week, and hopefully their life, with the gifts that only music can provide.
To support or learn more about the Tapestry Music Program and the Washington Conservatory of Music, please visit our website washingtonconservatory.org.
The Tapestry Music Project is also made possible through the generosity of the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation and the Corina Higginson Trust.
Andrew Lee, Executive Director
Cecelia McKinley, Logistics and Operations Fellow
Help Us Keep the Music Going
For 40 years, the Washington Conservatory of Music has empowered the next generation of musicians — regardless of background or income. The Tapestry Music Program is just one way we’re building a more equitable and inclusive arts community.
But we can’t do it without you.
Your support ensures that young people continue to access life-changing music education, mentorship, and opportunity.
Make a gift today and help us weave the next chapter in WCM’s story.
Together, we can create a future where every voice has a chance to be heard.
