Historic appointment ushers in a new area of possibility and transformation for 40 40-year institution
BETHESDA, MD (NOVEMBER 17, 2025) — Washington Conservatory of Music (WCM), a nationally accredited community music school in our nation’s capital region is celebrating 40 years of bringing music to the Greater Washington region. The organization is pleased to announce that legendary artist Daniel Heifetz, Violinist & Founder of the Heifetz International Music Institute, is joining the organization as Artistic Advisor.
Building on a historic year with new leadership in our nation’s capital region, WCM ensembles have graced the stages of THE KENNEDY CENTER, Dumbarton Oaks, Embassy of China and other storied venues. New partnerships with Montgomery Housing Partnership, DC Public Schools and Montgomery County Public Schools have expanded to serve hundreds of additional students through the power of music education.
“The Conservatory has served generations of students and I am excited to partner with such an accomplished administrator and artist to usher in its next era of greatness,” said Andrew Lee, Executive Director of Washington Conservatory. “We are exceptionally excited and grateful for the infusion of energy and enthusiasm this appointment will bring and the opportunities it will provide our students and faculty to learn and communicate more fully through the power of music
“I could not be more proud to join this important institution at a pivotal moment in its future. I began my career here when I won the Merriweather Post Competition. I am so happy to return to Washington and partner with The Conservatory. I hope to help impact the musical landscape by bringing music to all people, through innovative outreach endeavors, and inspire students, teachers, and the community with possibilities,” said Daniel Heifetz, Artistic Advisor of Washington Conservatory.”
Mr. Heifetz is renowned as the founder of The Heifetz International Music Institute, in addition to his artistry as a solo violinist who performed throughout the world. The Heifetz Institute brings together brilliant young musicians to work with legendary artists. Mr. Heifetz created an innovative training to teach the young artists to communicate the emotion of music in addition to simply playing beautifully.
“This appointment ushers in a historic opportunity for the Conservatory and its future. We know that Mr. Heifetz’ legendary career and subsequent work with various academic institutions will serve to further cement our status as a top music school in the region for youth and adult learners alike, said Dudley Winthrop, Chair of the Board of the Directors.”
ABOUT WASHINGTON CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC:
Washington Conservatory of Music is dedicated to fostering the joy of music and guiding students of all ages and skill levels to reach their personal musical potential. WCM was established as an independent, 501(c)3 nonprofit community music school in 1984. The school was first accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music Commission on Non-degree Granting Institutions in 1991.
As a nationally accredited community music school, WCM provides students of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to study without audition under the guidance of WCM’s international artist faculty. WCM offers: Individual music lessons weekly on piano, guitar, voice, all strings, all brass, all woodwind instruments, jazz piano, improvisation, drums, percussion, conducting, and theory. Music classes weekly in guitar, voice, strings, early childhood music, traditional music, and more. Music ensembles for classical, rock, pop, and jazz musicians Summer music camps for children at Glen Echo Park. To serve the underserved, WCM presents weekly free early childhood music classes and instrumental music classes to children of low-income immigrants and families of color through our outreach Tapestry Music Project. To serve our community, WCM sponsors monthly professional concerts with “give-what-you-can” admission at Glen Echo Park, and online.
Washington Conservatory of Music’s programs are presented in cooperation with the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture and the National Park Service. WCM is supported in part by funding from the Maryland State Arts Council, Montgomery County government and the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County.
CONTACT: Andrew Lee, Executive Director
alee@washingtonconservatory.org (678) 517-5138
