Oakland Public Conservatory of Music Youth Programs

Oakland Public Conservatory of Music Youth Programs offers Summer Music Academy, Afterschool Jazz, Afterschool Jazz Big Band, Afterschool Jazz for Girls, Black Girls Play, MUSE Stringendo, Vocal Ensemble, and Private Lessons for youth ages 6 to 17. Activities include ensemble playing, instrumental instruction, music theory, performance, cultural arts enrichment, jazz theory, improvisation techniques, violin instruction, vocal technique, harmony, and individualized instruction across a variety of instruments and skill levels. Instruments are available as needed, and no audition is required for Afterschool Jazz.

Programs

• Summer Music Academy — 6-17 · Immersive experience where students build musicianship, creativity, and confidence through ensemble playing, instrumental instruction, music theory, performance, and cultural arts enrichment.
• Afterschool Jazz — 10-17 · Comprehensive jazz education for two hours weekly. Curriculum focuses on jazz theory, improvisation techniques, ensemble playing, and more. No audition is required.
• Afterschool Jazz Big Band — 10-17 · Opportunity to study and perform jazz in a full ensemble setting.
• Afterschool Jazz for Girls — 10-17 · Supportive and empowering environment for girls and gender-expansive youth to develop their musical voice through jazz studies, ensemble performance, and creative collaboration.
• Black Girls Play — 6-17 · Holistic music education program centered on the experiences, creativity, and leadership of young Black girls and women.
• MUSE Stringendo — 6-17 · Instrument instruction through violin through Oakland Symphony MUSE Stringendo.
• Vocal Ensemble — 6-17 · Introduces young singers to vocal technique, harmony, musicianship, and ensemble performance.
• Private Lessons — 6-17 · Individualized instruction across a variety of instruments and skill levels.

At a glance

• Ages: 6–17 years old
• General schedule: Year-round opportunities for youth ages 6-17 through afterschool ensembles, instrument instruction, summer intensives, mentorship programs, performance opportunities, and private lessons.
• Facility hours: Mon 10am-5pm; Tue 10am-5pm; Wed 10am-5pm; Thu 10am-5pm; Fri 10am-3pm

About the provider

OPC opened in 2005 and has served Oakland youth and families since then. Its mission is to provide affordable, high-caliber, rigorous, culturally resonant music education that preserves Oakland’s musical heritage. Programs celebrate, preserve, and extend the musical heritage of Oakland and the broader Bay Area, and OPC has delivered masterclasses, performances, workshops, and community events by local and international artists since 2005. In 2016, founding director Angela Wellman received the Cultural Key to the City of Oakland from Mayor Libby Schaff.

No audition is required for Afterschool Jazz. Scholarships and payment plans are available for all youth programs. No one is turned away for lack of funds.

What families say

“OPC has helped my daughter grow not just as a musician, but in her confidence as a person... she has grown a love for music, learning, and dedication to her craft.” — Rhona T, parent

“I’ve learned more than just music here...there’s a lot of opportunities that they provide you with, and they make you feel comfortable based on whatever level you’re at in music.” — Pierce M, Student

Last updated September 20, 2026.