Washington Conservatory of Music

Washington Conservatory of Music offers Conservatory Kids Level 2, a mixed-level early childhood music class led by Ernesto Lima Parets. The program also offers Introduction to Music Theory, Acoustic Guitar for Beginners, Irish Bodhran classes, Irish flute and tin whistle classes, singing classes for adults, Irish fiddle classes, and Ukulele for Beginners.

Programs

• Conservatory Kids Level 2 (Ages 18 months-5 years) — 18 months to 5 years · Saturdays, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM · Mixed-level early childhood music class; led by experienced educator Ernesto Lima Parets; children build fundamental musical skills while developing coordination, listening, and social interaction.
• Introduction to Music Theory — Open to all · Sundays, 3:00 PM-4:00 PM · Introductory course covering notation, rhythm, scales, chords, listening, writing, hands-on exercises, and short composition projects. No prior experience required.
• Acoustic Guitar for Beginners Age 15+ — 15+ · Thursdays, 7:30 PM-8:30 PM · Relaxed, supportive group class for adult beginners. Learn tuning, strumming, basic chords, and simple chord charts.
• Irish Bodhran Refresher — Minimum age 10 · Tuesdays, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM · Multi-level refresher class focused on traditional Kerry-style playing, drum positioning, stick control, basic styles, and the downbeat.
• Beginning Irish Bodhran (Ages 10+) — 10+ · Tuesdays, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM
• Advanced Beginners – Irish Flute and Tin Whistle — Minimum age 13 · Wednesdays, 7:00 PM-8:00 PM · Combined class for advanced beginning players; explores Irish music tradition, fingering, ornamentation, breath control, intonation, and listening recommendations.
• Intermediate/Advanced Irish Flute and Tin Whistle — Minimum age 13 · Wednesdays, 8:00 PM-9:00 PM · Intermediate and advanced class focused on technique, rhythm, breath control, ornamentation, phrasing, and styles within traditional Irish music.
• Introduction to Singing for Adults — Adults · Mondays, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM · Fun and supportive group class exploring voice, tone, range, vocal health, posture, breathing, articulation, note and pitch reading, and vocal techniques.
• Intermediate Voice for Adults — Adults · Mondays, 7:30 PM-8:30 PM · Upbeat group class for adults with some experience; instructor approval required before signing up.
• Introductory Irish Fiddle — Minimum age 18 · Wednesdays, 8:30 PM-9:30 PM · For adult violinists interested in traditional Irish fiddling; explores rhythms, tune types, ornamentation, bowing principles, and ear training.
• Intermediate/Advanced Irish Fiddle — Minimum age 18 · Wednesdays, 7:30 PM-8:30 PM · For more experienced violin students and those who have taken Introductory Irish Fiddle.
• Ukulele for Beginners Age 5-14 — 5-14 · Wednesdays, 6:30 PM-7:30 PM

At a glance

• Ages: 0–18 years old
• Current session: Conservatory Kids Level 2 (Ages 18 months-5 years) (Sep 5–Dec 12, 2026); Introduction to Music Theory (Sep 6–Nov 29, 2026); Acoustic Guitar for Beginners Age 15+ (Sep 10–Dec 17, 2026); Introduction to Singing for Adults (Sep 14–Dec 21, 2026); Intermediate Voice for Adults (Sep 14–Dec 21, 2026); Advanced Beginners – Irish Flute and Tin Whistle (Oct 14–Dec 16, 2026); Intermediate/Advanced Irish Flute and Tin Whistle (Oct 14–Dec 16, 2026); Irish Bodhran Refresher (Jan 19–Feb 2, 2027)
• General schedule: Group classes are offered at Glen Echo Park; private lessons are offered weekdays, evenings and weekends at Glen Echo Park.
• Facility hours: The front desk at the Glen Echo Park location is staffed 10 am–6 pm, Monday–Friday. The building is open whenever there are lessons or classes.

About the provider

Founded in 1984, Washington Conservatory of Music has more than 40 years of history. Its mission is to provide exceptional musical learning and listening experiences for students and the community. It is one of only 17 accredited community music schools in the U.S., with national accreditation through the Accrediting Commission of Community and Pre-Collegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS). Its programs are presented in cooperation with the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture and the National Park Service, and it serves the community through its Tapestry Music Project with free and low-cost early childhood and instrumental music classes to children of immigrants and families of color.

There are no make-up sessions for missed classes. Some classes require instructor approval before signing up. Class dates are listed on the website.

Last updated October 31, 2026.