Whether your child is picking up an instrument for the first time or you’re looking for a fun, structured music program, the DC metro area offers a wide variety of quality options. For this article, we reviewed each school’s website, class offerings and recent reviews to highlight family-friendly, well-regarded programs. Here are six excellent choices for children and teens (and sometimes adults, too).
Mason Community Arts Academy
Mason Community Arts Academy, part of George Mason University in Fairfax, offers music classes for ages 4 to adult including group beginning violin, piano lessons, private instruction and ensemble opportunities. For younger beginners, they have “Violin Beginnings” for ages 4-6, taught using Suzuki, Rolland and traditional methods. The environment is university-linked yet community-focused, making it a solid pick for families who want quality instruction in a friendly setting.
- Address: 4260 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax
- Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
- Contact: (703) 993-9889
Musicfully
Musicfully specializes in private music lessons in-home or virtual around the McLean/Falls Church/Arlington area, covering instruments like piano, guitar, voice, ukulele and more. The flexible in-home or online format is ideal for busy families, and the broad instrument offering means siblings or multi-age learners can each find their match.
- Address: 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd., McLean
- Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturday
- Contact: (571) 310-1881
Cohen Violin Studio
Founder Harriet Geraldine Cohen brings decades of teaching experience to this private violin studio in West Springfield. Lessons are tailored to each student, and include performance opportunities, chamber music and group mini-classes for beginners. This studio is a great choice for families seeking focused violin training with performance-driven results.
- Address: West Springfield, VA (private studio)
- Hours: By appointment weekly lessons
- Contact: hgcohen@yahoo.com
Levine Music
Levine Music is a nonprofit community music school with multiple campuses in the DC area. It offers private lessons, group classes, ensembles, early-childhood music and adult programs. The variety makes it excellent for families with multiple children or different skill levels. Students also benefit from performance opportunities, workshops and recitals held throughout the year.
- Address: Sallie Mae Hall, 2801 Upton St. NW, Washington, DC
- Hours: 1-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 1-6 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday
- Contact: (202) 686-8000
School of Rock
School of Rock uses a performance-based model combining private lessons and weekly band rehearsals, so kids get to play live with peers. Programs span guitar, drums, keyboards, vocals and more for ages 6-18 (and adult options too). This is a fun and engaging option for families whose kids are eager to perform and collaborate.
- Address: 3529 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC
- Hours: 3-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: (202) 893-8765
Tunes 4 Tots
Designed for the youngest musicians (infants to age 4) along with a participating caregiver, Tunes 4 Tots offers music and movement classes that build early rhythm, song, play and music discovery skills. It’s ideal for families looking to introduce toddlers to music in a fun and age-appropriate setting.
- Address: 201 I St. SW, Washington, DC
- Hours: Class times vary by location and schedule; see website for upcoming sessions
Phone: (443) 617-6887
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