The Washington Conservatory Team

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The Washington Conservatory of Music is delighted to announce that internationally renowned violinist, educator, and arts visionary Daniel Heifetz has been appointed Artistic Advisor to the Conservatory.

This important appointment marks a new chapter in WCM’s artistic leadership as we continue expanding our legacy of exceptional music education, world-class performances, and community-centered programming.

A Distinguished Artistic Leader

Daniel Heifetz is celebrated around the world for his virtuosity, expressive musical voice, and lifelong dedication to cultivating the next generation of musicians. He is the Founder of the Heifetz International Music Institute, one of the most respected and transformative summer programs for young string players globally. His career spans major solo performances, acclaimed recordings, and decades of mentorship that have shaped artists performing in orchestras and concert halls worldwide.

Heifetz’s philosophy extends beyond technical mastery—he champions the emotional, communicative, and human aspects of musical performance. His work centers on building musicians who play from the heart, with authenticity and depth.

This artistic perspective aligns beautifully with WCM’s mission to inspire a lifelong love of music at all ages and stages.

What This Means for WCM

As Artistic Advisor, Daniel Heifetz will help shape the creative direction of the Conservatory, including:

• Strengthening our artistic vision and programming
• Supporting the development of faculty and student performance opportunities
• Advising on long-term artistic growth and strategic innovation
• Elevating the Conservatory’s regional and national presence
• Bringing new creative collaborations and ideas to the WCM community

His leadership will enhance our already vibrant ecosystem of ensembles, concerts, educational offerings, and community partnerships—ensuring that WCM remains a cornerstone for music and arts education in the region.

A Moment of Celebration

The announcement of Daniel Heifetz as Artistic Advisor was shared during our special recital at the Embassy of France on November 17, where supporters, faculty, and students gathered for an evening of music and gratitude. The enthusiasm from our community reflects how meaningful this new chapter will be for the Conservatory.

Looking Ahead

WCM is proud to welcome Daniel Heifetz into this new role and looks forward to the artistic growth, innovation, and inspiration his leadership will bring. His passion for musical excellence and heartfelt artistry continues to resonate with all who hear him—and now, with all who learn and grow within the Washington Conservatory of Music.

We invite our community to join us in celebrating this exciting moment and to stay tuned for new artistic initiatives and opportunities to engage with the Conservatory.

The best is yet to come.

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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

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Bethesda, MD — The Washington Conservatory of Music (WCM) is proud to announce that it has received a $25,000 grant from the Genesis Inspiration Foundation to support its mission of making music education accessible to children and youth throughout the DC metropolitan region.

This generous funding will allow WCM to expand its classical and Latin jazz programs, reach more students, and deepen its impact in underserved communities.

“These resources will allow us to expand music education and help youth find their rhythm through classical and Latin jazz instruction,” said Andrew Lee, Executive Director of the Washington Conservatory of Music. “We are thrilled to partner with Hyundai USA and are touched by their support of this critical program.”

“Genesis Inspiration Foundation is dedicated to empowering young people to experience an education through the arts,” said John Guastaferro, Executive Director of Genesis Inspiration Foundation. “We are grateful to work with nonprofit partners like Washington Conservatory of Music to increase accessibility, spark imagination, and bring the transformative power of the arts to more children across the country.”

The grant will support program enhancements across WCM’s Tapestry Music Project, scholarships for children and teens, and expanded opportunities for youth to perform and collaborate with professional musicians. Together with Genesis Inspiration Foundation, WCM will continue to ensure that every child — regardless of background — can experience the life-changing benefits of music.

For more information about Washington Conservatory of Music and its programs, visit www.washingtonconservatory.org.

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On Sunday, August 10, 2025, the Washington Conservatory of Music had the profound honor of collaborating with the Washington International Piano Artists Competition (WIPAC) to present a memorable recital at the Embassy of China in Washington, D.C.

This year marked a landmark 25th‑anniversary celebration for WIPAC, commemorated with a special Winners Classic Circle concert—bringing together past competition winners to perform as soloists alongside a full orchestra for the very first time in WIPAC’s history  . 

Under the leadership of Executive Director Andrew Lee and Conductor Jovan Zivkovic, our ensemble delivered an unforgettable program that inspired a standing ovation from a distinguished audience, including Ambassador Xie Feng and numerous international dignitaries. The performance was a celebration not only of artistic excellence but also of the power of music to bridge cultures and bring communities together.

The evening’s success was made possible by the extraordinary talents of our faculty musicians, whose artistry elevated every note of the performance:

The evening’s success was made possible by the extraordinary talents of our faculty and staff musicians, whose artistry elevated every note of the performance:

• Cleveland Chandler, violin and concertmaster
• Kevin Jang, violin
• Becky Johnson, viola
• Denis Malloy, clarinet
• Noah Perkins, trombone
• Esther Tonea, cello
• Tobias Werner, principal cello
• Chengcheng Yao, piano and competition adjudicator

Their commitment to musical excellence—both on stage and in the classroom—reflects the heart of the Washington Conservatory’s mission.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of the Washington International Piano Artists Competition which hosts an international amateur piano competition. Thanks to them for the opportunity to collaborate on such a prestigious event. Bravo to all who made the evening possible, and to our musicians whose performance truly shined on an international stage.

About the Washington Conservatory of Music

For over 40 years, WCM has nurtured musicians of all ages and backgrounds, offering high-quality music education, performance opportunities, and community engagement programs. Events like this recital showcase the depth of talent within our community and the role we play in connecting music lovers across the globe.

 

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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.

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Explore online learning opportunities ▸

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2019-2020 Board of Directors

Washington Conservatory of Music welcomes Jolie B. Golomb to the Board of Directors. Ms. Golomb brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this position.

Board of Directors

• Carol Bogash, Chair
• Matthew B. Canzoneri, Vice Chair
• Steven Spurlock, Secretary
• David Mihalchik, Treasurer
• Virginia Ackerman
• Ndenisarya M. Bregasi
• Jolie B. Golomb
• Sean Iyer
• Kathy Judd, Executive & Artistic Director
• Dionne Laufman, Faculty Representative
• Gloria Wang
• Tobias Werner, Pressenda Chamber Players
• Dudley Winthrop

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For more than 30 years, Carol A. Bogash has been dedicated to creating entrepreneurial and educational programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences providing enriching opportunities for learners of all ages and diverse communities. Most recently she served as Vice President of Education and Community Engagement at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra responsible for a large number of programs engaging all ages from the very young to those who are retired. From 2007 – 2011 she served as the director of education for the Washington Performing Arts Society, overseeing a variety of programs reaching more than 100,000 people each year. As the director of educational and cultural programs at The Smithsonian Associates for nearly twelve years, she was responsible for over educational 1,500 programs annually, including lectures, seminars, courses, Smithsonian’s Discovery Theatre, studio arts, performances, summer camp, study tours, and national outreach. Prior to working at the Smithsonian, Carol was general manager of the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra (FL), was assistant dean of Liberal Arts, director of the Non-Credit Liberal Arts Program and of the Master of Interdisciplinary Science Studies at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Continuing Studies, served as the orchestra manager for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and taught at the Peabody Institute of Music and in the Baltimore City Public School System. In 2009, she was awarded the prestigious Palmes Academiques by the French government for her broad areas of work in education and specifically on projects devoted to furthering a better understanding and appreciation for French culture. She has served on National Arts Education Council for Americans for the Arts and numerous other nonprofit boards throughout the Washington/Baltimore region.

2016-2017 Board of Directors

Washington Conservatory of Music welcomes David Mihalchik, Gloria Wang, Tobias Werner and Carol A. Bogash to the Board of Directors. These board members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the organization.

Board of Directors

• Carol A. Bogash, Chair
• Matthew B. Canzoneri, Vice Chair
• Steven Spurlock, Secretary
• David Mihalchik, Treasurer
• Ndenisarya M. Bregasi
• Kathy Judd
• Edvinas Minkstimas, Faculty Representative
• Yoshie Ogawa
• Gloria Wang
• Stephen J. Weiss
• Tobias Werner

Amy Horn, French Horn

Amy Horn joined the horn section of “”The President’s Own”” U.S. Marine Band in 1987. With them she has performed in a wide variety of ensembles; from soloist and chamber musician on the horn to dance band, rock-n-roll, and country music singer. She has performed with many ensembles in the Washington DC metropolitan area including the National Symphony, Annapolis Symphony, Alexandria Symphony and the Washington Symphonic Brass and Percussion. Amy enjoys a studio of horn students of all ages and talents. She has appeared as a soloist and clinician in Virginia, Washington, DC, Ohio, New Mexico, and New York. Amy was a finalist in the 1994 and 1989 American Horn Competition competing against other professionals throughout the U.S in horn solo literature. She received her Bachelor Degrees in performance and education from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio and her Masters degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. Her primary teachers for horn have been Herbert Spencer, Dave Fedderly, Ted Thayer, and Peter Landgren.

Steve Herberman, guitar

Steve Herberman plays and teaches many musical styles from rock, blues, folk, classical, Brazilian to jazz. He enjoys working with his students on the songs and styles that they are interested in learning.

Steve Herberman is a graduate of Berklee College Of Music. He has performed at venues such as Birdland in NYC, Spazio in Los Angeles, the NAMM shows in Anaheim and Nashville, and recently at the North Wales jazz guitar weekend in the U.K. as a featured guest artist. Closer to home he has performed at Blues Alley, the Smithsonian Jazz Cafe, and the Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts with musicians including Keter Betts, Buster Williams, Gary Bartz, Drew Gress, Chuck Berghofer, Mark Ferber, Jim Snidero, Chuck Redd, Ali Ryerson, Steve Williams, Steve LaSpina, Jeff Hirshfield, John Pisano and others.

Steve’s recent CD, Ideals, reached the Top 10 on the JazzWeek chart for national airplay remaining on the chart for 16 weeks. Action:Reaction, a CD of Steve’s original music, was chosen as one of the top 50 CD’s of 2007 by Jazz Improv magazine.

Steve Herberman taught jazz guitar on the faculty of Towson University for 14 years, teaches guitar at Sidwell Friends School and is on the faculty of Maryland Summer Jazz. He has presented masterclasses in the U.K. and at many universities across the U.S and written instructional material for Downbeat magazine and columns for Fingerstyle 360 and Fingerstyle Journal webzines.

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Through a generous grant from the estate of Gertrude Delfino, the Washington Conservatory announces the launch of our new Equal Opportunity Music Project: scholarships for low-income first generation immigrant families from Latin American, African and Caribbean countries. Qualifying families are encouraged to contact the Washington Conservatory for more information: (301) 320-2770
NEW: Partnership with DC Youth Orchestra

The Washington Conservatory and the DC Youth Orchestra, as co-recipients of funds from the estate of Gertrude Delfino (above), will partner to offer private lessons (provided by WCM) and orchestra experience (provided by DCYOP) for qualifying students. The Washington Conservatory will teach lessons at the DCYOP space at Eastern High School in Washington DC.

NEW: Washington Conservatory Suzuki String Academy

The Washington Conservatory is proud to announce a new comprehensive Suzuki String Academy at WCM at Glen Echo Park beginning in the fall of 2016. Co-coordinators of these weekly lessons and group classes for young children and their parents are veteran Suzuki teachers – Jennifer Cluggish and Steffani Kitayama. For more information, email wcmsuzukistringacademy@gmail.com

NEW: Washington Conservatory Integrative Music Program

Following our very successful summer kick-off concert at Westmoreland Church of North Indian (Hindustani) Classical Music, the Washington Conservatory is proud to announce our new Integrative Music Program to launch this fall, beginning with tabla lessons and classes taught on Sundays at Glen Echo Park by tabla artist Debu Nayuk.

NEW: Partnership with Westmoreland Children’s Centers

The Washington Conservatory has partnered with Westmoreland Children’s Centers to provide the music program for the three Bethesda sites of WCC. Washington Conservatory Early Childhood Music teacher Meghan O’Connell will teach weekly music classes to multiple classes at each center.

NEW: Partnership with S&R Foundation

The Washington Conservatory will provide violin faculty to teach weekly violin classes at the S&R Foundation Filmore School in Georgetown as part of their established program to provide free violin group classes and free violins for students from the Jelleff Boys and Girls Club of Georgetown.

NEW: Ensemble in Residence: Pressenda Chamber Players

The Pressenda Chamber Players are the new Ensemble-in-Residence at the Washington Conservatory. Through generous outside funding, this outstanding new ensemble, (named after the violinist and cellist’s instrument maker) will provide four concerts as part of the WCM Concert Series, as well as provide outreach on behalf of WCM. We welcome these wonderful musicians as a vital new part of the Washington Conservatory.

NEW: Classes

• Introduction to Singing for Adults – Kathleen Bavaar Cobb
• Ukulele Club (ages 8-12) – Mike Kligerman
• Discovering Musical Instruments (ages 2-3) – Jenny Cluggish
• Weekday afternoon Movie Songs for Kids (ages 4-7) – Meghan O’Connell
• Weekday afternoon Conservatory Kids (ages 2-3) – Meghan O’Connell
• Pre-Twinkle Jump Start (ages 3-4) – Jenny Cluggish
• Spanish Bi-lingual Conservatory Kids (ages 2-3) – Patricia Hurley- Carpenter

What’s Not New?

Our commitment to providing the finest musical instruction. We invite you to come visit, explore and share with us the dedication to the joy of music which has allowed WCM to gain a three-decade reputation as an extraordinary fully accredited not-for-profit community music school, serving the Greater DC and Bethesda area with a unique commitment to quality and supportive guidance. Our doors are open to students of all ages and skill levels.

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