Washington Musical Pathways Initiative
The Next Generation of Classical Musicians
Levine Music is a partner of the Washington Musical Pathways Initiative (WMPI), a talent development program for local student musicians in grades 8-12 who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color and want to pursue advanced study in music.
Program elements are tailored to meet students’ needs to better prepare them for study at music conservatories or as music majors at four-year colleges and universities with the goal that it lead them to professional opportunities within classical music.
WMPI provides musical and extra-musical supports (financial, instructional, academic, family, social-emotional, etc.) to support talented young musicians who have been historically excluded from classical music due to systemic racism.
![Student Recital Student playing a harp in a recital.](https://www.levinemusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Student-Recital-NW-3-harp.jpg)
![WMPI Bassoon Teenage boy playing bassoon](https://www.levinemusic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WMPI-Bassoon.jpg)
Students Receive
- Full tuition support for weekly private lessons through Levine Music and for participation in the DC Youth Orchestra Program
- Chamber music coaching and music theory classes through Levine Music
- Funding for instruments, instrument maintenance, and other supplies
- Financial support for national or international summer music opportunities
- Access to National Symphony Orchestra, Kennedy Center, and Washington National Opera side-by-side rehearsals, concerts, and master classes.
- Workshops in college and career preparation, finance, wellness, and other topics preparing students for personal and professional success as a 21st-century musician.
- Mentoring by nationally recognized musicians
- Opportunities to engage with internationally renowned artists, soloists, musicians, innovators, and leaders in the field
WMPI is a partnership of the DC Youth Orchestra Program, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Levine Music, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University.
The Washington Musical Pathways Initiative is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Mellon Foundation.