There comes a point in every musician’s life when taking music lessons and having the guidance of a professional instructor makes a lot of sense. That’s true whether you’ve been playing your whole life or just recently decided to add an instrument to your list of skills, because someone with more expertise or experience can always help you elevate your performance.
Finding the right professional to assist you in improving your skills can feel overwhelming, however — especially when you live and work in an area as populated and musician-friendly as Washington, D.C. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about finding the right music lessons for you, plus provide some ideas for great, local, convenient establishments that can help you take your musical career to the next phase.
The Perks of Taking Music Lessons
If you’ve been on the fence about taking music lessons for your instrument or vocal skills, rest assured that even the most polished performers can learn something from an expert’s guidance. You might be having trouble perfecting a hand placement, or may not know quite how to get the right amount of air to perfect a run or hit a note. An instructor can help you work through such issues, plus:
- Provide an unbiased opinion on your performance and where you can improve
- Offer tips and tricks for caring for your instrument and getting the most from it
- Assist you in perfecting techniques
- Help you get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to try new things
- Teach you about your chosen genre or advise you on others you may enjoy
The most important element of taking music lessons is that you find the right school or instructor for you. The culture and curriculum matter, but you also need to be able to truly connect with your teacher to get the most from your lessons. It may be best to reach out to a few schools to explain your goals and needs before committing, but the good news is that the D.C. area has plenty from which to choose.
5 Music Lessons Providers Throughout Greater D.C.
When you’re ready to sign up for music lessons, you’re in luck: Different organizations throughout the D.C. area offer in-person, virtual, or hybrid options to make the process as convenient as possible. Here are a few popular options to check out:
In Person Music Lessons
Lessons In Your Home
If you’re looking for lessons that enable an instructor to come to you, Lessons in Your Home’s instructors travel to your home (or school) to teach “fun in-home music lessons that inspire students.” Its offerings include piano, guitar, violin, voice, drums, woodwinds, horns, and more, and its staff is composed of professional and university-taught musicians who are excited to share their expertise with students of all ages. The company has studio locations throughout the D.C. area, for those who would like to visit.
Music on the Hill
Students who are seeking in-person studio lessons may want to check out Music on the Hill, a studio located just 18 minutes by car from Georgetown and 22 minutes from Woodley Park. The school trains students ages 6 and older in guitar, strings, woodwinds, and percussion, plus offers plans that include booking floating lessons — one lesson at a time in select slots rather than signing up for weekly lessons — for maximum flexibility.
Virtual Music Lessons
Take Lessons
For a customized lesson plan that will help you improve your skills at a pace that fits your schedule, Take Lessons might be a great option for you. The school offers assistance from instructors in numerous subjects including music, specifically piano, signing, guitar, violin, cello, drums, and more. Classes can be taken virtually from any of D.C.’s beautiful neighborhoods — including Mount Pleasant, Thomas Circle and Foggy Bottom — or by setting up an in-person meet up.
Hybrid Music Lessons
TR Music & Voice Lessons
If you’re looking for music or voice lessons that can be completed wherever it’s most convenient for you — in your home, in the studio, or remotely via webcam — TR Music & Voice Lessons might be the perfect option for you. There are locations throughout the D.C. area, including in Columbia Heights and Cleveland Park, and the company is proud to offer guitar, piano, keyboard, drum, bass, strings bass, and woodwind, as well as vocal, singing, and songwriting lessons for students of all ages and ability levels. TR Music instructors have national and international touring experience, and are focused on helping students master the techniques they’ll need to excel throughout their careers.
The International School of Music
Students looking for a more formal training program might want to consider The International School of Music, which now offers both in-person and online music lessons for all ages and ability levels. The school offers early childhood, private, teen, adult, and chamber training in piano, guitar, strings, woodwinds, composition, brass, and singing. It’s faculty is “made up of highly qualified and talented performers and teachers with worldwide content and pedagogical experience” who “go through an extensive interview and audition process before being accepted to teach,” meaning you’ll have top-level instruction when working with them. ISM is located just a 10 minute drive from Cathedral Heights and 25 minutes from Dupont Circle.
Music lessons can be a great way to further your experience in your instrument of choice, whether that’s for your own personal enjoyment or to make your professional performances better than ever. Finding the right school to help you on your music journey in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
Find the Perfect Place to Call Home
The D.C. area has plenty to offer to residents and visitors, and having an apartment community you can be proud to come home to at the end of the day makes the experience of living here even greater. We offer apartment homes throughout the greater D.C. region, each with flexible leasing, unique amenities, and situated in beautiful neighborhoods you’ll be excited to explore. Contact our leasing experts to discuss your needs or schedule a tour today.
