“Our aim is to create the next generation of citizen musicians” – Elizabeth Schurgin, Executive Director

Our Mission

To empower young people to transform their lives through music and community. 

We Believe

  • All young people should have access to the transformative power of music education. 
  • Excellence is fostered through diversity, inclusion, and community. 
  • Students are supported in their personal journeys by meeting them where they are. 
  • Youth orchestras can model change and shape the future of the orchestral music world. 

Our History

Founded in 1960 at the request of DC Public Schools, DCYOP has been an integral part of the Washington, DC community fostering the musical development of more than 50,000 youth. The first youth orchestra to perform at the Kennedy Center, DCYOP has toured 24 countries, played for US presidents and diplomats, and worked with esteemed musicians such as Copland, Maazel, Rostropovich, Hamlisch, Gustavo Dudamel, Yo-Yo Ma, and Kevin Deas. The program has received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award (formerly Coming Up Taller) and the Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Arts Education. The Catalogue for Philanthropy selected DCYOP as “one of the best small non-profits in the Greater Washington region” for the last decade.

Many graduates have gone on to successful professional careers in music. Alumni include Daniel Foster, Principal Viola of the National Symphony Orchestra; Toyin Spellman Diaz, Oboist in the Imani Winds; Chris Royal, Professor of Music at Howard University; John McLaughlin Williams, Grammy Award®-winning conductor; and John Wineglass, Emmy Award®-winning composer.

Alumni have also found careers in the sciences, writing, and politics, among other disciplines including Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Honorable Cheryl Long, CEO Linda Cureton, author Tracy Chevalier and activist, writer, and comedian Baratunde Thurston.

Our Philosophy

DCYOP believes that every child should have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument and play in an orchestra. At DCYOP, the orchestra serves as a model for community. An atmosphere of competition is replaced by a shared endeavor for musical excellence. Through the ensemble, our young musicians develop the character of respectful team players. And, finally, through the study of a musical instrument and classical music, our students develop the confidence and creativity that empowers them to tackle life’s challenges.

Today’s Programs

DCYOP offers group lessons and ensemble training on all orchestral instruments for students ages 4 ½ to 18. More than 600 students participate in group classes, ensemble rehearsals, and performances each semester through DCYOP’s main-site programming at Takoma Education Campus as well as DCYOP’s school partnerships. All concerts are free and open to the public. To learn more about our programs, please click here.

Who We Serve

With strong financial and public school access barriers, DCYOP is the only preK-12 program that seeks to make high quality ensemble music education available to all students, regardless of background, socioeconomic status, or ability. Our students currently represent more than 200 public, public charter, and private schools as well as a variety of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. To learn more about student demographics, please click here.

Our Most Recent Audit & Financial Documents

FY21 Audited Financials

FY20 Audited Financials

DCYOP FY19 Form 990