DCYOP offers a comprehensive music education program that serves young people in the greater DC metropolitan area. Instruction is available for all orchestra and wind ensemble (band) instruments; beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, ranging in age from 4 1/2 to 18. Students participate in classes for their individual instrument or section, and also participate in a major ensemble (orchestra, string orchestra or wind ensemble). Some students in upper levels also participate in smaller chamber ensemble opportunities as they arise. Click here to see the instrument families!
Minimum Age Requirements:
| Instrument | Minimum age |
| Violin | 4 ½ |
| Viola | 4 ½ |
| Cello | 7 |
| String Bass | 10 |
| Harp | 10 (with 2 years piano) |
| Recorder | 4 ½ |
| Flute | 8 |
| Oboe | 8 |
| Clarinet | 8 |
| Saxophone | 8 |
| Bassoon | 8 |
| Trumpet | 8 |
| French Horn | 8 |
| Trombone | 8 |
| Tuba | 10 |
| Percussion | 8 |
| Guitar | 10 |



