Every year, over 600 children play in the DC Youth Orchestra Program, making it the largest youth orchestra in the Washington area. The 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 19. Students participate in classes for their individual instrument or section, and also participate in one of 9 major ensembles (orchestra or band). There are a total of 12 ensembles in the program: 2 full orchestras, 4 string orchestras, 3 wind ensembles, 2 string orchestras, and multiple class ensembles. Some students in upper levels also participate in smaller chamber ensemble opportunities as they arise.
| 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 |