DC Youth Orchestra Program

The DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) is the region’s leading ensemble-based music education program. With the mission “music for young people; achievement for life!” DCYOP has fostered the musical development and changed the lives of 50,000+ youth since 1960.

Today DCYOP offers group lessons, ensemble training and performance opportunities for 700 students ages 4 ½ to 18. DCYOP is proud to be an inclusive organization and values the diversity of its student body: our students represent 250 different schools, 100 unique ZIP codes, and a range of socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. The first youth orchestra to perform at the Kennedy Center, DCYOP has toured 23 countries, played for US presidents and diplomats, and worked with esteemed musicians such as Copland, Maazel, Rostropovich, and most recently Gustavo Dudmael and Yo-Yo Ma. 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. For more information, please visit www.dcyop.org