As the year comes to a close, we invite you to pause with us and reflect on some of the moments that made 2025 such a meaningful year at Levine. Below, you’ll find a collection of our favorite moments that capture the energy, care, and creativity that define Levine.
Everything we do is made possible by the generosity of supporters like you. As we look ahead to the year to come, please consider making a year-end contribution to support the programs, people, and places that bring Levine’s mission to life.
A New Home for Levine in Virginia
We kicked off 2025 by opening the doors to our new Virginia campus at West Falls. From the very first notes, this space has become not just a building but also a home for creativity, a gathering place for the community, and a launchpad for learners of all ages.
Over the past year, the West Falls campus has come alive as:
- Hundreds of students learned and grew in our new studios through weekly lessons, classes, and music therapy sessions.
- Campers sang, danced, explored, and created during six joyful weeks of Camp Levine.
- Community members came together for Community Sings, Jazz and Blues Jams, master classes, recitals, and concerts.
Every day, this campus affirms what’s possible when people have a welcoming place to learn, connect, and make music together. This campus exists because of generous supporters who believe in access to music education for all.
Our new campus in action.
Charles and Ruth Williams Voice Competition
In March, we proudly presented the inaugural Charles and Ruth Williams Voice Competition, honoring the legacy of longtime Levine voice faculty member Charles Williams and his wife, Ruth. Youth and adult voice students took the stage to perform two contrasting selections, sharing their artistry in a vibrant and inspiring afternoon of music.
This year also marked a new chapter for our voice department with the appointment of Dr. Nakia Verner Thompson as department chair. A member of the Levine voice faculty since 2011, Nakia brings deep experience and vision to her leadership. Under her guidance, the department is flourishing — supporting students across every musical style, from classical and musical theater to jazz, pop, and folk.
Loeffler Alumni Series Celebrates 10 Years
In June, we marked a meaningful milestone: the 10th anniversary of the Loeffler Alumni Series, celebrated with a beautiful concert featuring alumni artists who now enrich our community as faculty members — Rachel Yu Chen, Sam Post, Luke Ratcliffe, Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal, Kenneth Stilwell, and Jonathan Velsey.
The evening also honored the generous vision of Jane and Bob Loeffler, whose support has sustained this series from the beginning. Over the past decade, more than 30 accomplished alumni have returned to the stage through the Loeffler Alumni Series, reaffirming their lasting connection to Levine and their commitment to the next generation of musicians.
This anniversary concert was a powerful reminder that the relationships formed at Levine continue to resonate, both onstage and beyond.
A Cultural Exchange Through Piano
This summer, Levine piano students Palden Kim and Anne Valerie “AV” Ter joined piano faculty member Topher Ruggiero on a memorable trip to France as part of our ongoing partnership with the French-American Piano Society. The exchange deepened students’ understanding of French piano repertoire while strengthening international connections through music.
During their weeklong journey, Palden and AV walked in the footsteps of the composers they study — visiting Chopin’s summer home in Nohant and exploring the birthplace of Debussy in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. They also had the rare opportunity to perform on 19th-century French pianos, sharing a concert program with French students.
The exchange continued back at Levine during PianoFest, where we welcomed two French students for a week of lessons, master classes, ensemble rehearsals, performances, and musical explorations around Washington, DC.
These once-in-a-lifetime opportunities are made possible through partnerships and support that expand the possibilities of music education.
A New Look for Levine
Over a year ago, we embarked on a thoughtful journey to reimagine Levine’s visual identity, setting the stage for our 50th anniversary in 2026 and laying a strong foundation for an enhanced digital experience.
In October, that vision came to life with the launch of our new logo and redesigned website. Rooted in conversations with students, families, faculty, and supporters, the new brand reflects the creativity, community, and shared love of music that defines Levine.
While the look is new, what matters most remains the same: a welcoming place where inspiration begins and music brings people together. Read more about this project.
Nurturing Young Minds Through Music and Play
Levine’s First Music program continues to spark curiosity, joy, and connection for our youngest learners and their families. Rooted in best practices in early childhood music education, First Music blends movement, play, and creativity to create meaningful musical experiences from the very beginning. Students develop a strong foundation not only for future music study, but for the growth of the whole child.
This year, First Music expanded its reach across our campuses and through partnerships throughout the region, meeting families where they are and opening doors to early musical experiences. The department also welcomed Glenda Bates as chair, strengthening leadership and support for this vital area of our work.
Investing in early childhood programs sets children on a path toward a lifelong relationship with music — and we’re proud to see that vision come to life every day in First Music classrooms.
