Washington Musical Pathways Initiative

The Next Generation of Classical Musicians

Levine Music is the lead partner of the Washington Musical Pathways Initiative (WMPI), a talent development program for local student musicians in grades 8-12 from communities historically excluded from classical music.

With program elements tailored to prepare students for study at music conservatories or as music majors at four-year colleges and universities, WMPI lays a foundation for future professional opportunities within the music industry. Program alumni have gone on to study at premier institutions, including Juilliard, Rice University, Indiana University, University of Michigan, University of Maryland, Harvard, and more.

Commitment

WMPI is a highly selective, pre-professional training program for student musicians from communities historically excluded from classical music preparing for conservatory or collegiate music study. Students must be fully committed to a music career, practicing at least ten hours weekly outside of lessons and rehearsals. The program includes concert attendance, professional mentorship, college and career readiness events, and regular check-ins with families and instructors. Because WMPI demands more than a typical extracurricular commitment, students must confirm their intent to major in music (performance or education) by junior year to be accepted or remain in the program.

Students Receive

75% tuition scholarship support for weekly private lessons through Levine Music. Additional need-based tuition support may also be available for those who qualify.
Full scholarship support through the DC Youth Orchestra Program for participation in a large ensemble program.
Full scholarship support for chamber music coaching and music theory classes through Levine Music.
Counseling and audition support for national or international summer music opportunities.
Access to National Symphony Orchestra and Washington National Opera side-by-side rehearsals, concerts, and master classes.
Workshops in college and career preparation, finance, wellness, and other topics, preparing students for personal and professional success as 21st-century musicians.
Mentoring by nationally recognized musicians.
Opportunities to engage with internationally renowned artists, soloists, musicians, innovators, and leaders in the field.

Music Study

Each WMPI student is required to remain enrolled for the full year in private lessons, youth orchestra, and theory/musicianship classes. Chamber music participation is fully covered (100%) and, while optional, is strongly encouraged for all WMPI students.

Individual Private Lessons: In the upcoming school year, accepted WMPI students must enroll in at least 60-minute weekly lessons.

Chamber Ensembles: WMPI students who opt-into chamber music at Levine will be assigned to a small ensemble comprised of other WMPI and Honors Program participants studying in a similar style. Small ensembles will include chamber groups for classical students. Students will rehearse weekly and must be available at the time agreed upon by the group and coach for the entirety of the season, preparing music for master classes and performances.

Youth Orchestra Ensemble Participation: WMPI students are required to play in an auditioned youth orchestra or wind ensemble. This experience will allow students to become familiar with orchestral repertoire and the level of playing of their peers, some of whom will be auditioning for the same colleges and conservatories. Chamber ensembles and school orchestra/band will not count toward fulfilling this requirement.

Musicianship Class: All WMPI students must learn Music Theory fundamentals, either through Levine Music’, their school, or another music program they’re involved in. Artists are expected to maintain a consistent attendance and more than 3 unexcused absences will result in a meeting and possible probation status. WMPI students should take an AP Music Theory class if it is offered at their high school and will fulfill their music theory requirements.

Monthly Community Meetings: Attendance is required for 5 community meetings total with attending 2 meetings in person throughout the year. Students will also be expected to participate in master classes conducted by musicians outside of the Levine community, depending on their instrument, which will be announced at the start of each semester.

Concert, Masterclass, & Summer Program Reports: Students are required to submit reports describing their concert and masterclass attendance/participation, and summer program experience. Additional documents are required in support of their artistic and professional goals to include a repertoire list, musician biography, and resume.

Performance

WMPI students are expected to represent Levine in a variety of performances:

Performance Classes/Recitals Each WMPI student is required to perform in 1 non-jury recital and 1 Performance Class, in addition to a Large Ensemble Performance Class and Chamber Performance Class (if participating in chamber). All WMPI students are required to perform in the Levine Showcase Concert in some capacity.

Master Classes: WMPI students are required to attend up to two (2) master classes during the program year. Students will be asked to submit a report on a master class attended or participated in.

Juries: Juries serve as formal evaluations of each Artist’s musical progress and overall performance level. All Artists are required to participate in two juries per year, each assessed by a panel of professional classical musicians.

Recording Session: 12^th graders in WMPI will be provided with two (2) hours of video recording sessions to be used for their college prescreening audition. The studio space and piano accompanist (1 rehearsal and recording) will be covered through WMPI, and the dates and times for recording will be available in the late summer for seniors to sign up.

Community

WMPI students are encouraged to engage with the Levine and DMV community. Students will have the opportunity to communicate ideas and undertake community projects to enhance their community with their fellow cohort. Some options include:

Visiting Instrument Day: “Visiting Instrument Day” is held throughout the year in Levine’s First Music department. Honors students introduce their instrument to a classroom of young children.

Community Service Projects: Opportunities will be provided for students to work together to provide positive change within our community.

Community Performance: WMPI students are encouraged to share their talent through performance at local retirement homes, nursing homes, and schools.

Additional Group Events

Attendance is required for the following events, which give students a chance to get to know their fellow Honors colleagues:

Season Opener: A gathering providing students and families the opportunity to meet their fellow WMPI and merit programs cohorts. Sessions may include mini workshops on topics in support of each student’s artistic growth.

Other Group Events: Each WMPI student will have access to a series of scheduled Merit Program group events. These may include performances and workshops at Levine, or concerts and field trips in the DC metro area. All events are organized for the WMPI students to attend together.

Applicant Requirements

The WMPI Program welcomes applications from current students in Levine and students outside of Levine. Applicants are responsible for adhering to and submitting all required materials below.

Eligibility:

Resides in the Greater Washington, D.C. area, including D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.

Rising 8th-11th graders; rising 12th graders are not eligible to apply.

From communities that have been historically excluded from the professional classical music industry, including but not limited to students who have experienced economic disadvantages or will be the first generation in their family to attend college.

Demonstrate serious interest in pursuing a music major at the college level.

Play flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, orchestral percussion, violin, viola, cello, bass, or harp

Piano, saxophone, guitar, and voice are not eligible.

Lesson Requirement: WMPI Program students must be enrolled in weekly 60-minute private lessons with a teacher at Levine. Non-Levine teachers must agree to join the Levine faculty for their students to be accepted into the program. Due to the rigorous pace and high-performance standards of the Pathways Initiative, all WMPI students are advised to study with a teacher who has a track record of getting students accepted into music college/conservatory programs and/or with a teacher who has attended one.

Yearly Audition: Students must audition each year for the WMPI program. Participation in the program for one year does not guarantee a place for the upcoming year. Students will not be admitted into the program without an audition and a completed application. View audition requirements and guidelines.

Application Form: All potential WMPI students must submit a completed online application. Please note that a completed application includes the student essay and screening video (NEW students to WMPI only). The 2026-27 application is due on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Teacher Recommendation: All applicants’ private instructors will be required to complete an online Teacher Recommendation Form (a separate form).

Grade Requirement: By September 1, 2026, applicants to WMPI must be entering 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. While WMPI continues to support enrolled students through their 12th-grade year, 12th graders are not eligible to audition for admission, as the program’s training coincides with the demands of the college audition and application process that begins before the 12^th grade.

2026-27 Merit Programs Application