In honor of Women’s History Month, our latest Community Conversation, hosted by Evan Meier, Chair of Music Theory and Composition, features Levine violin faculty member and recording artist, Annabelle Berthomé-Reynolds. Annabelle received the prestigious Trophée Joséphine in 2024, which honors women whose bold paths inspire the next generation.

Annabelle introduces listeners to the music of Grażyna Bacewicz, Elfrida Andrée, and Sofia Gubaidulina, whose careers unfolded across different eras and cultures, yet were shaped by resilience and determination. Through discussion and musical examples, she explores Bacewicz’s powerful postwar violin sonatas, Andrée’s lyrical Romantic chamber music written during the early women’s rights movement in Sweden, and Gubaidulina’s bold, spiritually infused works that bridged Eastern and Western traditions.

Along the way, Annabelle reflects on the joy of uncovering forgotten music in archives, the interpretive challenges of bringing these works to life, and why their voices continue to resonate today.

This year’s installment of Levine’s annual voice competition, named in memory of longtime Levine faculty member Charles Williams and his wife Ruth, was an afternoon full of remarkable student performances.

Congratulations to all the participants, their teachers, and their families!

Jinha Park, competition organizer; Dasha Gabay, collaborative pianist; Millicent Scarlett and Lori Şen, competition judges; and Levine campus staff.

Levine Music gratefully acknowledges the support of Rosemary George for underwriting this competition, as well as the support of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

In honor of Black History Month, our latest Community Conversation features acclaimed artist and Levine faculty member, Carly Harvey, DC’s “Queen of the Blues,” in a robust discussion about the roots, evolution, and enduring influence of the blues.

Carly explores the genre not only as a musical form but also as a cultural expression born of the African American experience and shaped by resilience, resistance, and connection. Along the way, she brings the history to life, demonstrating musical concepts, honoring pioneers like Ma Rainey and Bessie Smith, and reflecting on how the blues continues to speak truth through storytelling and self-expression.

Whether you’re a longtime blues lover or simply curious about how this foundational genre shaped American music, this conversation, hosted by Evan Meier, Chair of Music Theory and Composition, offers insight, inspiration, and plenty of memorable moments.

The Cogen Concerto Competition was established by the Board of Trustees of Levine Music in 1983 to honor Ruth Cogen, one of the school’s founders and its first chair of the Board of Trustees. 

The 2026 Competition took place on Sunday, February 8, 2026. Each participant prepared one movement from a concerto or solo piece intended for performance with an orchestra for the preliminary round. Students in the final round performed with piano accompaniment. One grand prize winner was chosen from all the first-place division winners to play in an upcoming performance accompanied by an orchestra.

Congratulations to all the participants, their teachers, and their families!

Jinha Park, competition organizer; Darya Gabay and Irina Kats, collaborative pianists; Chad R. Bowles, Jaewon Kim, Jeffrey Solow, and Steven Spooner, competition judges; and Levine campus staff.

This program has been made possible through the generous support of the Marinus and Minna B. Koster Foundation, Inc.

We’re excited to kick off our yearlong 50th anniversary celebrations with Levine Presents Resonant Paths, a performance by the Tekalli Duo featuring Levine faculty member, pianist Jamila Tekalli Hanner, and violinist Suliman Tekalli.

In our latest conversation hosted by Evan Meier, Chair of Music Theory and Composition, the siblings shared how growing up making music together shaped their artistic partnership, and how deeply personal connections influenced the upcoming program featuring Igor Stravinsky, Maurice Ravel, Reena Esmail, and arrangements from Studio Ghibli films by Joe Hisaishi. From childhood inspiration to cultural heritage, the conversation offers a glimpse into the stories behind the sound.

Very limited in-person seats remain for Levine Presents Resonant Paths on February 15 (rescheduled from January 24 due to inclement weather). Everyone is invited to join us online for the free live stream. RSVP

• • February 15
  • 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM EST

  50th Anniversary Kick-Off | Levine Presents: Resonant Paths

  A cross-cultural celebration of identity, heritage, and mentorship.

  Learn More

  

Levine Music is pleased to welcome Levine alumna Ari O’Neal, acclaimed guitarist, recording artist, and touring musician, to its Council of Advisors.

Ari is best known for her work as a guitarist touring with Beyoncé, performing at Beychella and on the On the Run Tour II after being discovered by Beyoncé’s music director, Derek Dixie. These landmark performances launched Ari onto the global stage and led to additional touring and performance opportunities with artists including Fantasia, Normani, Lizzo, and SZA. Her performance credits also include appearances on Austin City Limits with Jon Batiste, CMT specials with Nelly, the Grammy Awards, the Oscars, and a Democratic National Convention performance alongside John Legend and Sheila E.

Ari began her musical journey at a young age and joined Levine as a teenager, where she developed her artistry as a guitarist and performed throughout the Washington, DC region. Her experience as a Levine student played a formative role in her musical development and her commitment to community engagement. She later remained connected to Levine through work on campus staff, strengthening her understanding of the organization’s mission and impact from multiple perspectives.

In addition to her work as a touring musician, Ari is an active recording artist and collaborator. Her credits include contributions to Raheem DeVaughn’s “Ooh Wee,” and her band, LA’DY, currently has music featured on SiriusXM. She is also developing a solo project that reflects her continued evolution as a guitarist, performer, and creative voice.

Beyond the stage and studio, Ari is the founder of Off the Record: One Big Karaoke Party, a live-band karaoke experience designed to invite joyful, accessible participation and build community through music. Hosted at venues across the DC region, the project reflects her belief in music as a powerful tool for connection.

As a Levine alumna and proud member of the DMV music community, Ari brings a valuable perspective shaped by her experiences as a student, staff member, and professional artist. Her artistic leadership and commitment to mentorship will be an asset to Levine Music as the organization continues to expand access to meaningful musical experiences.

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.

How Shared Song Brings Us Together

As the holiday season begins, we invite you to slow down, breathe, and listen to a conversation that gets to the heart of what this time of year is all about: connection.

In our latest conversation, Levine theory and composition chair Evan Meier sits down with musician, educator, and Community Sing leader Micah Hendler to explore why singing together has a uniquely human power to build trust, bridge divides, and spark a sense of belonging. From the biological release of oxytocin during group singing to the timeless comfort of winter holiday music across diverse beliefs, traditions, and cultures, Micah shares insights that are both deeply thoughtful and immediately resonant.

As the discussion unfolds, Micah delves into the creative process behind his genre-bending arrangements, offering a glimpse into the joyful and inclusive spirit he brings to Levine’s Community Sing events. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation filled with warmth and creativity!

• • January 21
  • 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM EST

  Community Sing with Micah Hendler

  Community Sings bring people of all ages and skill levels together to create beautiful music.

  Learn More

  

During this year’s Native American Heritage Month, Levine theory and composition chair, Evan Meier, sat down to learn more about The Heartbeat Music Project, an initiative founded by Levine alum Ariel Horowitz.

The Heartbeat Music Project provides tuition-free music and Navajo (Diné) cultural education to K-12 students living on the Navajo Nation. In their conversation, Ariel reflected on how her early experiences at Levine shaped the program’s nurturing approach to teaching, while Sharon and Natalie shared moving stories about how music helps young people express themselves, build confidence, and connect with their cultural roots.

Learn more about The Heartbeat Music Project: https://www.heartbeatmusicproject.org/

Levine Music is proud to welcome two accomplished community leaders, Paul Innella and Cindy Chormann Hann, to its Board of Trustees. Each brings a deep commitment to education, philanthropy, and the arts, qualities that reflect and strengthen Levine’s mission to make music education accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, or financial circumstances.

Cindy Chormann Hann is a passionate advocate for the arts, philanthropy, and youth development. A former banker with a B.S. in finance from Miami University, she has devoted the past 15 years to community service, combining her expertise in fundraising with her lifelong love of the arts.

Cindy recently completed a nine-year term on the Board of Trustees at Interlochen Center for the Arts, where she served on the Executive, Philanthropy, Audit and Risk, and Nominating and Governance Committees, and was a key member of two capital campaign cabinets. A former clarinetist, Interlochen Camp alum, and the parent of two Interlochen Camp graduates, she has remained a steadfast supporter of arts education and young artists. Cindy also serves as Executive Vice President and Secretary of The Chormann Family Foundation, which has supported initiatives in the arts, scholarships, and land conservancy throughout Michigan for more than 25 years.

Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Cindy has lived in Northern Virginia for nearly three decades and remains active in a wide range of arts and community programs.

“I have seen firsthand how the arts can transform lives and bring people together,” said Cindy. “Levine’s commitment to accessibility and excellence aligns perfectly with my belief that everyone should have the chance to discover the joy of making music.”

Paul Innella is the Chief Executive Officer of TDI, a cybersecurity firm he founded in 2001 and has grown into a globally recognized consultancy serving government agencies and commercial clients. With more than 30 years of experience in corporate leadership, technology, and cybersecurity, he has established himself as a trusted advisor to organizations ranging from the U.S. Navy and DARPA to international banks and Fortune 500 companies.

A passionate advocate for children and community causes, Paul is the Founder and Honorary Co-Chair of White Hat USA, a charitable initiative that has raised millions for Children’s National Hospital through the support of the cybersecurity community. He also serves on the Children’s Hospital Foundation Board, the Children’s National Corporate Advisory Council (as Co-Chair), the James Madison University STEM Executive Advisory Council, and the Board of Directors of the Mid-Atlantic Board for Team Impact, a nonprofit that pairs children facing serious illness or disability with college athletic teams. In addition, he is a Non-Executive Director of HACE: Data Changing Child Labour and a Board Member of U.S. Friends of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society.

Paul is a recognized thought leader in cybersecurity, frequently invited to speak at global conferences and regularly featured in outlets such as the Financial Times, Forbes, ABC News, CNBC, Washington Business Journal, Federal News Radio, and Computer Weekly. His academic background includes a B.S. in Computer Science from James Madison University and executive education programs at Cambridge University, IMD, University of Edinburgh, and University College Dublin.

Outside of his professional and philanthropic commitments, Paul is a strong supporter of the arts. “Music education cultivates creativity, discipline, and community, all of which are vital to innovation in every field,” said Paul.  “I believe in the transformative power of music and culture to connect and uplift communities, and to provide hope — especially when it’s most needed — values that align deeply with Levine Music’s mission. I am honored to support an organization that inspires and empowers the next generation of thinkers and artists.”