Founded in 2017, DC Strings Workshop brings the love of classical and other music to all parts of the Washington, DC region and to people of all ages.

 Highlighting the beauty and diversity that exists in classical music, DC Strings Workshop realizes its mission to share and present music to communities that often are overlooked through a mix of performances, education, and dynamic masterclasses and workshops.

DC Strings Workshop is led by renowned musicians, educators, and artistic administrators and draws on a diverse group of talented musicians to bring the beauty of classical music to communities throughout the Washington, DC region. 

DC Strings engages diverse audiences, supplies instruments and music education to deserving students, and exposes students and adults alike to music by underrepresented women and people of color. 

Partnerships throughout the region include those with the Anacostia Business Improvement District, DC Department of Parks and Recreation, DC Public Schools, The Kennedy Center and WPFW 89.3 FM, among many others. 

As DC Strings Workshop continues to bring the love of classical and other music forms to diverse communities and individuals throughout the DC region, we need your philanthropic support to help us to continue this important work.

Through our programs:

• DCSW serves and reaches +200 young people annually and provide lessons, instruments, and instruction to youth throughout the city with a focus on youth East of the River;
• Has presented over +50 concerts of the orchestra and various ensembles in neighborhood churches, schools, community centers, and public libraries reaching over 10,000 people annually;
• Uses the power of our voice to speak up and speak out about the lack of quality music education programs in DC Public Schools  As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your donation is fully tax-deductible. Thank you for your support and being a part of our community. 

During the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and civil and social unrest, DC Strings served as a force for calm and support, operating from the belief that music is a unifying and positive outlet for the entire community. 

During this critical time, the musicians of DC Strings tuned and polished their instruments and continued to play in uncertain times.  

 The organization hosted more than seven concerts in-person and outdoors, as well as virtual performances, to help communities cope with stress, isolation, and anxiety. 

Additionally, DC Strings safely trained more than 150 youth through private lessons, masterclasses, and group therapy. 

DC Strings convened critical conversations with musicians, artists, educators, and social activists to discuss the future of music education, the orchestra as an institution, and how to create more inclusive environments.

For many of the musicians, it was also a healing source. 

“After almost 30 years of playing, I’m as grateful as ever for the gift of music!,” said violinist Mijin Paik. “During the pandemic, in particular, being able to play music safely was a real saving grace for me and my sanity.”

Founded in 2017, DC Strings Workshop brings the love of classical and other music to all parts of the Washington, DC region and to people of all ages. Highlighting the beauty and diversity that exists in classical music, DC Strings Workshop realizes its mission to share and present music to communities that often are overlooked through a mix of performances, education and dynamic masterclasses and workshops.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 11, 2020

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE:

All DC Strings events are postponed until further notice

In the wake of COVID-19-related D.C. State of Emergency, DC Strings Workshop postpones all workshops, concerts and events through March 31

 (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – You are a vital part of our community of musicians and friends, and your safety at our events is our highest priority. Like you, we are concerned about the spread and impact of COVID-19. Concurrent with the Mayor’s Declaration of a State of Emergency for the District of Columbia—and our desire to ensure the health of our musicians, artists, educators, concert attendees and youth—our staff, and the Board of Directors have made the difficult decision to postpone all concerts, rehearsals and in-person workshops and events until further notice.

Below are some of the immediate events that are immediately affected:

• March 14: National Park Service Performance (NW DC)

• March 20: An Evening with Bach (SW DC)

• March 22: Orchestra Concert in Tenleytown (NW DC)

• Ongoing recreation and library workshops and classes

Stay tuned here for regular updates on the impact of COVID-19 on our programming and consider supporting the artists, musicians and educators that power our programs and this work during this challenging time.

Molly Carr (viola) and Anna Petrova (piano) joined DC Strings Workshop Artistic Director Andrew Lee, in several public school residencies in the DMV region. In the residency, Carr-Petrova heard from student performers, the orchestra and other ensembles. They discussed their approach to practicing, inspiration and importance behind the music and tips for all.

The residency took them to Hammond Middle School in Alexandria, VA where they worked with middle school orchestra students. This beginner orchestra class featured a performance of students in the orchestra and ways to strengthen technique through fun exercises, with and without the instrument!

There also was a petting zoo at an elementary school (HD COOKE) in Washington, DC.

The program concluded with a residency and masterclass at the Duke Ellington School – Friday September 13th from 2pm – 4:30pm.

String and piano students performed for the artists and received feedback to improve their performance, technique and approach.

A sampling of some student Performers:

Jonah Hwang: Transcendental Etude No. 4, “Mazeppa” by Franz Liszt

Amiri Nash: Moment Musicaux, Op.16, No, 4 by Sergei Rachmaninoff

James Williams: Sonata No.11, Op.22, in B Flat Major by L.V. Beethoven