DC Youth Orchestra Program

The DC Youth Orchestra Program (DCYOP) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC. With 13 employees, DCYOP is a leading music education program serving young people across the Washington, DC metropolitan area. DCYOP offers group lessons and ensemble training on all orchestral instruments for 700 students ages 4 1/2 to 18. The program is committed to serving under-represented communities through expanded tuition assistance and tuition-free, on-site satellite programs at DC Title I schools. DCYOP students represent a diverse range of backgrounds, attending 250 different schools and coming from 100 unique ZIP codes. Since its founding in 1960, DCYOP has made a significant impact on the Washington, DC community. The organization was the first youth orchestra to perform at the Kennedy Center and has toured 22 countries. DCYOP has also had the privilege of performing for U.S. presidents and diplomats and has collaborated with renowned musicians such as Aaron Copland, Lorin Maazel, Mstislav Rostropovich, Gustavo Dudamel, Joshua Bell, and Yo-Yo Ma. DCYOP's achievements have been recognized through prestigious awards, including the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award and the District of Columbia Mayor's Award for Outstanding Contributions to Arts Education. To learn more about DCYOP and its programs, visit dcyop.org.