Applications for 2026-27 are now open!
Commitment
WMPI is a highly selective and intensive musical training program. Students who apply must be highly driven and dedicated and aspire to a professional career in the music field. Musicians should expect to practice at least ten hours each week outside of rehearsals and weekly lessons. This program also requires students to attend concerts, engage with professional musician mentors, and attend other events aimed at helping students prepare for college and beyond. Check-ins with families and private lesson instructors will be required.
Applicant Requirements
WMPI welcomes applications from current students in Levine Music and students outside of Levine Music. 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 video 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 12th grade.
2026-27 Merit Programs Application
Contact
If you have any questions about the program and the application process, please email Levine’s Director of Merit Programs, Dr. Jamila Tekalli Hanner, at jtekalli@levinemusic.org.