Our History
Founded in 1929, the Music Conservatory of Westchester (MCW) has enriched lives through music for nearly a century. Guided by our goal to make the benefits of music accessible to all, we serve students of every age, ability, and background in a welcoming community.
Each year, more than 800 students participate in private lessons, ensembles, early childhood classes, music production, adult learning, recitals, and community programs at our White Plains campus, which includes professional studios, a Recital Hall, a Recording Studio, a Technology Lab, and a Piano Lab.
MCW is committed to expanding access to high-quality music instruction and music therapy. Through scholarships, we reduce financial barriers for aspiring musicians. Through our Music Therapy Institute, we serve 2,000 individuals with disabilities annually in our building and in collaboration with 30 community partners. Healing Our Heroes extends this opportunity to military veterans at no cost to them or their families.
One of only 16 nonprofit community music schools nationwide accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, MCW has a Four-Star rating on Charity Navigator and a Platinum rating on Candid. Looking forward to our centennial in 2029, MCW continues to inspire generations of students and to strengthen the region’s musical community.
Our Mission
To provide the extraordinary benefits of music to all in our community.
Our Values
• EXCELLENCE: We strive to provide leadership and innovation in music education, encompassing high standards, best teaching practices, and respect for individual differences.
• ACCESS: Guided by our commitment to inclusiveness, we believe that financial limitations should never be a barrier to learning. We offer scholarship opportunities for youth and adult students.
• COMMUNITY: We bring people together through musical collaboration, bridging differences, forging connections, and celebrating musical and cultural diversity.
Our Vision for the Future
As we approach our Centennial in 2029, MCW is building on its rich legacy and embracing innovation. We envision expanded programs for young children, new opportunities at the intersection of music and technology, and more ways for people across the community to experience the joy of making music together.
Our history spans distinguished artists, students, parents, and supporters—from founders Pablo Casals and Cab Calloway to acclaimed musicians including Garrick Ohlsson, Mindy Kaufman, Ani Kavafian, Kurt Masur, Joshua Bell, Stephen Schwartz, and Bernie Williams. As we enter our second century, MCW will continue to lead in community music education, inspiring the next generation of music-makers, audiences, and supporters.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester does not discriminate in its employment, enrollment, programs and/or activities on the basis of race, ethnicity, disability (subject to reasonable accommodation), age, national origin, gender or sexual orientation.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester does not discriminate in its employment, enrollment, programs and/or activities on the basis of race, ethnicity, disability (subject to reasonable accommodation), age, national origin, gender or sexual orientation.
