Our History
Music Conservatory of Westchester (MCW) is a nonprofit community music school founded in 1929. Legendary cellist Pablo Casals was among its founders, and jazz legend Cab Calloway once served on its board. Today, we serve 2,800 students of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, with instrumental instruction, performing ensembles, music theory, composition, early childhood classes, lifelong learning for adults, community outreach programs, and free community performances. Our Scholarship Program provides need-based tuition assistance for financially deserving students. Our Music Therapy Program offers programming for children and adults with disabilities. Healing Our Heroes provides music therapy services to U.S. military veterans. One of only sixteen non-degree-granting schools nationwide to be accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music, the Conservatory has inspired generations of students, and contributed to a vibrant musical life in the county, the region and beyond.
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
MCW aims to be Westchester’s go-to music school for families to gather together in a musical community for enjoyable learning opportunities with dedicated, talented teachers. As we progress into the 21st century, we envision expanded offerings to launch young children on a lifetime musical journey, new programs at the intersection of music and technology, and more opportunities for the community to share participatory musical experiences. Our Recording Studio, Technology Lab and Piano Lab, completed in 2022, have set the stage for the next generation of music-makers.
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.
