“Not only did you help me to revive my joy for playing, but you
really challenged me to do more than I thought I could and all with
a gentleness that is quite inspiring. The school is such a success
because you are all at the heart of your teaching. Please know what
a truly special part of my life these lessons have been!” -
Mckenzie
“You are magic. Thanks so much for everything you did with Joy. She
has improved so much under your guidance. You are the greatest! Lots
of love” – Davis
“Maryland was a very isolated place for me when I moved here from
overseas. Involvement at the ISM was one of my first forays into the
community. There I met others of my own age who, through singing and
laughter, helped me create moments of joy and friendship. The ISM
has brought far more than musical training and appreciation into my
life. It has given me a powerful reason to call Maryland home.” –
Maria
“You have increased my love for an instrument which before, I only
appreciated. It has been an amazing musical adventure, and your
lessons will stay with me for a lifetime. It is because of your
patience, passion, and dedication that I have done so well and it is
because of you that I have become less nervous on stage.” –
Lacbawan
“Thank you so much for helping us make beautiful music in our home
over the last 6 years.” - The Postals
“Thank you for all the lessons and advice that you’ve given me. Not
only did I learn about piano, I learned so much about music, its
different styles, and finding melodies hidden within jungles of
notes! Thanks also for helping me work on rhythm, theory and helping
me write down my own compositions. Thank you for teaching me so
much.!!!” – Lily
“It has been such a delight getting to know you and work with you.
Your warmth, talent, and sterling qualities have touched our
hearts.” –Sovaida
“I hope that I will be able to reach out to others as you have
reached out to me, showing people that the community around them is
both understanding and compassionate.” – Anna
“Any success I had playing my piece at the recital and competition
was because of your patience in helping me learn the piece and how
to play it musically, and in choosing a good piece for me in the
first place. Because of this you are the best piano teacher that
I’ve ever had. Thank you again.” – Rebecca Parson
“I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed working for the ISM.
It was a great pleasure to be a part of the faculty and teach in
such a respectful and pleasant place for music. I will keep a
wonderful souvenir of my teaching experience in Bethesda! I wish all
of you and the school the best to come both artistically and
professionally! I am very happy to know that music education is in
good hands.” - Anne-Sophie Llorens
“I want to thank you for your support of the Back to School Classic
and Somerset Elementary. It was great to have the International
School of Music as a sponsor. The 19th annual race was a huge
success. We had more than 800 people who ran, cheered, and ate at
the brunch following. And it was a beautiful day. We truly
appreciate your contribution and the lessons, which were wonderful
prices. We were able to raise PTA funds that will benefit the
children through the year, including cultural arts programs for each
grade and special education programs. Thank you again." -
Virginia Bigger, co-chair/2006
“Thank you for leading me into the wonderful world of music. You
have given me a gift that I will treasure forever.” — Chi Hon Lee
“The ISM gave me a strong sense of community and belonging. I
developed strong friendships that will last a lifetime.” - Ron
“From the very moment I entered ISM everyone was so friendly that it
felt like a big family instead of just a place to study music.” -
Tara
“The atmosphere at ISM is just incredible-I’ve loved the feeling of
being surrounded by music and musicians. The support we all receive
both from staff and our own friends is wonderful—it’s been good to
be around people who understand my love of music and are striving
for the same thing” - Matt
“I’d recommend ISM to anyone who is serious about music making and
shares the passion everyone has here! It is a great working
environment, and I’ve made some truly special friends.” - Liliana
“I’ve enjoyed learning so much at ISM, developing my skills
technically and musically. There are so many opportunities here—you
not only learn about your own instrument, but also from other
musicians.” -Theodore
“I really have enjoyed the early childhood music classes with my
son. The experience has been musically and personally rewarding for
all of us. I truly look forward to each class.” - Brendon
“Taking violin lessons is one of the best things I have ever done
for myself! The violin has always been one of my favorite
instruments, but I never thought about learning to play it myself
until I heard about the ISM program. Irina is an excellent teacher
and she really makes it fun.” - Sandra
“I was hesitant to take adult cello because I didn’t think I would
have enough time to practice each week. I am so glad that I decided
to sign up, because it’s been a great experience! The teacher is so
positive and encouraging and always makes us excited to be learning
to play a string instrument. The class is a highlight of my week! "
–Christina
“I loved the warmth and joy that I see between teachers and students
and I love the spontaneous family moments between parents and
children.” –May
“My teacher has an innate gift for communicating how to play a
piece, dissecting out your flaws and trying to turn them around in a
positive way. She has such enthusiasm for the music and patience
with a slow learner like me.” - Debra
“Playing the pieces I’ve learned is another type of experience—very
soothing and an outlet for expression. It is a great source of
enjoyment.” -Ziad
“Bolormaa taught me how to make everything I sing come from the
heart and make it my own.” -Jackie
“We feel we are getting ‘top of the line’. Each year we see a huge
improvement in our children’s musical abilities.” - Sonya
"ISM held many 'firsts' for me: first lessons, first recital, and
auditions…it was also when I first realized that music was going to
be my life." -Samantha
Click on the underlined categories below to find out
more:
Our two locations serve communities of Bethesda, North Bethesda,
Chevy Chase, Rockville, Potomac, Cabin John, Kensington, Silver
Spring, Gaithersburg, Washington DC, and Virginia.
