2026 Winter Recitals
The International School of Music will hold our 2026 Winter Recitals at American University’s Katzen Art Center – Abramson Family Recital Hall.
Our Winter Recitals will be held on the following days:
- Saturday, January 17th
- Sunday, January 18th
- Saturday, January 24th
- Sunday, January 25th – RESCHEDULED – New Date: Sunday, February 1st
*Due to the impending winter storm forecasted for this Sunday, January 25th, we have made the decision to reschedule ISM Winter Recitals originally scheduled for this Sunday.
All affected recitals will now take place on Sunday, February 1st, at the same recital time and same location (Abramson Family Recital Hall at American University’s Katzen Arts Center). If your student was scheduled for a recital on 1/25, more information has been sent via email from administration@ismw.org. - Sunday, February 8th
- Saturday, February 21st
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When is my student’s recital & how do I sign up?
A: Your teacher will be assigned one recital time for all their students to perform. Our teachers are aware of their assigned time, so please check-in with them or ISM Administration to confirm your recital date and time. Please inform your teacher if you would like to participate in the upcoming recital and they will sign the student up to perform.
Q: What if my teacher’s recital time doesn’t work for my family?
A: If your teacher’s assigned recital time does not work for your schedule, please put in a change request with ISM Administration in order to perform on a different recital day/time. Please note, your teacher might not be able to attend if your recital is changed.
Q: Is my student required to perform in the recital?
A: Even though our students are not required to perform, we do encourage everyone, regardless of level, to participate as a natural goal within music lessons and of course for a fun experience!
Q: Is there an additional cost to participate in the recital?
A: The recitals are included within each student’s tuition as we do love for all our students to have the opportunity to perform the repertoire they have worked so hard to learn!
Q: What should I do if my student needs to perform with piano accompaniment?
A: If your recital piece requires piano accompaniment, please speak to ISM Administration to schedule a 15-minute rehearsal with the ISM accompanist. It is $30 per 15-minute rehearsal payable directly to the accompanist by exact cash or check. A rehearsal is required for the student to perform with the ISM accompanist at the recital.
Q: My student is performing with karaoke track – what should we do?
A: Please speak to your teacher or ISM Administration two weeks prior to your recital date to ensure we have the correct karaoke track on file.
Q: Does my student need to have their music memorized?
A: ISM does not require performers to have the music memorized. Please consult your teacher though as their expectations are tailored to the level of your student.
Q: How long will the recital be?
A: The duration of each recital will be approximately 50-60 minutes. As a courtesy and to support all of our performers, we do ask attendees to remain for the full recital.
Q: Is there a dress code for the recital?
A: We encourage students to dress in a nice outfit that still allows the student to be comfortable on stage (e.g., slacks & button-down, skirt/slacks & blouse, dress, etc.).
Q: Where can we park for the recital?
A: There is parking available for $2.00 per recital in the parking garage located beneath the Katzen Arts Center, as well as additional street parking around the AU campus.
Q: What time should we arrive to the recital?
A: Please arrive no earlier than 10-15 minutes before your student’s recital. If you arrive while the previous recital is still taking place, please wait in the lobby outside of the recital hall.
Q: Are tickets needed for the recital?
A: Tickets are not required and seating is general admission.
Q: Where do performers sit during the recital?
A: Performers can sit with their families during the recital. ISM Administrators will call your student’s name when it is their turn to perform.
Q: Can I take photos and videos of my students during the recital?
A: Yes! You can take photos and videos of your students performing during the recital. We do ask that you silence your devices, and turn off your camera flash.
Q: What to bring?
- Music score if the piece is not memorized
- Instrument (vocalists/pianists only need to bring their music if needed)
- Amps, cables and microphones will be provided
- Percussionists will need to bring their sticks
Location:
American University, Katzen Arts Center-Abramson Family Recital Hall
4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW,
Washington DC, 20016
From Points Northeast: Follow I-95 South and exit onto I-495 West (Capital Beltway). Exit at River Road and turn right. Follow River Road until it ends at Wisconsin Avenue. Turn Right on Wisconsin Avenue. After a few blocks, turn right on Nebraska Avenue. Continue straight on Nebraska Ave NW to Ward Traffic Circle. Make first right from circle to Massachusetts Ave NW. The parking garage is on the immediate right.
From Points West: Follow I-495 North (Capital Beltway) across the Potomac River. Exit at River Road and turn right. Follow River Road until it ends at Wisconsin Avenue. Turn Right on Wisconsin Avenue. After a few blocks, turn right on Nebraska Avenue. Continue straight on Nebraska Ave NW to Ward Traffic Circle. Make first right from circle to Massachusetts Ave NW. The parking garage is on the immediate right.
