[2] They named the school after their dear friend, DC attorney and amateur pianist Selma M. Levine, who had died.

During its first year, Levine operated in rented rooms in a DC church, where 16 faculty members taught 70 students.

[4] This year, Levine will provide free or subsidized instruction to more than 850 at-risk youth and children, at a cost to the school of $800,000.

"[10] Levine offers music instruction to all interested students in the Greater Washington area, regardless of age, ability, or financial circumstances.

The school offers everything from Early Childhood music experiences, to ensembles for high-school-aged students, to choirs for senior citizens.