Music Conservatory Builds Confidence, Creativity and Community

From beginners to seasoned performers, students in the Music Conservatory at Fort Worth Country Day are discovering that music education offers more than technical skills. Through weekly lessons, collaborative performances and personalized instruction, the program is helping young musicians build confidence, resilience and creativity.  

This spring, 45 students participated in private lessons through the Music Conservatory, while 20 students in kindergarten, first or second grades took part in weekly Music Prep group classes. The Conservatory program currently includes students ages 7 to 18, with instruction offered in piano, guitar, violin, percussion and voice. View photos from the 2026 spring recital. 

“We welcome beginners and more advanced students,” said Melissa Scott, Director of the Music Conservatory. “Some students are even studying two instruments at once because they are so eager to expand their musical experiences.”

The program serves 28 Lower School students, 12 Middle School students and five Upper School students. Many who begin in the Music Prep classes later transition into private lessons as they develop the focus, reading readiness and the enthusiasm needed for more advanced study.

The Music Conservatory was intentionally designed to complement and strengthen FWCD’s broader fine arts programs. Many Music Conservatory students are also active participants in the Middle School and Upper School band, orchestra, choir and musical theatre programs, as well as in the Lower School Falcon Flyers choir. Others perform outside of school with church groups, community ensembles and local bands.

“We work in partnership with all of our FWCD music faculty to encourage students to develop their own personal musicianship,” Scott said. “That individual growth adds depth to all of our performing arts programs across campus.”

At the heart of the conservatory is a team of seven highly trained instructors: Marina Dichenko (Violin), Daria Kiseleva (Piano), Quint Olsen (Guitar), Igor Parshin (Piano), Leni Settle (Percussion) and Martin Shahbazyan (Piano). Many of them hold or are pursuing advanced music degrees, including master’s, doctoral and artist diploma programs. In addition to teaching, the instructors remain active performers in professional orchestras, community ensembles and organizations such as The Cliburn.

“Our instructors are exceptional musicians, but they are also committed teachers,” Scott said. “They meet students where they are and create individualized plans that help each child grow technically and artistically.”

Families say the program’s impact extends beyond music instruction. Larkin McMillan shared that lessons have helped her children develop perseverance and confidence while also creating joyful moments at home.

“They both said learning new songs is the most fun part,” she said. “For me, it is seeing them play at home just because they want to. It fills our home with happiness.”

Carly Mills Tatum ’00 described music lessons as “a stress release and a cozy, safe place on campus for the kids to relax and enjoy,” adding that the program allows students to express another side of themselves outside of athletics and academics.

For Melissa and Salman Ahmed, music has become an especially meaningful part of their child’s growth and well-being.

“Music is therapy,” they said. “Learning the piano has targeted a side of Leo’s brain that really brings him peace.”

That growth was on display during the Music Conservatory’s spring recitals in late April, when 30 students performed for family, friends and peers. For many students, the recitals represented not only musical achievement but also the confidence that comes from sustained effort and perseverance.

“The recitals give the boys confidence in their progress and a moment to celebrate their abilities with family and friends,” Tatum shared. “It also helps families see the many dimensions of these students and connect in new ways.” 

While research continues to highlight the neurological and academic benefits of music education, Scott believes some of the most meaningful lessons happen beyond the notes themselves.

“Music lessons teach students how to accept feedback, work through challenges and continue improving over time,” she said. “We emphasize progress over perfection. Learning an instrument requires patience, resilience and grit, and those are skills students carry with them throughout their lives.”

For many students balancing demanding academic and athletic schedules, music also provides a creative outlet and a meaningful shift in focus during the week.

“Making music gives students a chance to engage creatively and express themselves in a different way,” Scott said. “It’s challenging work, but it’s also joyful work.”

To learn more about the Music Conservatory at Fort Worth Country Day, visit fwcd.org/musicconservatory.