Where can I take steel pan classes near Washington DC?

The Cultural Academy for Excellence (CAFE) offers steel pan classes in Mt Rainier, Maryland, serving the Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia area. CAFE has been teaching steel pan since 1996 and is home to the award-winning Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra.

Do you offer steel pan classes for adults?

Yes, CAFE offers adult steel pan classes for all skill levels. No prior musical experience is required. Learn to play this unique Caribbean instrument in a supportive environment.

What ages can take steel pan lessons at CAFE?

CAFE offers steel pan instruction for youth ages 6-18 through the Saturday Academy program, as well as adult classes for those 18 and older.

Do I need musical experience to learn steel pan?

No prior musical experience is required to start steel pan classes at CAFE. Students learn music theory alongside steel pan technique, making it accessible for complete beginners.

What will I learn in steel pan classes?

Students learn steel pan technique, music theory, and a wide variety of music including jazz, gospel, classical, calypso, R&B, and Latin styles. Advanced students may join the Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra for performance opportunities.

Scholarships & Resources for Students — Cultural Academy For Excellence

Opportunities For Your Future

Invest In Your Education

At CAFE, our commitment to your success extends beyond our programs. We're proud to share scholarship opportunities and resources from our community partners that can help support your educational journey. Whether you're preparing for college, exploring career paths, or seeking financial support for higher education, this page connects you with opportunities that align with our mission: Dare to Dream, Prepare to Succeed.

Now Accepting Applications

Featured Scholarship

Featured Opportunity ✦ Applications Open

Caribbean Students' Scholarship Fund, Inc.

Shared on behalf of The Trinidad & Tobago Working Women's Committee

The Caribbean Students' Scholarship Fund provides financial support to students of Caribbean descent in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. This scholarship helps qualified students pursue their higher education goals for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Who Can Apply?

U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident of Caribbean descent
Current high school senior or high school graduate with GED
Planning to enroll or currently enrolled full-time for 2026-2027
Legally resides in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area
Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Must not be a previous recipient of the scholarship

Apply Now

Visit www.cssfinc.org for complete application details and deadlines.

CAFE has helped over 1,500 students develop the skills and confidence to pursue higher education. We believe connecting our families with scholarships and resources is part of preparing them to succeed.

1,500+

Students Served

99%

College Enrollment