Serving as early stomping grounds for many prominent artists, musicians, and composers

– such as John Philip Sousa, Duke Ellington, Roberta Flack, Henry Rollins, and Dave Grohl – D.C. has played an outsized part in the establishment of several genres, including jazz, rap, go-go, punk, and EDM. A major hub for the arts, D.C. is loaded with musical venues, from the iconic 9:30 Club to the Kennedy Center, home of the National Symphony Orchestra. The D.C. Youth Orchestra Program and many other D.C. institutions are undoubtedly turning out the next wave of musical influencers.