Booker T Washington HSPVA is the DISD magnet school for the performing and visual arts, and is one of the top high schools in the nation for the study of music.  The BTW Music Conservatory offers a wide range of interests for the music student.  These interests include classical and jazz studies with extensive courses in vocal music, instrumental music, music composition and music theory. Students pursue a core course of study with additional electives.

Awards and Honors

The BTWHSPVA Music Conservatory has received national recognition and state honors since our inception in 1976.

• Five Time Grammy Signature School Winner
• Major performances at Carnegie Hall and the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Hall
• More than 200 Student Downbeat Awards
• More than 30 Grammy Awards by our Alumni
• Multiple Grand Champion Awards at the Monterrey Jazz Festival
• National Scholars of the Arts recipients
• National Invitational Festival Best in Class Awards and Grand Champion Awards from our Choral, Orchestra and Wind Ensemble programs
• TMEA Texas All State Students in Choral, Jazz, Orchestra and Wind Studies
• UIL State Solo and Ensemble Outstanding Musician Awards
• UIL Sweepstakes Awards for Choral, Orchestra and Wind Ensemble
  
   Our faculty are some of the most respected professional musicians and educators in the nation. ​

Partial List of Notable Music Alumni

Keith Anderson – Sax

Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians

Aaron Comess - Drums, The Spin Doctors


Damin Criswell - Major Movie, Commercial, Composer/Writer

Tiger Darrow - Major Movie, Vocalist, Composer

Alan Emert – Brave Combo

Andrew Griffith - Drums, Cedar Walton

Roy Hargrove - Trumpet


Sam Harris – Piano

Joe Jackson – Trombone Leader, Airmen of NoteDaniel Jones – Keyboards

Norah Jones – Vocal 

John Koen - Cello, Philadelphia Orchestra

Bralon Lacey – Bass, Erykah Badu

Frank LoCrasto - Piano, Pat Martino

Keith Loftis - Ray Charles

Luke Marantz – Piano

Matt Marantz - Sax


Shawn Martin - Piano, Kirk Franklin


Danny O'Brien – Brave Combo

Tim Owens – Vocal, Atlantic Records

Michael Palma – Piano

Roger Roe - Oboe, Indianapolis Orchestra

Fred Sanders - Piano, Leaning House Records

Robert “Sput” Searight – God’s Property

Max Townsley - Guitar

Eric White – Drums, Reprise Records


RC Williams – Piano, Erykah Badu

Donessa Washington - Vocal, Kirk Whalum