Welcome to the Villa Maria Conservatory
Aspiring young musicians have the opportunity to learn from the best in an intensive, in-depth, and dynamic environment. The new Villa Maria Conservatory offers a carefully-curated educational program, unlike any in the area, which approaches music education from all facets. Operated as an independent institution on the campus of Villa Maria Academy High School in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, the Villa Maria Conservatory offers a peaceful and beautiful suburban setting where inspiration and excellence can take root.
Meet the Director
Ms. Leah (Kyoungwoon) KimTomilson is the Founder/ President of the Music Angels non-profit organization and the Director of Music at Villa Maria Academy High School. Ms. Leah is the Founder/ Director of the Villa Maria Conservatory, a violinist in Fairmount String Quartet and Founder/Director of Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra.
Our director studied Performance and Pedagogy at Juillard, Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University, and National Conservatory in France, and began her Doctorate in Music and Arts at Temple University. She was invited to teach in a forum sponsored by five conservatories in Madrid, Spain during Summer 2026.
Read full bio at www.vmahs.org/conservatory
Our Philosophy: Structure, Development, Knowledge, and Performance
With a goal of developing well-rounded musicians with broad knowledge, the Villa Maria Conservatory surrounds the young musician with knowledge, support, structure, and discipline. Music instructors bring excellence, artistry, and creativity to their lessons, encouraging students to develop and share their unique skills, talent, and personalities.
Students will have a focus on music that serves as a building block toward great achievements as they grow. Coursework from the Associate Board of Royal School of Music (London, UK) curriculum as well as external opportunities to personally excel in their musical pursuits and showcase their skills at competitions are a focus for our dedicated students.
Curtis Institute of Music
It’s at the Curtis Institute that the world’s most talented young musicians become the leading artists, creators, and innovators in classical music. Villa Maria Academy High School and Conservatory have a special opportunity to experience the artistry of Curtis musicians in interactive programs curated specifically for them. We are indeed thrilled to experience the musical performance excellence defined by the Curtis Institute of Music at Villa Maria Academy High School.
Other Partnerships:
- American Harp Society
- Associate Board of Royal School of Music (Testing Center)
- Pennsylvania Youth Orchestra
- Music Angels Inc.
Private Music Lessons/Classes
The Villa Maria Conservatory also offers one-to-one private lessons. Conservatory instructors are now accepting students. See list of faculty on our website.
Other Class Offered:
- Twinkle Violin Class (Introductory Violin class focusing on Suzuki Book 1 & 2)
- PMEA District 12 Workshops
Conservatory Diploma Program
Semester or Full Year Enrollment
Students may enroll for a semester or the full year. An audition and interview are required.
See dates and details at www.vmahs.org/conservatory
Music Theory or Music Composition
Our class follows coursework from the Associate Board of Royal School of Music (London, UK) curriculum up to level 6. After completion of ABRSM Level 6, students will explore writing their own composition.
Solo Coaching
Solo individual repertoire coaching with concert pianists with theory background. To study the intricate relationship of harmony and phrasing of their solo repertoires in depth.
Chamber Music
Groups are formed based on level. Pre-formed groups are welcome to participate.
Sight Reading
Developing ability to quickly and accurately interpret new music, building fluency, confidence and essential musicianship skills..
Ear Training
In this class is to develop listening skills, recognizing pitch, rrhythm and harmony.
Other Class Offered:
Twinkle Violin Class (Introductory Violin class focusing on Suzuki Book 1 & 2)
Artistic Director
“Our conservatory kids and families are a group of people who genuinely love music and want to explore it more deeply. My daughter looks forward to Wednesdays every week! It makes me so happy to see the kids making music together while building friendships.”
- Current Conservatory Parent
Dr. William Carr
Dr. William Carr is a Steinway Artist and former Chair of the Fine Arts Department at Immaculata University. Dr. Carr studied piano at the Juilliard School as well as at Temple University, and he earned his doctorate in piano at the Catholic University of America. He continued his piano studies in Germany and Austria with concert pianist, Paul Badura-Skoda. In 2005 he was named a Steinway Artist, a prestigious title that recognizes the most exceptional music performers in the world.
The Villa Maria Academy High School Connection
The Villa Maria Conservatory is an extension of the Music Department at Villa Maria Academy High School, with crossover among the music instructors. Villa Maria students have access to the Villa Maria Conservatory’s music instruction at a significant discount on campus, eliminating the need for students and parents to travel elsewhere for lessons. Pilot programs to offer student grades and course credit are in place for the coming year, or students may enroll for no credit/no grade.
Photography provided by Dottie Foley Photography
