7 Music-Inspired New Year’s Resolutions

by Wolf Trap

in Experience, Foundation, Summer, The Barns

Dec 16, 2024

Whether you’re discovering new artists, feeding your passion for live music, or looking to make every show unforgettable, 2025 is the perfect year to turn a love of music into your personal mission. From spending a night out at the iconic Filene Center to experiencing hidden gems like The Barns and Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, or making playlists perfect for a hike at Wolf Trap National Park, here are some creative resolutions to add more music to your life.

1. Play Musical Bingo

Create a musical bingo card filled with a mix of genres you love, are curious about, or ones you have never experienced before—and then go see some shows! From discovering a new indie artist to enjoying intimate acoustic performances, broaden your musical horizons and make this your best concert year yet.

2. See Legends Live!

Make 2025 the year you commit to checking off iconic performers from your bucket list. From The Del McCoury Band to Ringo Starr and Hilary Hahn to James Taylor, Wolf Trap’s stages are filled with musical legends from every genre each year. Start collecting memories you can impress people with!

3. Start a “Concert Discovery” Club

Create a “Concert Discovery” Club with friends to explore shows and dive into new musical experiences together. Catch opening acts and explore different genres like opera at Wolf Trap, jazz at a local club, South Asian culture with District of Raga, or DC’s signature go-go music. Share your discoveries to broaden everyone’s playlists and spark fresh musical passions.

4. Create Epic Playlists

Turn your favorite concert moments into a playlist. Add one song a week from a live performance, a new discovery, or a personal favorite. By the year’s end, you’ll have a musical time capsule full of cherished memories—and you’ll be ahead of your Spotify Wrapped!

5. Curate a Concert Wardrobe

Transform your concert prep into an art form by building a wardrobe that’s both stylish and comfortable. Whether you’re sparkling under the stars at the Filene Center or layering up for a cozy show at The Barns, your outfit can reflect your musical spirit and enhance the experience.

6. Start Your Record Collection

There’s nothing quite like the warm, rich sound of music on vinyl—it’s an experience that’s as nostalgic as it is timeless. Records have made a big comeback, with artists old and new embracing the format and releasing albums that feel as good to hold as they do to hear. This year, make it your mission to dive into the world of vinyl. Explore local record shops (yes, they’re alive and thriving!), dig through the crates for hidden gems, and support your favorite artists by picking up their latest and greatest works.

7. Volunteer at a Music Venue

Yes, you CAN volunteer at a music venue! At Wolf Trap, there are two ways to volunteer:

With the Foundation:

If you love Wolf Trap, spend time behind the scenes helping deliver arts and education opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people each year by volunteering. Become a Wolf Trap Foundation member, select an area of interest, and volunteer your time and talents, while enjoying a variety of perks.

With the National Park Service:

Many of the ushers you interact with at the Filene Center are NPS volunteers! If you’d like to usher or be a nature guide, the National Park Service offers a separate volunteer program.

Bring music to life by exploring volunteer opportunities at local venues in your area!