We are proud to share that VMA Board Member Becca Kasdan recently gave a beautiful chamber music performance at the New England Conservatory. As a dedicated NEC Prep faculty member, Becca brings the same warmth, artistry, and thoughtful musicianship to the stage that she brings to her students and community work.

Chris Farley, as the unforgettable motivational speaker Matt Foley, once asked two teens in an SNL skit, “What do you wanna do with your life?!” Leadership Initiative Gold Track student, Ruslan Ivanov, has an answer — start a VMA club, get it officially approved, and use the school van to bring music to outreach venues.

Rather than separating the arts from essential community needs, our student-led initiatives intentionally support the full ecosystem of a community, from food security and shelter support to emotional healing.

This summer, Junior Program students have not one, but two VMA-staffed performance opportunities in Needham, MA. Concerts will take place at 2:00 PM at One Wingate Way and 4:00 PM at North Hill. Solo students and student clubs are invited to register, with families able to indicate availability for one concert, both, or either.

In a world that often pushes young musicians to “be practical,” this workshop reminded us why music, leadership, and service belong together—and why authenticity matters more than optics.

Leadership in the VMA Junior Program is guided by clarity, fairness, and student voice. Our election windows at the club, state, and national levels give students the time and structure they need to step forward with intention, prepare thoughtfully, and participate in a transparent, service-centered democratic process.

Leadership begins with service, grows through generosity, and shines brightest when students step forward with purpose. This year, the VMA Junior Program is fully integrating service, fundraising, and leadership into the club experience, empowering students to lead with courage, compassion, and community impact.

Through our partnerships with North Hill and The Commons, Volunteer Musicians for the Arts brings student-led, intergenerational performances into senior living communities—creating moments of connection, joy, and shared humanity through live music.

The VMA is proud to spotlight Board Member Rebecca (Becca) Kasdan as she takes the stage for the Expanded Education Faculty Recital at the New England Conservatory. Joined by Victor Cayres and Eugene Kim, this performance reflects the artistic excellence and educational leadership that shape VMA’s mission.

“Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s words continue to remind us that compassion and service can bring light into the most challenging moments. That same spirit of hope is reflected in the work of Ronald McDonald House Charities, whose mission has long been to support families facing serious childhood illness with care, dignity, and community. The day before MLK Day, the VMA California Club gave its first public performance at the Ronald McDonald House in Los Angeles, sharing music, hope, compassion, and encouragement with children and families connected to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

The first step toward building a legacy at VMA has arrived. We are excited to announce that the nomination form for our inaugural Student Government is now officially available for you to explore.

While the general window to submit individual nomination forms opens in May, we are making the form available now so you can prepare, plan, and envision your role in our school’s future. To keep everyone on track, we will include a reminder in our newsletter each month leading up to the election.

On February 8, VMA welcomes Dr. Jonathan Roberts for a workshop centered on “Leading with Integrity.” An educator and founder of South Shore Piano Music School, Dr. Roberts will share insights on values-driven leadership, educator engagement, and preparing for national outreach as he joins VMA leadership at the upcoming MTNA Conference in Chicago.

After discovering our work on the web, Santé Imanitè and Hebrew SeniorLife reached out to integrate our mission into their community. This collaboration unites Santé Imanitè’s faith-based humanitarian focus on compassion and creativity with Hebrew SeniorLife’s Harvard-affiliated senior care. By investing in our vision, these organizations are making it possible for us to bring humanity to healthcare through regular programming at the Roslindale campus, fostering healthy living and transforming the experience of aging for seniors of all backgrounds.

Music has a unique way of bridging generations, and our latest performance at One Wingate Way in Needham was the perfect testament to that bond. To kick off the VMA’s 2026 monthly partnership with this premier luxury senior living community, our Director, Jonathan Yasuda, took to the keys for an afternoon of storytelling and song.

Sweet Sounds of Service supports the people and planning behind music-driven outreach. Through this campaign, the VMA is able to guide families and students individually—often meeting across time zones on weekends—while coordinating outreach concerts, advising student leaders, and supporting community partnerships nationwide. From assisted living communities and libraries to programs like Ronald McDonald House, Sweet Sounds of Service helps ensure that music is shared thoughtfully, sustainably, and with purpose.

Arjun, a Milton Academy junior and VMA Massachusetts State Senator, uses his voice and leadership to bring musicians together through community performances and salon-style fundraising concerts—creating meaningful impact through music and service.

At Volunteer Musicians for the Arts, leadership is not measured by titles alone—it is reflected in how students show up for others. Ishaan Kancharla, a flutist and North Carolina Senator in the VMA Junior Program, embodies this spirit through his thoughtful approach to service, advocacy, and community engagement.

Music becomes most powerful when it is shared with care. Danny Pylee’s commitment to compassionate service through the VMA Leadership Initiative reflects the values that continue to guide him as he begins his college journey, where he will carry forward both musical excellence and a deep sense of responsibility to others.

Founded in fall 2024 by student musicians Hailey Yamagata and Andrew Petrilla, Newton South High School’s VMA Club has already made a meaningful impact through multiple outreach performances at assisted living residences and community venues—an inspiring start that reflects both student leadership and the support behind the VMA Junior Program.

David Tagge, a senior at the International School of Boston, is a young musician who exemplifies how artistry and service can grow hand in hand. Originally from Watertown, MA, David has built a musical journey rooted not only in performance excellence, but in a genuine commitment to giving back through music.