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.

Classical music is more than performance—it is service, leadership, and community in action. This past season, Volunteer Musicians for the Arts brought students, families, and educators together through outreach concerts, student-led fundraising, and a growing national vision for music as public service. From holiday performances that filled senior living communities with joy to the launch of new leadership and philanthropy pathways for young musicians, these moments reflect how the VMA is shaping a generation that leads with artistry, generosity, and purpose.

On Thanksgiving Day, award-winning violinist Felix Wang brought warmth and artistry to Care One in Sharon, MA, performing a program of classical favorites that uplifted residents and families alike. His thoughtful playing and engaging presence added a meaningful note of gratitude and community connection to the holiday celebration.

Ruslan Ivanov, a junior at Cushing Academy, joins the VMA community with a strong interest in service, leadership, and innovation—bringing together music, technology, and fundraising to expand the impact of music-driven philanthropy.

EKS Music School, a premier music school in Massachusetts and across the country, has joined forces with VMA to expand community-centered music outreach. Recently, EKS and VMA collaborated on a live performance at the Thayer Public Library in Braintree, MA, and appeared together on local television with EKS Outreach Coordinator Fred Springer—highlighting a shared commitment to service, education, and bringing music to the community.

Under the leadership of Ronnie Wang, the VMA Los Angeles Club brings music into the community with care and purpose. Through outreach concerts and student collaboration, Los Angeles–area musicians are using classical music to foster connection, generosity, and service.

Compassion and dedication have guided Emily Dupuis’s musical journey. Through her involvement in the VMA Junior Program, Emily shared her music in service to others while developing the focus and care that now lead her to the Ithaca College Conservatory of Music.