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.