News & Updates
Stories from the Volunteer Musicians community, including outreach concerts, student leadership, and program announcements.
Our Youngest And Bravest Members
Just like his fellow members, this courageous elementary school pianist is joining a growing community of young musicians who are discovering that music can be more than something we learn—it can be something we give.
Playing It Forward: EKS Music School’s 2026–2027 Theme
We’re proud to celebrate Elysses Kuan of EKS Music School, named “The Most Influential Music Educator to Watch in 2026” by The Enterprise World. Even more meaningful to us is how EKS is carrying forward a philosophy we share at VMA Foundation through their 2026–2027 theme.
Welcome, Caleb! A New School Club in California
We’re excited to welcome Caleb from Corona del Mar, California, to the VMA Junior Program! With plans to build a school club of up to 40 students, Caleb hopes to use music to bring people together, create joy, and inspire fellow students through service and leadership.
Alabama: Music in Service at Kirkwood by the River
A VMA Junior Program member recently brought the gift of music to Kirkwood by the River in Alabama, sharing a performance with residents and demonstrating how young musicians can use their talents to connect, serve, and bring joy to others.
Henry Saperstone: Saxaphonist and US Open Ball Crew
VMA Foundation proudly congratulates Junior Program member Henry Saperstone on being selected as a U.S. Open Ball Crew member! 🎾🇺🇸
Update: President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)
We wanted to share a brief update regarding the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) and an encouraging development from AmeriCorps.
December 6th: Inaugural Giving Society Concert Series
Join the VMA Foundation’s Giving Society and help sustain our mission while gaining priority access to the Giving Society Concert Series.
New: Educator Outreach Grant Helps Teachers Bring Student Music Into the Community
It’s time educators had the support they need to bring their students’ music into the community. Discover the new VMA Foundation Educator Outreach Grant.
Welcoming Elizabeth Payne to the VMA Community
The VMA Foundation is excited to welcome Elizabeth “Liz” Payne to our Board of Directors this fall. Liz joins the VMA community with a strong professional background in finance, bringing experience as a CPA and financial consultant to the organization.
Meet David: A Young Musician, Athlete, and Rising Leader
David Glushkov, a Newton native and rising junior at Commonwealth School in Boston, is someone whose life is shaped by two major passions: piano and fencing.
Meet Yuna Lee: Serving, Stewarding, and Leading Through Music
Yuna is an elementary school student at Florida Ruffin Ridley School in Brookline, Massachusetts, and a talented flutist who is already discovering how music can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Meet Elle Lester: Musician, Equestrian, and Community Leader in San Diego
Elle is a student at Mt. Everest Academy in San Diego, California, and she is already bringing a wonderful vision for music, service, and leadership to her community.
A New Monthly Concert Series at Maplewood at Weston
Stewardship is the second pillar of VMA. By participating in service initiatives, students learn that music can be used not only to serve others, but also to steward resources that strengthen communities and support those in need. Our shared impact model is built on a simple principle: we give what we can.
Inaugural Giving Society Concert: December 6th
Prioritizing next gen outreach and the people who make our impact possible.
Partnering with Los Angeles’ Street Symphony
Stewardship is the second pillar of VMA. By participating in service initiatives, students learn that music can be used not only to serve others, but also to steward resources that strengthen communities and support those in need. Our shared impact model is built on a simple principle: we give what we can.
The Cynthia Yasuda Annual Giving Society
The Cynthia Yasuda Annual Giving Society recognizes individuals and families whose annual generosity sustains the mission of the VMA Foundation. Named in honor of our founding Board Secretary, Cynthia Yasuda, the Society celebrates her lifelong commitment to compassion, service, and the belief that every person has the capacity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Workshops Open Doors
The VMA Foundation's signature experience for high school students extends far beyond performing outreach concerts. It's what happens between the concerts—the one-hour Virtual Leadership Workshops and the special projects students develop—that truly shapes them as leaders.
Embarking Upon Our 15th Season
"The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new." — Socrates
Witnessing the Miraculous: Summer Concert Series Students Shine
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has" - Margaret Mead
Raising Leaders A Few Time Zones Away
It’s really cool to meet new members like Maggie a few time zones away based out in Idaho. As a rising freshman and violinist, she’s genuinely interested in learning more about what the Junior Program is all about.
