A Junior Program member since middle school, Ishaan Kancharla is now stepping forward as a rising sophomore to help lead the program’s next chapter—empowering students to take ownership of club leadership, recruitment, and meaningful engagement through music.

At the MTNA Conference, VMA connected with music educators nationwide, sharing a model that seamlessly integrates service into studio teaching—and gaining powerful validation for the work ahead.

Felix’s trip to Washington, D.C.—including meetings with the offices of congressional leaders—was a powerful reminder that young musicians are not only artists, but emerging leaders with a voice in shaping their communities.

The VMA Foundation was proud to support NEPTA’s 75th anniversary—an evening of music, history, and meaningful connection with fellow educators across New England.

A new student leader from San Diego joins VMA with a vision to use music beyond the classroom—bringing live performances to communities in need and inspiring others to do the same.

Watching a VMA Student Government coalesce is like watching star dust gravitate into something truly beautiful -- no need for the James Webb telescope.

The VMA website has been redesigned with improved navigation, updated resources, and a stronger focus on showcasing student leaders and outreach work across the country.

New VMA Officer Pins have arrived, just as student leader Felix Wang travels to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Congress and share his research in music therapy and service through the VMA.

We are excited to welcome middle school and high school musicians joining the VMA community in Cumberland, Rhode Island and San Diego, California. As our network grows, students across the country are discovering how music can bring joy, connection, and service to their communities. We look forward to seeing these young musicians grow as leaders and performers through the VMA. 🎻

On Sunday, April 19, members of the VMA Junior Program will share an afternoon of music with residents in the dementia care unit at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center. Students from Team Newton South High School will perform alongside VMA Director Jonathan, bringing live music and warm musical moments to residents and caregivers.

We are excited to welcome North Hill in Needham, Massachusetts as a new outreach venue for VMA student performances. This partnership will provide meaningful opportunities for Junior Program musicians to share live music with residents while continuing our mission of bringing music into the community.

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.