Where Performance Meets Purpose.
Empowering students of all ages to lead, fundraise, and earn national recognition through our unique, streamlined service program.
A New Approach to Youth Leadership in Classical Music
The VMA Leadership Initiative is a first-of-its-kind pathway where young musicians grow as compassionate leaders through real outreach, year-round workshops, and community fundraising. Students may join at any time and advance at their own pace.
Through service-based awards and a parallel student government track, participants earn recognition not only for their musicianship, but for the impact they create. Families and friends may support a student’s campaign to help meet the small fundraising thresholds required to run for leadership roles, but every officer is elected by peers through a formal, transparent process.
Families can also explore our Give Lively Sweet Sounds of Service campaign to support students as they begin their leadership journey.
How to Get Started
Become a Junior Member — free and open to all K–12 students.
Start a Fundraiser — launch your Give Lively page when ready.
Do Outreach — share music with your community through concerts and service projects.
Run for Office — when eligible, declare candidacy and appear on the ballot at the club, state, or national levels.
There is no obligation to fundraise or pursue a medal when joining. Students may simply attend workshops, perform outreach concerts, and grow when they feel ready. We open the door — and when they choose to rise, the opportunities are waiting.
