THE LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE
Two concerts. Big impact. National Recognition.
Congratulations to Andrew Xue on his recent college acceptances to UC Berkeley, Cornell, among other exceptional universitites!
Andrew Xue ︳Violin, Leadership Initiative & Junior Program President
If you’re a classical musician who juggles practice, lessons, performance, and personal commitments, the VMA’s one-of-a-kind, time-saving, straightforward Leadership Initiative fits seamlessly into any high schooler’s schedule.
Here’s your chance to share your talent, make a lasting difference in your community, boost your resume, and make your mark as a leader. Let’s do this!
#1: Practice
Performing a piece of classical literature requires consistent practicing. At the very least, we expect Elementary and Middle School students to practice at least 10-30 minutes per day, while High School students are expected to practice at least 30-60 minutes per day.
#2: Private Lessons
Students must be taking private lessons with teachers who guide and encourage their students to perform in community outreach settings. Private teachers submit two simple concert completion reports per student and can even earn student referral fees.
If you’re a music educator and want to learn more about partnering with the VMA, check out The Circle.
Cholong Park, Pianist
VMA Circle Educator Partner
#3: Choose Your Track
Leadership Workshops: High Schoolers can attend 5 one-hour virtual workshops in one semester (Silver Track) or 10 over two semesters (Gold Track). No workshops are required for Bronze Track.
Community Engagement: Perform 2 outreach concerts per year; required for all tracks.
Timeline: Complete all requirements within one year.
Eligibility: United States citizenship / Green Card status only required for President’s Volunteer Service Award
VMA National Service Award: Gold, Silver, or Bronze level awarded upon successful completion of corresponding leadership track. *This award exceeds the standards of excellence, civic engagement, and volunteer achievement as the President’s Volunteer Service Award currently suspended by the federal government.
Gold
10 workshops 2 concerts
Silver
5 workshops 2 concerts
Bronze
No workshops 2 concerts
Beyond Awards: Elevating the Experience
Where Service Isn’t the End — It’s the Beginning
For many students, volunteer service is just a means to an end — a way to earn hours or check a box.
VMA goes further. We transform service into leadership, artistry, and compassion that last a lifetime.
Guided by professional musicians and educators, VMA students learn to take ownership of their outreach — not just participate in it. They perform in the community, lead school clubs, collaborate across states, and serve on a national board that mirrors real-world governance and accountability.
VMA helps students build résumés with depth and meaning — and character to match.
A New Approach to Youth Leadership in Classical Music
The VMA Leadership Initiative is a first-of-its-kind pathway where classical music students become compassionate leaders through real outreach, guided workshops, and community fundraising. Unlike traditional programs, students may join at any time — attending workshops year-round, connecting with the Director and guest speakers, and growing at their own pace.
Through service-based awards and a parallel student government track, young musicians earn recognition not just for performing well, but for lifting others up. Families and friends may contribute to a student’s fundraising campaign to help meet the nominal nomination thresholds required to run for government positions — but every officer is chosen by a jury of peers during a formal election process. Each candidate will have a designated space on the ballot to describe their outreach contributions, fundraising efforts, and vision for leadership — so voters can make informed choices at the club, state, and national levels.
Families may participate through payment, fundraising, or a combination of both — so every student can find their place in the initiative.
As they grow, students discover that leadership isn’t something given or claimed — it’s earned through service.
⚖️ No Obligation — Just Opportunity
Families are not required to pay tuition or fundraise when they register. Early interest simply helps us understand who may be working toward the Bronze, Silver, or Gold Track during the year.
No student is ever obligated to pursue a medal or a government role. Participation in workshops and outreach concerts alone is valuable and meaningful — and every student is welcome to grow at their own pace.
We simply open the door. We hope that, in time, our members will rise to the challenge — and when they’re ready, the awards and leadership positions will be ready for them.
🏅 National Service Award Tiers
Students may join the Leadership Initiative at any time. We keep track of outreach concerts and workshop attendance throughout the year, and families may fulfill tuition through payment, fundraising, or a combination of both.
Each level represents a different degree of commitment to service — and every student is recognized for their growth.
🥉Bronze Track — $250
Students complete two outreach concerts within one year. No workshops are required at this level.
Upon completion, students are eligible for the VMA National Service Award (with verified Concert Completion Reports from their private teacher) and receive a VMA Certificate of Completion. High school students earn 100 community service hours.
🥈Silver Track — $1,250
Students complete two outreach concerts and attend five virtual workshops (one-hour sessions offered on Sundays, 2–3 PM) during one semester — either Fall or Spring. Students may spread these workshops across both semesters if needed, but the Silver Track is designed to be completed within one semester. If a student plans to take the full year to attend workshops, it may be a better fit to pursue the Gold Track instead.
With confirmed outreach reports and workshop attendance, students earn the VMA National Service Award (Silver), a VMA Certificate of Completion, and high school students receive 175 community service hours.
🥇Gold Track — $2,500
Students complete two outreach concerts and attend ten virtual workshops — five per semester across two semesters.
This level represents a sustained commitment to service and leadership. Gold Track students earn the VMA National Service Award (Gold), receive a VMA Certificate of Completion, and high school students receive 250 community service hours.
Every student can grow at their own pace. Whether a student completes one outreach concert or explores leadership through fundraising and workshops, they are already part of something bigger — a movement to give everyone orchestra seats.
Student Government (*2027-2028 Elections: May 2026)
-
Danny Pylee
JUNIOR PROGRAM PRESIDENT
Massachusetts
Medway High School
-
David Tagge
JUNIOR PROGRAM VICE-PRESIDENT
Massachusetts
Boston
-
Felix Wang
VMA SENATOR
Massachusetts
Sharon High School
-
Ronnie Wang
VMA SENATOR
California
Los Angeles
-
Ishaan Kancharla
VMA SENATOR
North Carolina
Raleigh
🎓 Workshop Structure & Expectations
Frequency:
Workshops are held on Google Meet approximately once a month on Sundays from 2–3 PM. See event calendar.
Content:
Sessions include:
1–2 scheduled guest speakers per semester who join the Director and workshop participants
Compassionate leadership training
Discussions about life as a professional musician and how those skills translate to other disciplines and careers
Planning and problem-solving for club, state, and national initiatives
Flexibility:
Expected absences — such as orchestra rehearsals, studio classes, or academic conflicts — may be made up through an outreach-related project discussed with the Director. Consistent communication is required.
No Exams or Homework:
Workshops are entirely discussion-based. However, they serve as an important opportunity for prospective and current student government leaders to:
Share challenges and successes
Discuss fundraising campaigns and outreach recruitment
Explore administrative topics at the club, state, and national levels
Workshops function not only as leadership training, but also as a drop-in national board meeting, where officers and committee members of every level can gain real experience, ask questions, and contribute to the growth of the organization.
Outreach Concert Requirements
Purpose: Bring music to underserved communities such as senior centers, shelters, and assisted living residences.
Collaboration: Perform solo or with friends to share the joy of music.
Certification: Your private teacher must verify the completion of your concerts and consistent practice.
Program Benefits
Leadership Development: Gain confidence, communication skills, and adaptability through outreach and workshops.
Community Impact: Share your music to inspire hope and joy in others.
Prestigious Recognition: Receive awards and certifications that boost your secondary school or college applications and resume.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, mentors, and professional musicians.
How to Get Started
Register: Sign up online or contact us for guidance.
Choose Your Track: Select the Bronze, Silver, or Gold track based on your availability and goals.
Plan Your Outreach: Work with your teacher, friends, or the Boston chapter to organize your concerts.
Attend Workshops: Join virtual sessions to learn, grow, and connect with others.