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, 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 resumé, and make your mark as a leader. Let’s do this!

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.

Private Lessons

Students must be taking private lessons with teachers who guide and encourage them to perform in community outreach settings. After each recital or outreach performance, private teachers submit an online Concert Completion Report—either individually or in bulk—to verify student participation and ensure consistent documentation.

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

The Circle

🏅 National Service Award Tiers

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.
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. The Silver Track is meant to be completed in one semester (e.g., junior-year spring). 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.
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.

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.

The VMA Foundation, our public-facing philanthropic arm, provides the clear and recognizable platform that powers this work — enabling students to fundraise for their outreach, strengthening community partnerships, and sustaining the programs that help them grow.

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.

Join the VMA

Contact Us

🎓What Are Workshops?

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.
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
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.
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 are held on Google Meet approximately once a month on Sundays from 2–3 PM. See event calendar.

Begin Your Impact

1. Register: Sign up online or contact us for guidance.
2. Choose Your Track: Select the Bronze, Silver, or Gold track based on your availability and goals.
3. Plan Your Outreach: Work with your teacher, friends, or the Boston chapter to organize your concerts.
4. Attend Workshops: Join virtual sessions to learn, grow, and connect with others.
- 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.