Why VMA
At the VMA Foundation, we believe music can do more than move an audience — it can inspire a lifetime of meaningful change. Through service, stewardship, and leadership, young musicians discover how to use their talents to uplift others, take responsibility for their communities, and develop the confidence and initiative to lead. We strive to develop more than musicians; we cultivate the next generation of changemakers who will make a difference in their communities and for generations to come.
Why Families Choose VMA
The VMA Foundation offers free Junior Program membership and a structured pathway for young musicians to share classical music with their communities while developing leadership, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to service."
Why Families Choose VMA
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✔Free Junior Program Membership
Students in Grades 1–12 can participate in the VMA Junior Program at no membership cost. Designed for classically trained musicians studying privately with a music educator, the program offers meaningful opportunities to develop musicianship, service, stewardship, and leadership.
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✔A holistic leadership experience
VMA develops more than musicians. Through service, stewardship, and leadership, students cultivate character, initiative, and the capacity to become changemakers in their communities.
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✔Professional oversight
The organization is guided by professional musicians and arts leaders who support students' musical and personal development.
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✔National service recognition
Students receive the VMA National Service Award for their outreach and service through music.VMA has served as a certifying organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award through AmeriCorps, recognizing student volunteer service at the national level.
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✔Meaningful community outreach
Students share classical music and familiar pieces with audiences in senior communities and other service settings, discovering how their talents can uplift others.
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✔Leadership and stewardship opportunities
Students develop practical leadership skills through fundraising, student government, club development, charitable initiatives, and national leadership opportunities.
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✔Connections to the professional music community
VMA is a Steinway Educational Partner and an institutional member of the Music Teachers National Association, connecting students and educators to the broader music community.
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✔A culture of musical and academic excellence
VMA encourages students to pursue musical excellence alongside their academic ambitions. Members have continued their studies at leading academic institutions including Cornell University, Rice University, McGill University, and more.
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✔A national nonprofit mission
VMA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to developing young leaders and creating meaningful community impact through music.
Student Voices
Hi! I’m Andrew, a junior at Boston Latin School. I mainly play violin, and I also used to play piano and trombone. In my free time I enjoy tennis and coding. My favorite composers include Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, and Mozart. I’m excited to share my passion for classical music with others through Volunteer Musicians.
As the co-founder and co-president of my NSHS-VMA chapter for the past two years, I have coordinated volunteer concerts, managed social media outreach, prepared repertoire, and collaborated closely with fellow officers and organization directors. Through these experiences, I have learned how to motivate students to use their musical talents to serve their communities. As State Senator, I am excited to support younger musicians in developing their passion for music and sharing it through service. I also look forward to extending the work I have done at my high school to other districts across Massachusetts, encouraging greater student involvement, community engagement, and musical performance.
I have taken piano lessons since the age of five and in the past four years have also been playing alto saxophone in my school orchestra. I plan to learn soprano saxophone as well. I love music and want to share my love of music with others.
After volunteering regularly at senior centers for the past couple of years, I’ve seen firsthand how meaningful live music can be for both performers and listeners. I want to bring this opportunity to more of my peers at East Chapel Hill High School, creating ways for students to share their musical talents while connecting with our community. I believe music brings joy to everyone involved, and I hope to help that joy reach even more people through VMA.
My two years with the VMA Student Leadership Initiative have shown me how music can become a powerful vehicle for service, advocacy, and meaningful community impact. As Massachusetts State Senator and Fundraising Chair, I had the opportunity to advocate for VMA with state legislators, organize outreach concerts at local senior residences, and help raise more than $2,700 through online and in-person donations. These experiences have strengthened my belief that young musicians can do much more than perform—they can lead, bring communities together, and make a lasting difference. I hope to help expand VMA’s mission nationally by coordinating concerts and fundraising efforts across the country, giving more students the opportunity to discover the impact they can make through music.
I serve as California State Senator because I am willing to spread music across my state and inspire other people with what I love.
I have the pleasure of serving as Vice President of VMA, a wonderful program dedicated to sharing music in our communities, especially in spaces where live performances are rare and meaningful. Through VMA, I have had the opportunity to bring music to residents at Belmont Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation, where I eventually began performing regularly. I would like to take a moment to thank Jonathan for his dedication and efforts, as well as everyone who contributes to making VMA possible.
It always makes me sad to see music programs in schools across the country being shut down and classical music being less frequently heard due to lack of funding and attention. I am overjoyed that I can be part of a program that encourages and supports this music and wants to bring it to as many people as possible. Through this initiative, I hope to spread classical music throughout my community and beyond.
I believe music can serve as a bridge between compassion and action, and that VMA has the power to turn musical talent into meaningful service. Through the ‘Sweet Sounds of Service’ campaign, I have been helping organize a collaboration with Street Symphony to support communities around Skid Row and The Midnight Mission, with a fundraising goal of $5,000. This experience has taught me how to build partnerships, motivate a team, and connect donors to a mission that makes a real difference. I hope to help VMA expand its national fundraising network, equip local chapters with practical outreach strategies, and make every performance more than just music—a true act of service.
I want to create a club where students can connect with our community through music, get involved in service, and have fun playing the music we enjoy.
I’d love to bring students together through music by creating a group that performs at community venues throughout San Diego. I hope our performances will inspire others to discover the joy of music and perhaps even pick up an instrument themselves!
Music has been an important part of my life since childhood. With ten years of choral experience, ABRSM Grade 7 piano, and classical vocal training, I have always enjoyed sharing music with others and bringing people together through performance. As Co-Head of a music club at Concord Academy, I have developed a strong appreciation for collaboration and student leadership. I also volunteer in my community, leading singing activities with children and discovering how music can create meaningful connections across generations. Through Volunteer Musicians, I hope to help organize community performances, inspire more students to serve through their musical talents, and make live music accessible to people of all ages.
Serving as North Carolina State Senator has given me the opportunity to help shape VMA’s growth and strengthen the programs that bring our mission to life. I have been proud to contribute to the development of our fundraising initiative, which has raised more than $11,500, and our club development program, which encourages students across the country to take on leadership roles and share their love of music through a coordinated plan of action. Through my involvement with VMA and other student-led organizations, I have learned the importance of executive leadership, collaboration, and building programs that create lasting impact. Music is also an important part of my life as a flutist, including my experience as First Chair Flutist in the NCBA All-State Band. I especially enjoy performing at senior care facilities whenever I can. My experience has reinforced my belief that students can help build an organization that makes a difference far beyond the concert stage. I am excited to continue supporting VMA’s mission and helping its community grow.
I have been taking piano lessons since I was very young and have performed in various recitals and festivals. However, when I was asked whether I wanted to participate in a piano competition, I responded that piano performance should be less competitive and more about sharing the joy of music with others. This is why I wanted to be part of the VMA. I enjoy opportunities to share music with others rather than trying to win a competition for myself.
Music With a Purpose
Music That Serves Others
At the Volunteer Musicians for the Arts, students discover that music can do more than impress an audience — it can bring comfort and joy to people in their communities.
Connection Through Performance
Students perform outreach concerts in assisted living communities, libraries, hospitals, and community spaces where live music creates meaningful human connection.
Growing Compassionate Leaders
Through service and leadership opportunities, young musicians learn that their artistic talents can become a lifelong way of contributing to society.
A National Community
Students, teachers, and families across the country participate in outreach concerts and service initiatives that expand access to classical music.
How Students Get Involved
Junior Program
Students perform outreach concerts and begin their journey of service through music while sharing classical music with their communities.
Leadership Initiative
Students develop leadership skills through service, outreach concerts, and workshops focused on compassionate leadership through music.
Student Government
Students start VMA clubs, organize outreach concerts, and help expand music service opportunities in their schools and communities.
Discover the VMA Junior Program
Explore how young musicians across the country are transforming their musical talents into meaningful service, stewardship, and leadership through outreach concerts, charitable initiatives, and opportunities to make a difference in their communities.