Student musician performing outreach concert

Why VMA

At the Volunteer Musicians for the Arts, students discover that classical music can do more than impress an audience — it can bring comfort, connection, and joy to communities. Through outreach concerts and student leadership, young musicians learn to share their music in service of others.

Join the Junior Program Explore the Leadership Initiative See Outreach Concerts Consider Starting a Club

Music With a Purpose

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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.

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Connection Through Performance

Students perform outreach concerts in assisted living communities, libraries, hospitals, and community spaces where live music creates meaningful human connection.

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Growing Compassionate Leaders

Through service and leadership opportunities, young musicians learn that their artistic talents can become a lifelong way of contributing to society.

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A National Community

Students, teachers, and families across the country participate in outreach concerts and service initiatives that expand access to classical music.

Student Voices

Gordon, High School Junior

I am a classically trained musician in both the piano and trumpet. Although it sounds very cliché, music has truly allowed me to experience some of the best moments of my life and helped me through stressful times as well. Since starting high school the workload and stress has increased ten-fold, and one of the only things keeping me sane is going to wind ensemble rehearsal every week at NEC. Playing music in an ensemble allows me to forget about the pressure from school and truly connect with others.

I believe that live classical music is not just a luxury for a select few, but a way for people from all backgrounds to connect with one another. That is why the VMA mission resonated with me and inspired the idea that maybe my music can change someone’s life just like music changed mine.

Emily, High School Senior (Gold PVSA, VMA Leader)

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.

Nilay, High School Junior

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.

Danny, High School Sophomore (Gold PVSA, VMA Leader)

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.

Andrew, High School Junior (Gold PVSA, VMA Leader)

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.

Why Families Choose VMA

The Volunteer Musicians for the Arts provides a structured pathway for young musicians to share classical music with their communities while developing leadership and compassion through service.

Why Families Choose VMA

  • ✔Professional oversight
    The organization is guided by professional musicians and arts leaders.
  • ✔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.
  • ✔Meaningful outreach experiences
    Students share classical music and familiar pieces audiences recognize and enjoy while bringing live performances to communities.
  • ✔Partnerships with leading music organizations
    VMA collaborates with organizations such as Steinway & Sons through educational partnerships supporting young musicians.
  • ✔Connection to the professional music community
    VMA is an institutional member of the Music Teachers National Association, connecting the organization to a national network of music educators.
  • ✔Students pursue music and academic excellence
    VMA students have continued their studies at universities including Cornell University and Rice University.
  • ✔A national nonprofit mission
    VMA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to service through music.
Founded in 2012
Group of young musicians in black Volunteer Music Arts shirts with string instruments, posing in an art gallery space with colorful abstract paintings on the walls.

How Students Get Involved

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Junior Program

Students perform outreach concerts and begin their journey of service through music while sharing classical music with their communities.

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Leadership Initiative

Students develop leadership skills through service, outreach concerts, and workshops focused on compassionate leadership through music.

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Student Government

Students start VMA clubs, organize outreach concerts, and help expand music service opportunities in their schools and communities.

Start Your Journey Through Music and Service

Join students across the country who are sharing classical music with their communities through outreach concerts, leadership opportunities, and meaningful service.

Join the Junior Program Explore Leadership