Elementary & Middle School Students
Our Leadership Initiative Designed For Early Success
VMA outreach concerts are now open to elementary and middle school instrumentalists.
Kids beginning as young as 5 years old can perform outreach in their communities and earn national recognition. It’s the VMA’s radical idea of focusing on leading with love, deeply honoring their commitment to disciplined practice and charitable giving. When high school rolls around, they’ll have a good start understanding the love you take is equal to the love you make.
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Elementary & Middle School Division
Elementary and middle school students can begin their leadership journey early by joining the VMA Leadership Initiative. Students gain opportunities to serve their communities, grow as young leaders, and participate in a national network of compassionate musicians. -
Who Can Join?
Elementary School: Grades 1–5
Middle School: Grades 6–8
How Students Enroll
Elementary: Join by fundraising and/or contributing $100 toward the program.
Middle School: May join the Leadership Initiative and pursue leadership roles by fundraising within a flexible range of $25–$250.
Teachers verify outreach concerts through the online Concert Completion Report.
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Elementary students who enroll become Young Ambassadors. They may:
Form VMA clubs at their school
Complete two outreach concerts per year
Earn the VMA National Service Award – Gold Medal (there are no Bronze or Silver medals at this division)
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Middle school students have expanded leadership options, including:
Club officer positions
Committee roles
Chair positions within their school clubs
To be nominated during the quarterly club elections and annual national student elections, students fundraise within the $25–$250 range. Visit the Student Governmentpage to explore nomination thresholds for various leadership roles.
Middle School students who complete two outreach concerts earn the National Service Award – Gold Medal. The High School Leadership Initiative features structured Bronze, Silver, and Gold pathways, each with defined requirements in outreach concerts and workshops.
Middle Schoolers are welcome to attend virtual workshops offered throughout the year.
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Early involvement fosters:
Confidence
Collaboration and teamwork
Service-mindedness
An understanding of how classical music can positively impact communities
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. Junior Program students may embark on the Leadership Initiative journey at any time and advance at their own pace. Explore our “Leadership” web pages for high school and elementary-middle school divisions.
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 Sweet Sounds of Service 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.
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 pursue the Leadership Initiative. We simply open the door to public service — and when they choose to rise, the opportunities are waiting.
🎓What Are Workshops?
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Workshops function not only as leadership training, but also as national drop-in board meetings where student officers and committee members at all levels meet with the VMA Director and professional guest speakers. During these sessions, students ask questions, share ideas, and actively contribute to the growth of the organization. Held monthly, these workshops are free for Junior Program members and open to students and families interested in learning more about our mission.
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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
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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.
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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
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Workshops are held on Google Meet approximately once a month on Sundays from 2–3 PM. See event calendar.
How to Start Your Leadership Initiative Journey
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Register: Sign up
Choose Your Track: Select the Bronze, Silver, or Gold track based on your availability and goals. Change your track / outreach goals at any time.
Plan Your Outreach: Explore our Service Initiatives to see how you can make a big impact in your community.
Attend Workshops: Join virtual sessions to learn, grow, and connect with others. Contact us anytime.
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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.