Student Government
Student leaders helping guide the mission of service through music.
Why VMA Has Student Government
The VMA believes leadership is learned through service and responsibility. Student government allows young musicians to help organize outreach concerts, support the mission, and guide their peers. Through this process, students develop initiative, collaboration, and compassion while strengthening their musicianship.
The Service Path
- Perform outreach concerts in their communities
- Volunteer through music and community events
- Participate in workshops and programs
- Earn recognition through the VMA National Service Award
The Leadership Path
- Organize outreach concerts and service projects
- Complete the Sweet Sounds of Service campaign
- Serve as club officers or committee leaders
- Represent their school or state in national leadership
How VMA Student Government Works
Join the Junior Program
Membership is free. Students begin serving through outreach concerts.
Serve Through Music
Students organize outreach concerts and participate in service activities.
Support the Mission
Students raise support through the Sweet Sounds of Service campaign.
Pursue Leadership
Students may run for club officer or national leadership roles.
Most students begin by participating in outreach concerts and service activities in their communities before pursuing leadership roles. Student leaders serve at three levels — beginning in their local club and expanding to state and national leadership.
The Three Levels of Student Leadership
🟩 Club Leadership
Where most students begin
Club leaders help organize their local VMA group and bring service projects to life in their community.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Organizing outreach concerts
- Coordinating club meetings
- Supporting fundraising and awareness efforts
- Helping new members get involved
Example roles include:
- Club President
- Vice President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Committee Chairs
Club leadership is ideal for middle school students and early high school students beginning their leadership journey.
🟦 State Leadership
Leading and supporting an entire state
State leaders help grow the VMA mission across their state by supporting school clubs, recruiting students, and connecting outreach opportunities.
Key roles include:
- State Senator
- Deputy State Senator
- State Committee Leaders
State leaders often:
- Mentor younger students
- Coordinate statewide outreach
- Build relationships with music schools and community partners
This pathway is ideal for experienced high school students ready to lead at a larger scale.
🟨 National Leadership
Guiding the national student mission
National leaders help shape the direction of the VMA across the country.
They coordinate national initiatives, support state leaders, and represent the student voice of the organization.
Executive leadership includes:
- National President
- National Vice President
- National Officers
- Committee Chairs
These students help lead national outreach initiatives, student communications, and mission-driven campaigns that support VMA’s work.
Officer Leadership Pin
Students who complete a full officer term receive the VMA Officer Leadership Pin in recognition of their leadership, service, and commitment to strengthening the mission of bringing music to communities through outreach.
Requirements to Serve as an Officer
- Be an active member of the VMA Junior Program
- Participate in outreach concerts and service initiatives
- Complete the Sweet Sounds of Service fundraising campaign
- Serve a full officer term and support club activities
- Represent fellow student musicians with responsibility and integrity
Student Government Leadership
The VMA student government empowers young musicians to lead outreach efforts, represent student voices across the country, and strengthen the mission of service through music in their communities.
Serve as an Officer
Students may be elected or appointed to leadership roles within their school club or at the national level. Officers help organize activities, represent fellow members, and guide the direction of the program.
Support Outreach
Leaders encourage participation in outreach concerts and service initiatives that bring classical music to nursing homes, hospitals, and communities that benefit from live performance.
Strengthen the Mission
Student officers help expand VMA clubs, support fellow musicians, and ensure that the organization continues to grow as a community centered on compassion and service.
Leadership Pathways
Students can pursue leadership roles aligned with their interests and strengths, helping expand the mission of service through music in different ways.
Media & Communications
Storytelling, photography, design, and social media.
Outreach & Concert Coordination
Connecting musicians with community venues.
Fundraising & Philanthropy
Campaigns and donor outreach supporting VMA.
Recruitment & Development
Expanding clubs and welcoming new musicians.
Events & Operations
Planning events and coordinating volunteers.
Meet the Student Leaders
Elected by their peers, these students help ensure that the voices of young musicians remain central to the mission while inspiring others to share music through service.
Leadership Requirements at a Glance
Students who wish to serve in VMA leadership roles support the mission through outreach participation, service, and fundraising that sustains the organization’s work. Leadership positions are organized at three levels: club, state, and national.
🟩 Club Leadership
Club Officers
President • Vice President • Secretary • Treasurer
Students may qualify by raising $50 individually or by serving as a team captain and leading a group that raises $50 collectively.
Committee Members
Fundraising • Outreach/Concerts • Membership • Programs • Publicity
Entry-level leadership where students help organize concerts, events, publicity, and club activities.
Committee Chairs
Chair of Fundraising • Outreach • Membership • Programs
Committee Chairs guide projects and coordinate work within their committees.
🟦 State Leadership
State Senators
- Recruit new students and clubs
- Support club presidents
- Connect outreach venues
- Represent students across their state
🟨 National Leadership
National Officers
President — $250
Vice President — $200
Secretary — $150
Treasurer — $150
National officers guide the student mission across the country and collaborate with VMA leadership.
National Committees
Fundraising • Outreach • Membership • Programs • Publicity
Students help lead national initiatives and campaigns.
National Committee Chairs
Chair of Fundraising • Outreach • Membership • Programs
Committee Chairs help lead national initiatives and coordinate committee teams.
Leadership Initiative Connection
Leadership Initiative
Students who serve in leadership roles are encouraged to participate in the VMA Leadership Initiative, which provides structured service training and national recognition.
Leadership Initiative students complete outreach concerts, participate in workshops, and earn volunteer recognition for their work.
Recognition
Students who serve in leadership roles and fulfill their commitments may earn the VMA Officer Leadership Pin, recognizing responsibility, reliability, and service-centered leadership.
Through service, outreach, and leadership, students help advance the VMA mission in their communities and across the country.
Join students across the nation who are sharing music through service.