At the Volunteer Musicians for the Arts (VMA), we believe in starting with a simple invitation: bring your music to others, and see where it takes you. That’s the heart of our Junior Program, where students of all ages can participate in outreach concerts—locally in the Boston area or, for older students, by forming school clubs and organizing performances in their own communities. General membership is free and open to all. It’s a welcoming first step for students to experience the joy and impact of live music in service to others.

But for those who want to take their journey further—who feel inspired to set goals, earn national awards, build leadership skills, and grow through meaningful service—we offer the Leadership Initiative. This structured pathway includes one-on-one mentorship, service tracking, award eligibility, and, for high school students, access to virtual workshops and personal guidance from VMA Director Jonathan Yasuda. It’s designed for students and families who are ready to deepen their commitment and find a lasting sense of purpose in their outreach.

Most school-based music clubs, even those with multiple chapters, often lack the adult mentorship and long-term vision to guide students beyond their high school years. They may offer a strong start, but the journey often ends there. At VMA, we’re not just an extracurricular—we’re a mission-driven organization that helps students connect their musical gifts to a life of public service, leadership, and meaning. We don’t force that path; we simply make it visible, and walk alongside those who choose to take it.

Yes, the Leadership Initiative helps students stand out on applications to competitive schools. But more importantly, it helps them stand tall in their values—equipped with the tools, confidence, and compassion to continue making a difference long after graduation.

Everything we offer is about opening doors. The first is just showing up—performing, connecting, and seeing the power of music firsthand. From there, it’s up to each student and family to decide how far they want to go. We’re here to guide the way, but the journey belongs to them.