MYA’s Community Enrichment Program consists of four initiatives: Young Music Scholars, Beyond the Fort performances, I’Solisti MYA and Financial Assistance. The goal behind these initiatives is to inspire and enrich people of all ages in the Chicago metropolitan area through the power of music. In addition to these initiatives, MYA offers assistance to teachers through lending music, providing workshops and securing instruments through MYA’s instrument donation program.
Young Music Scholars and Young Music Scholars Mentors
YMS creates creative and cultural experiences for students in underserved elementary schools around the MYA Center by offering scholarships to students to participate in Reading Orchestra and small group lessons. The lessons are taught by high school mentors from the Symphony Orchestra under the guidance of master private teachers.
Beyond the Fort
MYA brings the uplifting spirit of music to senior centers, group homes, nursing and rehabilitation centers in the Chicago area. MYA chamber music ensembles go to these venues in our community in order to bring music to the residents in the comfort of a familiar area. These concerts are enjoyable for the residents since most can’t get out to concerts and do not often have the experience of live music.
I’Solisti MYA
This select chamber orchestra is made up of soloists and lead by Charles Pikler, principal violist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This group travels to middle and high schools in the Chicago area to do in-school performances. These concerts serve as an inspiration and attainable goal for the students since the students are around the same age.
Financial Assistance
MYA is committed to provide a stable learning environment for all students. Currently MYA provides financial assistance to 15% of our students a year and another 32% of our students receive tuition reductions to keep costs of participation affordable for families or students who participate in more than one program. Our budget for financial aid has significantly increased from years past which has allowed us to make this musical education accessible to students who would not normally be able to afford it.
If you are interested in participating in one of the programs listed above, please contact mya@mya.org.
