MYA’s Community Enrichment Program consists of four initiatives: I’Solisti MYA, Beyond the Fort performances, the Adopt a School Program, 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.
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.
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.
Adopt a School Program:
Musical success takes supportive parents or a network who encourage excellence and discipline, private lessons with teachers who can advance the student to the next level of playing, access to a quality instrument, and transportation to programs that are advanced beyond what students may have access to in their schools. With this in mind, MYA is in a unique position to provide assistance to teachers and music departments as well as to students who are passionate about music. This is accomplished through removing financial barriers for participation in ensembles by being able to secure instruments and scholarships for private study. The Adopt a School Program targets students from schools in the Chicago metropolitan area.
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.
