Samvel Chilingarian
Janice Melhorn
Leigh Sietsema
Larry Sonderling
Leslie Woodbury
Advisory Board
Nora Aivazyan
Brenda Barnes
Karla Berglund Hughes
Kevin Fitz-Gerald, Ph.D
Dr. Kay Ladanyi, Ph.D
Jane Levy
Billy Mitchell
Cecilia Nash Loera
Daniel Pollack, Ph.D
Mary Schander
CC Smith
Frank Ticheli, Ph.D.
Verdugo Young Musician's Association,
a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization is dedicated to providing first-rate music education in a nurturing, non-competitive ensemble setting. Members of the VYMA enhance their musical skills through professional coaching while they discover the dedication, teamwork and joy of making music together.
"Rodeo" by Aaron Copland - VYMA Spring 2008 Concert
photo by Luann Norring
VYMA Orchestral Programs All students with a minimum of one year private instruction are welcome. Repertoire is carefully selected to meet the abilities, aspirations, and educational needs of students at varying levels of musical development (beginning through advanced). In addition to the orchestra rehearsals, VYMA offers sectional coaching by experienced and accomplished professional musicians every week. All ensembles have multiple performance opportunities throughout the year. Past venues have included theaters, libraries, museums and the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion for the L.A. Philharmonic's Symphonies for Youth events. Orchestral programs meet on Tuesdays.
The Verdugo Youth Ensemble welcomes all young players with little or no orchestral experience. Students learn the basics of ensemble playing and how to work with a conductor while they prepare music for performance.
Verdugo Youth Orchestra (open to all instruments) is designed for intermediate and advanced players who have had orchestral experience and are prepared to explore the orchestral repertoire of Baroque, Classical, Romantic and contemporary composers.
Chamber Music Program
VYMA also offers a Chamber Music program especially designed to challenge young musicians playing beginning, intermediate and advanced string repertoire. VYMA chamber groups have the opportunity to perform in many venues, and have won recognition from the Music Teachers' Association of California (MTAC) Voce Competition and at the Southwest Youth Music Festival (SYMF). Chamber ensembles meet on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Adult Chamber Music Program, 12-week semester (twelve 60 minute sessions with a professional coach). This adult program is designed specifically for adult music lovers who are looking for an opportunity to share their enthusiasm for chamber music with other adult musicians. Please call 818 951-6482 or contact us by email for more information.
Auditions / Tuition
VYMA's season runs from September through early June. Minimum requirement for membership is one year of weekly private lessons for instrumental programs, which must be continued throughout participation in VYMA. Auditions are held for the purpose of placement only, and are conducted with the same encouraging teaching style that characterizes VYMA rehearsals. Check our website for audition hints! Tuition is $275 per semester for each instrumental program. Arts Academy classroom courses are $200 per semester. Limited scholarships are available.
Our Policies
For detailed information on our policies please click here to view our Parents Handbook. VYMA is a member of ACSO (The Association of California Symphony Orchestras) and ASOL (American Symphony Orchestra League).
Adult Chamber Music Program, 12-week semester (twelve 60 minute sessions with a professional coach). This adult program is designed specifically for adult music lovers who are looking for an opportunity to share their enthusiasm for chamber music with other adult musicians. Please call 818 951-6482 or contact us by email for more information.
