Find Your Musical Path

At MVYSO, students come together to make great music, build lasting friendships, and discover what they're capable of accomplishing. Our programs offer opportunities for musicians of many ages, experience levels, and interests to learn, perform, and grow in a supportive community.

Explore Our Programs

MVYSO offers a variety of programs designed to meet students where they are and help them continue growing as musicians. View our FAQs.

A young girl playing a xylophone on stage during an orchestra rehearsal, surrounded by other musicians and music stands.

Learn To Play

Beginning Music Programs

Music programs focused on foundational skills, confidence, and ensemble participation.

Programs include: Young Violins, Down Beat Percussion Ensemble, and Up Beat Percussion Ensemble.

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Young musicians in an orchestra playing violins, focusing intently on their sheet music.

Orchestra

Orchestra Programs

Full orchestra and ensemble experiences for developing and advanced musicians.

Programs include: Debut Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Concert Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, and Ambassador Ensemble.

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Close-up of a wooden violin with strings and a bow rest against a dark background.

Endangered Instruments

Endangered Instruments Program

Specialized instruction and support for students interested in French horn, oboe, bassoon, and double bass.

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Group of six smiling young women sitting on the floor with colorful parachute in a room.

Jam Club

Jam Club

An inclusive music-making and music education program for neurodivergent and disabled kids, teens, and young adults.

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A group of young students playing musical instruments in an orchestra, some holding violins and others playing woodwind instruments, on stage during a performance.

Summer Programs

Summer Programs

Seasonal opportunities that help students continue learning, performing, and connecting through music during the summer months.

Programs include: Summer Orchestra Camp and Summer Ensemble.

SUMMER CAMP
SUMMER ENSEMBLE

Finding the Right Fit

Students are placed in programs based on experience, skill level, readiness, and musical interests. Some programs require auditions or placement evaluations, while others are open to beginners.

If you're unsure where to start, our staff can help identify the program that best fits your student's goals and experience.

REACH OUT TO OUR STAFF

Next Steps:

Explore the program pages above.

1

Complete the registration form for the program that seems like the best fit.

2

Audition or placement information will be provided when applicable.

3

Our staff will help ensure your student is placed in the program that best supports their success.

4

LEARN ABOUT ENROLLMENT

Frequently Asked Questions

Every student arrives with different interests, experience levels, and goals. The answers below can help you better understand how MVYSO programs work and what to expect as you explore your options.

  • That's completely normal. Students are placed based on experience, skill level, readiness, and musical interests. If you're unsure where to start, our staff can help identify the program that is the best fit.

  • No. Some programs require auditions or placement evaluations, while others are open to students without an audition. Each program page includes specific enrollment requirements.

  • Yes. MVYSO offers several programs designed specifically for beginning musicians, including Young Violins and Down Beat Percussion Ensemble.

  • Private lessons are strongly encouraged for students participating in orchestra programs but are not required for all programs. Requirements and recommendations vary by program.

  • In many cases, yes. Students may participate in more than one MVYSO program if schedules and eligibility requirements allow.

  • Students are placed based on a combination of experience, skill level, readiness, instrumentation needs, and musical interests. Age may be one factor considered, but placement is not based on age alone.