Mission Statement

Young Musicians Foundation (YMF) preserves the classical music heritage by contributing to the personal, academic, and artistic development of youth, ages 8-25.

Foundation View

Artistic Development & Assistance

The centerpiece of YMF’s programs is the Debut Orchestra, the second oldest pre-professional training orchestra in the country.  It is comprised of 70 of Los Angeles’ most talented 15-25 year-old musicians, who perform at least four free public concerts each year.  Now in it’s 56th season, the orchestra performs a variety of traditional and modern repertoire, while also assisting in the development of the skills and qualifications necessary of the next generation of professional musicians.  Audiences range from 500 to 1,000 for each concert.  Alumni are members of every orchestra in the U.S., as well as orchestras in Europe and Asia, and include such renowned conductors as Andre Previn and Michael Tilson Thomas.

Completing YMF’s classical music programs are the Music Director/Conductor Post, Composer-in-Residence, Scholarship, Chamber Music Series and Artistic Management Training.  Together, these programs comprise the most comprehensive pre-training curriculum available in Southern California for young classical music artists.

Education & Community Outreach

In 1995, YMF expanded its mission to include children, and their communities, without the opportunity to embrace classical music.  Both the Harp Project and 360˚ MUSIC target underserved and low-income children in public elementary, middle & high schools in Los Angeles County.

YMF employs a comprehensive educational approach that (a) delivers instruments, instructional materials, and professional/pre-professional musicians who serve as tutors and role models; (b) provides students with opportunities to perform; and (c) brings YMF’s Debut Orchestra into their communities for free concerts.

Young Musicians Foundation has always recognized that the preservation of classical music requires not only the support of young, pre-professional artists but the development of new audiences.  Accordingly, 360˚ MUSIC introduces classical music to younger audiences with diverse cultural backgrounds through at least two free multi-media concert assemblies a year in various inner city communities.