MIDWEST YOUNG ARTISTS
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September 27, 2012
Without Midwest Young Artists, I would not be the musician and performer that I am today. MYA not only had the quality of excellence for music performance, but also the warmth and love of a family. Each time I went to rehearse at MYA, I felt like I was going home. It is a little pricey, but this organization can be very generous with financial aid and scholarships (MANY competitions are held throughout the year for scholarships). Overall, I highly recommend MYA for any young musician, and I would do it all over again if I could.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Quite well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 27, 2012
Without a doubt in my mind, I can say that I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for Midwest Young Artists. I joined MYA when I was in seventh grade playing the violin. In addition to playing in orchestra, I was part of a unique chamber group in which every violinist had to take a rotation on viola. Because of my positive experience learning a new instrument, and the wonderful guidance and support of my chamber coach, I continued to play viola in the MYA Symphony Orchestra. My chamber music experience opened many doors- including that to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on a viola scholarship.
The chamber music program at MYA is extraordinary. Every one of my coaches had us look beyond the score. We looked at theory, history, and ultimately what made our piece unique. In addition to classical literature, I had the opportunity to perform the latest hip-hop/rock quartets. This allowed me to explore the wide range of repertoire that is available in chamber music and share it with audiences. Sunday Soirees at MYA allowed my chamber groups to showcase what we had been working on throughout the year. One of my chamber groups performed our hip-hop quartet as part of an MYA outreach program in Chicago. I was so fortunate to be part of an outreach program that could bring music to everyone.
From local performances at some of the greatest venues in the Chicago area, to international tours, I had opportunities of a lifetime with MYA. One trip in particular was the 2005 tour to Spain & Portugal. Hands down, this was one of the best trips of my life. I didn’t know I could see so many places, make that many memories, and perform that many concerts in just three weeks. There is no better way to see the world than to travel and perform with your friends and fellow musicians.
I may have “graduated” from MYA, but I know that the door is always open anytime. Annual alumni concerts, and events allow me to keep in touch with my MYA family throughout the years. The guidance, support, and encouragement I received from Dr. Dennis and the rest of the faculty put me where I am today. I am currently an elementary & middle school orchestra director. I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for my wonderful experience in Midwest Young Artists.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
August 27, 2012
I was only a member of MYA for a single year, but that year dramatically changed my view of life and music. Prior to MYA, I was a semi-talented french horn player who was fast losing interest in his high school band. Through the urging of my private teacher and some of my friends who were in the group, I auditioned and was accepted into the Symphony Orchestra. My year in MYA completely charged my passion for music. From expertly playing Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade to meeting new friends in my brass quintet, I enjoyed myself throughly and plan to participate in the Alumni events for many years to come
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
May 23, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
My daughter was a student musician at MYA during high school. Everything about the experience was wonderful and encouraging for her: musically, she was challenged and supported to work toward her potential; intellectually, she was pushed to think more deeply about things during rehearsals and in conversations with other musicians, and personally, she was surrounded by like-minded young people who she looked forward to seeing every week and who are her friends still! As a parent (and volunteer), I am so grateful for Midwest Young Artists (MYA) and all the wonderful experiences it brought to my daughter. I am so grateful that it has encouraged her to continue playing her instrument and be involved in music at university. Thank you, MYA!!!
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
1 person found this review helpful
May 23, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I have been in MYA for two years now, and I gained a tremendous amount of knowledge, not just about playing my instrument, but also about music in general. I have made more friends than I have ever had thanks to the great people that participate and teach in the program. I am very thankful to MYA.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
May 23, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
My sons have been involved with MYA's jazz program for several years. I am constantly amazed by the level of instruction and the way every jazz concert swings! This organization is so worthwhile.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
May 23, 2012
MYA nurtured my child's musical ability in a warm, wonderful yet demanding environment. They were a key factor in fostering his love for music and preparing him for a college major in clarinet performance.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
January 13, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Not only does the organization do an outstanding job of teaching the skills required to become a real musician, but brings an wonderful, warm, safe, nurturing environment in which the kids can grow. This organization helped my son focus his love of music and gain the skills he needed to get admitted to the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater and Dance, where he studies now. His experience and the friends he made during 5 years at MYA will be with him forever.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
January 9, 2011
My son has spent the last 5 years at MYA progressing up through their orchestras to become a principal in their top symphony. The musical guidance and nurturing he has had have been second to none. MYA has attracted a number of the premier chamber and orchestral musicians and educators in the area to bring an experience to kids from 5 though high school that is second to none. Their are principal players of the Chicago Symphony, professors from top university music programs, and the list goes on.
However, for a parent, the non-musical experience has also been a true joy to watch. Here are kids in a really non-competitive environment being groomed to be all that they can be with new friends and experiences from a far larger and more diverse group than they would have otherwise experienced.
The problem is MYA is bursting at the seams. Over 600 families converge there every weekend during the school year and at times you can't walk down the hall. They are desperately trying to reach out to underserved schools in underprivileged areas where kids get almost no exposure to music in any formal and constructive way.
They are trying to acquire land to expand and build their own performance hall. This will allow them to both expand services to underprivileged kids and to save and generate more funds by not renting halls for the kids to have chances to perform.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
watching the growth in my own son, both as a musician and as a person. Musically, it has taught him much more than how to better play the notes on the page. He has begun to appreciate what it means to be a member of an orchestra; to be a principal player and lead a section, organizing who plays each part and why; to be a member of a quintet, to breath together, to communicate with their eyes, to think together.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
not do anything that would change where their hearts are. I would want to do something to help them find a more steady and reliable income stream to ensure that the work goes on and expands as its a jewel for the kids.
1 person found this review helpful
May 23, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
MYA has a 20 year history of helping young musicians mature as musicians, and importantly, as children moving into young adulthood. We have a very nurturing environment which allows our students to flourish. Strong friendships and a true sense of accomplishment are recurring comments which come back to us. I happily serve as MYA's president.
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
May 23, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Midwest Young Artists is a wonderful institution. As a parent and an arts administrator myself, I stand in awe of the opportunities the program affords young musicians. It doesn't matter if a student is wildly talented or just enjoys making music for its own sake, all are treated as family members. The school's ensembles attract a wonderfully human and sharing group of young people. My daughter has been heard to remark that she wished her regular school was just like MYA.
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How does this organization compare with others in the same sector?
Very Well
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you recommend this organization to others?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
May 22, 2012
Midwest Young Artists provide so much for the community in terms of personal development and increased classical music access for not only local young people but also for entire families. My experiences at MYA have greatly impacted my life and will forever stay with me.
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Would you volunteer for this group again?
Definitely
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
Life-changing
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
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