MYM takes a leadership role in the development of youth music in Victoria, providing an environment which nurtures young talent and enthusiasm, and encourages an appreciation of musical excellence.
Melbourne Youth Music offers a broad range of opportunities for young musicians which are designed to complement and enhance any existing music education. The Ensemble Program provides a comprehensive 32-week training program for young musicians, while the annual Summer School offers a range of concentrated activities and a meeting place for young musicians.
MYM can date its origins back to 1967 when an enlightened State Government introduced free instrumental tuition into several government schools throughout Victoria, a scheme that was eventually extended. At the same time, the Secondary Schools Concert Committee was formed to provide music students with the opportunity of quality public performances. This committee eventually became the Melbourne Youth Music Council Inc., now known as Melbourne Youth Music. The Ensemble Program was part of the work of MYM from its very beginning, and is now in its 45th year of operation, providing educational and ensemble performance opportunities for students aged 8 – 25 years. The Annual Summer School began in 1971, over four decades the MYM Summer School has been a highpoint of music education in the Melbourne arts calendar. It is estimated that in excess of 30,000 people have benefitted from attending MYM programs, many who today play leading roles in the business, arts and education community.
The Melbourne Youth Music programs consists of rehearsals and tutorials, with members demonstrating their achievements at public performances in professional concert venues. Meeting students from other schools across Victoria, members work closely together allowing new friendships to form and students to learn from and encourage one another. For those students who wish to pursue a career in music, MYM programs assist in developing advanced instrumental and ensemble skills required of the best professional musicians today.
Through Melbourne Youth Music, students with an identified interest and talent in instrumental music are provided with sustained music programs, as they interact with a broad community of advanced music students as well as the secondary, tertiary and professional music sectors. In an environment such as MYM, students who may feel isolated due to their dedication to music excel in a new environment surrounded by like-minded individuals. Melbourne Youth Music has a commitment to improving both the quality and capacity of music education in Victoria; within the framework of our program, activities are designed to provide flexible learning options beyond a classroom environment, accelerating student learning and developing pathways that assist them to transition into future studies.
Research shows that a music education contributes to the emotional, physical, social and cognitive growth of young people, and of students’ creativity, identity and capacity for self-expression. The needs of each participant are supported by a team of educators, supporting their development within the context of the larger ensemble rehearsals. MYM programs allow students to access the very best teaching available, with MYM employing more than 65 specialist music educators, each drawn from Victoria’s professional music ensembles, from tertiary institutions and from some of Melbourne’s leading school music programs.
Strategic
Partner
