Learning & EngagementStudent Programs

Youth Mentorship Program

Mission 

The Youth Mentorship Program (YMP) aims to contribute to students’ holistic growth through the vehicles of music and extramusical opportunities to connect with a diverse community of students and professional musicians. YMP is a program dedicated to serving music students from historically resilient communities and aims to serve students from across the DMV.

In addition to the performance aspect of the program, students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops focusing on life skills, college preparation and personal development. Studying an instrument requires and improves abilities such as time management, working efficiently alone and within a group, project management, etc. Within this program, instructors discuss and work on these abilities, preparing students for future tasks and various professional paths after high school.

NatPhil provides a program of high-quality instruction and workshops for students who are passionate about improving their musical and personal skills. What makes this program powerful is the experience of being in a chamber group – YMP Chamber Players – and the relationships built with highly regarded professionals from NatPhil and the DMV community. These partnerships provide access to information, career-building connections and, most importantly, affirmations that these talented students are worthy to achieve any goal they desire. Additionally, to provide easier access to all engagements this season, NatPhil will offer each admitted student a small stipend to support their commute and transportation within the program.

Program Requirements 

  • Completion of the application and audition requirements
  • Consistent effort and practice
  • Effective communication and responsiveness
  • Attendance at weekly 45-minute private lessons (January-June)
  • Attendance for selected NatPhil concerts and curated concert immersives at The Music Center at Strathmore and other NatPhil engagements as scheduled (see schedule below)
  • Attendance for YMP meetings and YMP Chamber Players rehearsals
  • Students must be in middle or high school (grades 6-12) to participate.
  • All instruments and vocalists are eligible
  • All students should identify as members of historically resilient communities

Progam Goals 

  • To share the resources and assets of National Philharmonic with local young aspiring artists.
  • To give students within historically resilient communities the opportunity to receive intensive, high-quality private instruction building musical skills and knowledge on their solo instrument and in a chamber group, that can be carried through professional life beyond high school.
  • To create a sense of community between YMP students, the NatPhil community and partners.
  • To inspire and grow students’ passion for music in a supportive and joyful environment.
  • To create a space that allows for collaboration by practicing teamwork and communication skills that will empower students to create and develop ideas freely.
  • To provide seminars on topics like college preparation, musical/arts career development, and wellness.
  • To include students in the Harmonic Justice program by giving them a platform to start defining the orchestra of the future for themselves.

NatPhil Concert & Curated Concert Immersive Schedule

YMP musicians should plan on attending all events listed below.

Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 • Verdi’s Requiem
Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024 • Handel’s Messiah
Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 • An Evening of Chopin with Brian Ganz
Saturday, March 15, 2025 • Stand the Storm
Saturday, April 5, 2025 • Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 [YMP Final Concert]

Sample Schedule for Concert Immersive Events

2-2:50 PM: NatPhil dress rehearsal observation
3-5:45 PM: Workshop, group activities, and/or rehearsal
5:45-6:15 PM: Group dinner
6:30-7:15 PM: Lobby activities and NatPhil trivia
7:30-10 PM: NatPhil concert

All Events will be held at the Music Center at Strathmore.

All interested applicants should submit an application as well as recordings of required excerpts and scales.

2024-2025 Required Excerpts and Audition Guidelines

To apply, please fill out the form below and submit application materials and recordings by Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at 5 PM.

2024-2025 Required Excerpts and Audition Guidelines

Applications due by Friday, Nov. 1, 2024 at 5 PM.

For questions contact: khesabi@nationalphilharmonic.org

*”Historically resilient” refers to students who come from communities that have faced significant challenges over time, but have also demonstrated strength, perseverance, and resilience. These challenges might include systemic inequality, discrimination, economic hardship, or social exclusion. Historically resilient communities could include racial or ethnic minorities, indigenous populations, low-income communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, or others who have endured adversity and continue to thrive despite these difficulties.

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