Education &
Community Engagement

Our musicians make a difference.

The Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s work extends far beyond performing concerts across Hampton Roads. Our musicians dedicate many hours each season to reaching young people in our community with educational programming.

Each year, these programs serve more than 45,000 students. This work is critical in the face of public funding cuts to music education: there is a significant gap in children’s exposure to music, and we are determined to help bridge that gap. Our roster of programs includes: HeartStrings, Guest Artist Masterclasses, SOAR, Young People’s Concerts, The Harmony Project, and more. Learn about some of our programs below!

Please join us in making this important work a reality by donating to our education programs today!

HeartStrings

Strengthens character through string instruction for elementary students in underserved schools. The program is open to any child in grades 1-6 who would like to learn music. With the help of Norfolk Public Schools and Virginia Beach City Public Schools music departments, Kroc Center administrators chose to target Title 1 schools for enrollment due to the overwhelming evidence that music education positively influences the lives of children socially, emotionally, and educationally.

Yo-Yo Ma mentors a student during a masterclass

Masterclasses

The VSO’s internationally acclaimed guest soloists provide instruction to young musicians. Masterclasses are also open to the public to listen and learn from our Guest Soloists. Past masterclasses have included Yuja Wang, Sandeep Das Tabla, Yo-Yo Ma, Michelle Cann, Demarre McGill, Colin Jacobsen, Geneva Lewis, Gabriela Martinez, Tessa Lark, Masumi Per Rostad, Laura Downes, Curtis Stewart, and so many more!

SOAR

School Orchestra Artistic Residency. Throughout the year, participating schools enjoy regular visits from symphony musicians, master classes, and private concerts. With the input of district administrators, schools are chosen based on a need, such as the assignment of a new teacher, a struggling music program, a schoolwide achievement gap, or a community socioeconomic gap. Our goals at these schools are to build relationships, confidence, and capacity.

Young People’s Concerts

The Young People’s Concert series is an integral part of the Symphony’s education program. Integrated into school music programs through Carnegie Hall’s Link Up Program, the VSO reaches over 25,000 students in fourteen different school districts as well as students in private schools and home school environments.

The Harmony Project

The Harmony Project fosters relationships between African-American church congregations and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra through performances, educational and social interaction in the church and in the concert hall. The 3 ways the VSO is involved are: church services, educational experiences and community concerts.

Fellows Quartet Performances

Our VSO Fellows every year create their own quartet performances to perform in schools and teach young children about orchestral music, and how it can relate to them even at a young age. Children are introduced to the different and unique ways classical musical instruments are used in everyday films, tv shows, and media.