Napa Valley Youth Symphony (NVYS)

Music changes lives, yet young people face barriers to high-quality instrumental music and ensemble training because of cost, limited school programs, or a lack of advanced performance opportunities. We ensure every aspiring musician—regardless of background or financial circumstance—has access to exceptional instrumental music education, artistic mentorship, and transformative performance experiences.

Each season, we serve over 100 musicians ages 8–20. As Napa Valley’s only complete instrumental music education program and orchestral pathway, we guide students from their first ensemble experience through pre-professional artistry. As an essential educational partner, we strengthen—not replace—public and private school music programs while collaborating with local educators, conductors, and teaching artists. Our musicians receive nearly 3,200 minutes of instruction, rehearsals, coaching, and performances each season, including professional masterclasses, nationally recognized festivals, educational tours, community concerts, and performances on world-class stages such as Carnegie Hall and Vienna’s Musikverein.

We proudly cultivate one of Napa Valley’s most ethnically and socioeconomically diverse youth arts communities. Every musician benefits from 100% subsidized tuition, and this season, 30% have requested additional need-based scholarships. Community support makes more than exceptional music education possible—it builds confident musicians, compassionate leaders, resilient teammates, engaged citizens, and lifelong advocates for the arts.