CYM’s Music Advocate Program

Transform musical talent into lifelong purpose

Apply Now to start a Certificate

We’ve all watched it happen: a committed 8th grader who lives and breathes their instrument suddenly struggles to find practice time by sophomore year. Just when music could be their greatest stress reliever and confidence builder, it gets crowded out by an increasingly packed schedule.

What Changes Everything

Teenagers and young adults who discover how their music serves others become people who never stop playing.

After 40 years as an educator and 22 years as a parent, I’ve learned this truth: music practice never needs to become compulsory and the teen years are the perfect time to personalize a student’s reason to play.

CYM’s Music Advocate Program transforms capable musicians into confident advocates who use their gifts to improve the lives of people in their communities: while they still live at home, when they move away, and where ever they go.

Three Certificate Levels, One Journey

Scholar

for middle/high school aged musicians younger than 19 years old

Students learn to become reliable music volunteers by participating in arts events, logging hours, memorizing literature, and completing study activities.

  • Develop consistent communication and service habits while performing in new environments.
  • Begin learning how to confidently discuss the impact of music on health and well-being, using recent research to impart their knowledge.

Mentor

for high school/college aged musicians who are not yet 21 years old

Students complete assignments that deepen their understanding of music’s role in medicine, education, the non-profit sector, and in global societies.

  • Develop study and writing skills and speak publicly about the transformative power of music in any academic field of their interest.
  • Lead other student musicians and continue to perform in the community, building their “ready to play” repertoire list.

Ambassador

for any musician not yet 23 years old

Students plan a unique music project, work with specialists from two focus areas, and deliver a program to their chosen audiences that improves health and wellness.

  • Develop confidence, empathy, and organizational habits that will sustain enthusiasm for sharing music throughout their lives.
  • Continue to log volunteer hours: performance projects are presented multiple times to magnify student influence.

Real Results Parents Notice

The young people who complete this program solidify their musical skills, expand their social connections through service, and develop an identity as someone whose music matters. They weather the storms of adolescence and transition into their twenties with purpose. They emerge as young adults who continue making music joyfully.

How It Works

What This Means for You

“Parents tell me their teens come home energized from community service presentations, and how excited students are to share what they’ve learned about music’s impact on their audiences. Teachers notice improved motivation and focus as students connect technical work to meaningful outcomes.”
— Victoria McGinnis, Program Director

Self-Paced
Yet Guided

Personal timelines, engaging assignments,
monthly check-ins, dependable coaches.

Real-World Application

Your extensive investment in home practice and lessons – targeted results.

Comprehensive Development 

Age appropriate opportunities to plan and experience “music as medicine”.

Recognition That Counts

College, work, and scholarship recommendation letters for completers.

Ready to Distinguish Your Musical Journey?

Apply Now – Scholar, Mentor, and Ambassador Certificates Ask Your Question First