Mission
Here at Young Musician’s Collective, we believe that everyone should have access to the joy and power of music. We exist to build community, create connections, accelerate learning, and share in the delight of the space we’ve made together.
In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, we want to bring our community of young musicians together in a safe, positive, and interesting way. It’s hard to be at home. It’s hard to be alone. But it doesn’t have to be boring.
Testimonials
Join us...
learn
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Want to learn a new skill or technique? Head to our video library to watch one of our instructional videos!
connect
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Interested in talking to other up-and-coming young musicians? Head over to our YMC Students Facebook group, where you can chat with other kids who play your instrument, hear about things that are going on in your area (or online), or just kinda see what’s up.
improve
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Want a free lesson or some one-on-one mentorship? Reach out to our Community Leaders. We’re here to answer even the simplest of questions about music, your instrument, gigging, or anything else!
enjoy
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We’ve got a calendar full of Masterclasses for your viewing pleasure.
“Music can change the world, because it can change people.”
- Bono
Our story
Camille Collins grew up in the Bay Area. She picked up the saxophone when she was nine as part of Oakland’s “Music in Schools” program. Her parents didn’t have money for private lessons, so Camille taught herself to play. She practiced for hours every day, eventually getting good enough to attend middle school at Oakland School for the Arts. This was where she began to connect with other young musicians, learn new skills and build her community. As she years passed, her community grew - along with opportunities and support. By the time Camille was in high school, she was in the SF JAZZ All-Stars and the top combo at Berkeley High, and she knew that music was what she wanted to do in life.
During the pandemic of 2020, Camille had an “aha” moment. Stuck at home, playing saxophone by herself in her bedroom was not super fun…but at least she had her community. What about the kids who were truly alone? The kids who were just starting out? The kids who didn’t have music programs at school?
Camille got inspired. She decided to build a community of students who all helped and supported each other. It would be a space for ALL kids to learn and connect. Maybe it could help to close the “equity gap” of students who couldn’t afford lessons or don’t have music programs at school.
And so the nonprofit organization Young Musician’s Collective was born.
want to be a community leader?
Join us
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