The Memphis Youth Symphony Program (MYSP) is a nonprofit youth music organization serving student musicians from across the Mid-South through orchestral and band ensembles, chamber music, educational programming, and performance opportunities.

Founded in 1966 as a program of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, MYSP has been an independent nonprofit organization since 2006 and continues to provide high-quality ensemble experiences for young musicians throughout the region.

MYSP offers students a supportive and challenging environment where they can grow as musicians, leaders, and collaborators while developing a lifelong appreciation for music.

Memphis Youth Symphony Program is a nonprofit organization funded through a combination of:

• Tuition and participation fees

• Individual donations

• Grants and foundation support

• Sponsorships

• Concert ticket sales

• Fundraising events and campaigns

• Community partnerships

MYSP receives support from families, alumni, donors, arts organizations, and community supporters who believe in providing high-quality musical opportunities for young musicians throughout the Mid-South.

Tuition alone does not cover the full cost of operating MYSP. Contributions from donors and grant organizations help support:

• Financial assistance and scholarships

• Conductors, coaches, and teaching artists

• Music purchases and rentals

• Concert production

• Educational programming

• Facility rentals

• Community outreach initiatives

This support allows MYSP to continue providing meaningful musical experiences while working to ensure that financial circumstances do not prevent students from participating.

Memphis Youth Symphony Program serves a diverse community of more than 300 student musicians from across the Mid-South.

MYSP students come from:

• Public schools

• Private schools

• Charter schools

• Homeschool programs

• Virtual schools

Each season, students represent more than 70 different schools and educational programs throughout the region.

Students in MYSP typically range in age from approximately 6–19 years old and represent many different musical backgrounds and experience levels. We recommend that students have been playing their instrument for at least one year and are able to read sheet music before joining an ensemble.

Some MYSP students study privately with professional teachers, while others participate primarily through school music programs. While private lessons are strongly encouraged, especially for advanced ensembles, they are not required for participation.

Students are placed into ensembles based primarily on their current playing level, musical readiness, and ensemble experience, rather than strictly by age or grade level. This allows students to be placed in the environment where they will be most successful and continue to grow confidently as musicians.

What all MYSP students share is a commitment to learning, collaboration, and a love of making music together.

Private lessons are encouraged, especially for students in advanced ensembles, but they are not required.

MYSP does not provide private lessons at this time, but we are happy to connect families with great private instructors.

Yes! Students may join MYSP midseason if there are open positions available in an ensemble.

Students interested in joining during the season will need to submit a recorded audition video so MYSP conductors and staff can determine the ensemble that would be the best fit based on the student’s current playing level, experience, and ensemble needs.

Midseason placement availability varies depending on instrumentation, ensemble balance, and the point in the concert cycle.

Email Jenny Davis at executivedirector@myspmusic.org for more information.

Absolutely. Many students join MYSP for the first time after participating only in school ensembles or private lessons. Some students do not have school music programs or are homeschooled, and MYSP is their primary large ensemble program.

Most MYSP rehearsals and concerts are held at the University of Memphis.

The MYSP ensembles typically rehearse from September through May, with a kick-off weekend in August.

Wind Ensemble rehearses during the spring semester only.

Concert schedules vary by ensemble, but most groups perform four concerts throughout the season.

MYSP provides additional ensemble opportunities, advanced repertoire, expanded instrumentation, specialized coaching, and the chance to perform with highly motivated student musicians from across the region.

Memphis Youth Symphony Program is a year-round music program that provides students with consistent musical growth, community, and performance opportunities throughout the school year.

MYSP combines high-level ensemble training with a supportive and inclusive environment where students build friendships, confidence, leadership skills, and a lifelong appreciation for music. Students rehearse and perform with motivated young musicians from across the Mid-South while exploring repertoire that often goes beyond what is possible in many school programs.

In addition to weekly rehearsals and concerts, MYSP maintains partnerships with numerous arts and community organizations throughout the region. These collaborations allow students to participate in special opportunities such as:

• Masterclasses with guest artists

• Side-by-Side performances with professional musicians

• Community outreach performances

• Chamber music experiences

• Concerto competition

• Collaborative concerts and educational events

• Leadership opportunities through the Student Advisory Council

Through partnerships with organizations such as the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and other arts institutions across the Mid-South, MYSP students gain valuable musical experiences both on and off the stage.

Whether students hope to pursue music professionally or simply want to continue making music at a high level, MYSP provides a rigorous, welcoming, and inspiring musical community for young musicians throughout the region.

Yes. Students who are accepted into MYSP are expected to participate for the full season (August-May) in their assigned ensemble.

While tuition payments are divided by semester for convenience, ensemble placements are made with the expectation that students will remain in the program throughout the academic year. Because MYSP ensembles function as collaborative performing groups, consistent membership is extremely important for:

• Ensemble balance and instrumentation

• Repertoire selection and programming

• Seating and musical preparation

• Overall ensemble continuity and student experience

When students withdraw midseason, it can significantly affect both the musical and operational planning of the ensemble. Families are encouraged to carefully consider scheduling and commitment expectations before accepting placement.

If unexpected circumstances arise during the season, families should communicate with MYSP staff as early as possible.

Yes. In addition to weekly ensemble rehearsals and concerts, MYSP offers a variety of educational, musical, and social opportunities throughout the season.

Depending on the ensemble and season, these opportunities may include:

• Chamber music ensembles

• Sectionals and coachings

• Masterclasses with guest artists

• Side-by-Side performances with professional musicians

• Community outreach performances

• Concerto Competition participation

• Student leadership opportunities through the Student Advisory Council

• Social events and student gatherings

• College and audition preparation opportunities

• Special concerts and collaborative projects

• Access to special concert ticket discounts for MYSP families and other special opportunities

These experiences help students build friendships, develop leadership skills, explore new musical opportunities, and become part of a larger musical community beyond their school program.

Auditions help MYSP conductors and staff place students into the ensemble where they will be most successful and continue to grow musically.

Because MYSP offers ensembles at many different experience and skill levels, auditions allow conductors to evaluate each student’s current playing level, technical readiness, musical understanding, and ensemble preparedness. This helps ensure that students are placed in an environment that is both appropriately challenging and supportive.

Auditions also help conductors:

• Balance instrumentation within ensembles

• Select repertoire that fits the group’s abilities

• Maintain positive and productive rehearsal environments

• Create ensembles where students can learn confidently and collaboratively

In addition, MYSP considers the audition process itself to be an important part of students’ musical education and personal development. Learning how to prepare for an audition, perform for a panel, manage nerves, and receive constructive feedback are valuable skills that help students grow both as musicians and as individuals.

MYSP auditions are not intended to discourage participation or create unnecessary pressure. The goal is not simply to rank students, but to thoughtfully place each musician in the ensemble that best supports their musical development at that point in time.

MYSP ensembles are led by an outstanding team of experienced conductors, educators, and professional musicians from across the Mid-South. Many of our conductors are active performers, school directors, university faculty members, and leaders within the regional music community.

Each ensemble is led by a conductor whose experience and teaching style are carefully matched to the age and developmental level of the students in that group.

MYSP conductors are committed not only to musical excellence, but also to creating a supportive and encouraging environment where students can grow as musicians, leaders, and individuals. Conductors work closely with students throughout the season to develop technical skills, ensemble awareness, artistry, discipline, and confidence.

You can learn more about each conductor on the staff pages of our website.