Founded in the fall of 2014, the Community Music Academy (formerly known as Neighborhood Orchestra) is a tuition-free music instruction and performance program open to students in Kindergarten through Grade 12. The program takes place in YMF’s facility in Cypress Park and strives to be a central space in the community for students to learn, explore, and experience making music.

Students at any level of experience or skill can receive responsive small group instruction in the instrument of their choosing, including violin, harp, guitar, flute, clarinet, recorder and trumpet.

Students also have the opportunity participate in specialized ensembles such as our Harp Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble and Recorder Ensemble, as well larger combined ensembles. YMF’s flagship performing groups all have their genesis in the Community Music Academy program. Recent highlights include performances at YMF’s Connections Festival, the Levitt Pavilion MacArthur Park’s Summer Concert Series, and the D’Addario Foundation’s Instrument Drive at the Ace Hotel.