About AYA Youth
An initiative of the American Young Artists Association, created to identify, support, and thoughtfully present the next generation of artists.
To help young artists develop with skill, perspective, and purpose.
We work with young instrumentalists, singers, and dancers who demonstrate meaningful artistic potential and a dedicated commitment to their development.
Our role is not limited to arranging performances. AYA Youth helps participants understand how artistic work is shaped, prepared, communicated, produced, and shared within a professional environment.
We envision a global artistic community in which young people are encouraged not only to perform at a high level, but to listen, collaborate, communicate, and contribute meaningfully to the cultural life around them.
Five principles that shape every pathway
Each artist is met where they are. These commitments guide how we plan, prepare, and present every young artist’s work.
Individual before formula
The artist, not the model
Each artist enters with a different background, voice, and set of goals. We develop pathways around the artist rather than asking every participant to fit a standardized model.
Development before presentation
Readiness first
Strong presentation should come from real preparation. We prioritize thoughtful planning, artistic readiness, and meaningful context before public performance.
Context before volume
Why a performance matters
More appearances do not automatically create stronger development. We consider how a performance is framed and what it contributes to the artist’s next stage.
Collaboration without comparison
Learning from one another
We encourage artists to learn from one another without reducing artistic growth to ranking, competition, or external validation.
Professionalism with care
Age-appropriate guidance
Young artists meet professional expectations while supported by clear family communication, responsible scheduling, and developmentally appropriate guidance.
What we hold to
Artistic integrity
Thoughtful interpretation, honest expression, preparation, and respect for the work.
Individual voice
Perspectives and interests that are recognizably the artist’s own.
Excellence with humanity
High standards and a supportive environment reinforcing one another.
Cultural openness
Artists from different backgrounds, traditions, countries, and perspectives.
Collaboration
Growth through listening, exchange, and meaningful work with others.
Long-term perspective
Each performance and project as part of a larger artistic journey.
A collaborative relationship
Parents, guardians, teachers, coaches, and schools play an essential role in a young artist’s development. AYA maintains clear communication with families and respects the importance of each participant’s existing training relationships.
Program planning is intended to complement—not interfere with—the work of the participant’s primary teacher, studio, school, conservatory, or training program. When appropriate, families may involve a teacher or coach in repertoire planning and preparation.
Official communication is directed to the parent or guardian. Applicants participate with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
Governance & artistic oversight
Executive leadership
AYA Youth is directed by the executive leadership of the American Young Artists Association, which sets the artistic direction of the division, approves each season’s programming, and is accountable for the standards under which young artists are presented.
The AYA Artistic Committee
Artists and educators of the Association who review every application and audition, advise on repertoire and program design, and guide each young artist’s pathway.
Guest artists & mentors
Members of the AYA community—composers, conductors, singers, instrumentalists, jazz musicians, dancers, and directors—who lead masterclasses, artist talks, and selected collaborations according to fit and availability.
A community of working artists
The American Young Artists Association brings together composers, conductors, singers, instrumentalists, jazz musicians, dancers, actors, directors, producers, and visual and design artists—a community described by the spirit of AYA: innovative, collaborative, and driven by a desire to expand what art can be.
AYA Youth draws on this community for masterclasses, artist talks, collaborations, and guidance—according to fit and availability.
Begin an application
Participation in AYA Youth begins with an application and artistic review. Applications are read on a rolling basis, and every applicant is considered on the complete submission.