Young Musicians Meet Mentors at Yamaha Summer Camp

By DownBeat I Aug. 1, 2019

Kaya Baird, 9, studies the art of improvisation with jazz pianist Jeremy Siskind during the 2019 Yamaha Music School Music Camp.
(Photo: Courtesy Yamaha Corporation of America)

Students ages 8 to 15 had the opportunity to meet and learn from acclaimed musicians—including pianist Jeremy Siskind and Grammy-winning drummer M.B. Gordy—during a recent music camp held at the headquarters of Yamaha Corporation of America in Buena Park, California.

The five-day summer camp in July hosted 50 youngsters who attend Yamaha Music Schools throughout North America. The students took lessons, attended workshops, performed together, made new friends and learned firsthand about the music industry. Participants also performed daily concerts for employees and guests.

On the final day of the camp, nine students performed on the front steps and lawn of the Yamaha campus. The concert, which drew more than 100 audience members, featured the kids’ original compositions. Several Yamaha employees performed with the students, including clarinetist Rory Mazela, marketing specialist for wind instruments, and drummer Joel Tetzlaff, marketing development specialist for drums.

Following the concert, campers visited the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, where they learned about the history of American music through artifacts and interactive exhibits.

“Creating new music-makers and being close to our customers is very important to Yamaha, demonstrated by the fact that we opened our doors to children and their families for four days,” said Mike Morrell, manager for music education. “We were so energized by the way the children and parents responded. The friendships and experiences that were developed during the camp will be deeply valued for years to come, by both Yamaha and the camp attendees.”

Established in 1954, Yamaha Music Education programs enhance the offerings of music schools and music instrument dealers in 40 countries worldwide. In the United States, more than 60 locations are authorized to offer Yamaha Music School programs. To date, more than six million students from around the world have graduated from the program. DB