Our Shared Values in 2026
During our last faculty meeting of the 2025—2026 Program Year, the YAMA Teaching Artist team put their heads together to generate a list of shared values. The last time our list of values was updated publicly was a decade ago, in 2016!
Shared values are the fundamental beliefs, principles, and priorities collectively embraced by a group, and not just a few individuals or directors. Our staff uses these values as a compass to guide decision-making at all levels—from how we interact with students, how we build trust across our team, how we structure field trips, and even how we hire newcomers to join our team of rock stars.
Even though the YAMA orchestras are at the core of our program, we are so much more than just a music-making program!
A sticky note exercise we used to generate our list.
Our list, in no particular order:
We hold space for everyone to lead and we challenge each other to do so in all contexts.
Let yourself breathe. Allow yourself to keep growing as every year in YAMA is not the same.
We teach the love of music through upholding the importance of community building over only musical excellence.
YAMA builds a community for our students and staff to feel seen and thrive.
We make decisions while centering students at every step of the way.
Put the kids first, everything else will come as the program thrives. When the students thrive, the program thrives.
We model kindness and respect to show students they can build the community they want to be a part of.
We uphold space to question the norms and standards of the classical music setting.
YAMA is a space that breaks the narrative that classical music is only for specific communities. We uphold kindness and acceptance.
At YAMA, we care about the whole person more than any one part.
At YAMA, we value leadership that is compassionate and understanding. We want to work with someone who understands where we’re coming from in what we do, and why we do it.
We understand the importance of field trips and friendships that develop on those trips.
We uphold high expectations, meeting the students where they are at, and having a healthy view of student goals.
Respect the individual and help create a community.
Establishing clear boundaries helps foster trust.
Connection goes a long way, all for all.
Prioritize our students, families, and staff well-being over awards and recognition.
There are many overlapping themes throughout the list, showing that our team is in agreement over the things that matter most to us.
To learn more about the folks that generated this list, you can learn more about our incredible Teaching Artist and administrative team at yamamusic.org/team.
