Stephanie Hsu [she/her]

“Play dangerously!” is a mantra that worked its way into Stephanie’s mind from a young age. Her mother and violin teacher reminded her that it’s not how many notes you get right, but how you move people that matters. Ms. Hsu is an educator on a journey to facilitate the growth of students and fellow staff members, to encourage all of us find and use our voices, and to build community through music-making, risk-taking, and real talk.

Inspired by a lifetime of music-making and her time at the New England Conservatory's Sistema Fellows Program, Stephanie seeks to increase the social impact a music program can make in a complex world. Her travels in Venezuela, visiting El Sistema núcleos and making music with Venezuelan students and teaching artists, cemented her conviction to create a program that fosters creativity, curiosity, ownership, and connection.

As YAMA’s Founding Executive Director, Stephanie has brought together a team of community members, parents, students, and professional teaching artists to create a student-centered program that is much more than just an orchestra. On any given day you might find Stephanie budgeting in Excel, facilitating meetings, teaching violin, chatting with parents, caring for her vegetable garden, or shamelessly singing in nature (or anywhere else) with friends.