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More Than Music.
Building the Next Generation of Leaders.

The North Shore Youth Music Association empowers middle and high school students through live performance, leadership opportunities, and community engagement. Every concert, open mic, and festival helps young musicians develop confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love of music.

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6+
Years of Impact
Our Story

How It All Started

NSYMA was founded on a simple belief: every young musician deserves an opportunity to perform, grow, and make an impact.

Many talented students never have the chance to perform outside of school. NSYMA provides those opportunities through professionally organized community events that showcase local talent while bringing families, businesses, and neighbors together.

From intimate Open Mic Nights to our flagship Summertime Shindig festival, every event is designed to encourage creativity, build confidence, and strengthen community connections.

What started as a single open mic with twelve performers has grown into an organization that serves hundreds of students, families, and community members each year.

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Purpose

Mission & Vision

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Our Mission
Why We Exist

Empower youth through music by providing opportunities to perform, lead, and serve the North Shore community. We believe every young musician deserves a stage, a mentor, and an audience that believes in them.

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Our Vision
Where We're Headed

To become the North Shore's premier youth music organization where every student has access to meaningful performance opportunities, leadership experiences, and a community that celebrates their growth.

What Drives Us

Core Values

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Music

We believe music inspires creativity and lifelong growth in every student who picks up an instrument.

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Community

Strong communities are built when people come together through shared experiences and mutual support.

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Leadership

Students don't just perform — they help create, organize, and lead our events from planning to curtain call.

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Service

Every event gives back to the local community, connecting generations and strengthening neighborhood bonds.

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Opportunity

Every young musician deserves a chance to be heard, regardless of background or experience level.

People

Meet the Team

NSYMA is powered by dedicated volunteers, student leaders, and community champions who believe in the mission.

Leadership
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Jennifer Walsh
Executive Director
Founder of NSYMA with 15 years in arts education. Built the org from a single open mic into a North Shore institution.
🎵 Jazz
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Marcus Johnson
Board Chair
Community banker and lifelong musician. Brings financial leadership and deep North Shore roots.
🎵 Blues
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Dr. Priya Nair
Board Member, Education
School administrator and music advocate. Bridges NSYMA with local school music programs.
🎵 Classical
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Carlos Rivera
Volunteer Coordinator
Former NSYMA performer turned full-time volunteer. Manages our 100+ volunteer network.
🎵 Latin Rock
Student Leadership
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Emma Rodriguez
Student President
Beverly HS, Grade 12. Leads our student planning committee.
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Tyler Kim
Social Media Lead
Marblehead HS, Grade 11. Runs our Instagram and TikTok channels.
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Aaliyah Brown
Stage Manager
Salem Academy, Grade 12. Manages production for all events.
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Noah Park
Photography Lead
Swampscott HS, Grade 11. Captures every moment at NSYMA events.
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Sofia Nguyen
Graphic Design Lead
Danvers HS, Grade 10. Creates our event posters and materials.
By the Numbers

Our Impact

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Annual Attendees
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Student Musicians
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Community Events
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Local Sponsors
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Volunteer Hours
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Community Impact
Our Family

Community Partners

None of what we do is possible without the generous support of our business and community partners. Thank you for believing in the next generation.

North Shore Community BankSalem Five BankBeverly Creative ArtsHarbor Sound Co.Dunkin (Beverly)North Shore AutoMarblehead MusicThe Vault RestaurantCape Ann YogaLynn Print Co.Peabody DinerShore Realty
Become a Partner
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages can participate? ▼
NSYMA is open to middle school students (grades 6-8) and high school students (grades 9-12) across the North Shore. There is no minimum experience level required to apply.
Is NSYMA a nonprofit organization? ▼
Yes! NSYMA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Do students need performance experience to apply? ▼
Not at all. We welcome students at all experience levels. Our open mics and coffeehouse sessions are perfect starting points for first-time performers.
How are performances selected? ▼
For most events, students submit a short application describing themselves and their music. Spots are awarded based on musical diversity, enthusiasm, and available slots. Larger events like Battle of the Bands include a brief audition process.
Can adults volunteer? ▼
Absolutely. Adult volunteers are the backbone of our events. We need help with setup, registration, photography, stage crew, and more. Visit our Get Involved page to sign up.
How can businesses get involved? ▼
Businesses can sponsor our events, advertise in our programs, or make a direct donation. We offer multiple sponsorship tiers with different benefits. Visit our Get Involved page or contact sponsors@nsyma.org.
Join Us

Help Shape the Future of Youth Music

Together we are creating opportunities for young musicians to perform, lead, and inspire their communities.

🙋 Become a Volunteer 💼 Become a Sponsor ❤️ Donate Today
Reach Out

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you — whether you're a student, parent, educator, sponsor, or community member.

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General
hello@nsyma.org
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Performer Applications
perform@nsyma.org
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Sponsorship
sponsors@nsyma.org
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Volunteering
volunteer@nsyma.org
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