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Young Artists Foundation

Young Artists Foundation mentors pre-college students in classical music through conservatory-style training in chamber music, masterclasses, and recitals. Our mission is to cultivate the next generation of great minds through excellence in fine arts, no matter what paths they choose.

Upcoming Events

YAF Presents - A Chamber Music Masterclass with Nancy Zhou
YAF Presents - A Chamber Music Masterclass with Nancy Zhou
Analyzing, Disassembling, and Reassembling Mendelssohn with Young Artists Foundation Students
When
Oct 10, 2025, 5:30 PM – 7:40 PM PDT
Where
SFCM - Sol Joseph Recital Hall,
50 Oak St, San Francisco, CA 94102, USA
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Our Approach to Chamber Music

Chamber music is at the core of YAF. Our approach teaches students not only the fundamentals of high-level ensemble playing, but gives students rare opportunities to rehearse and perform alongside faculty, leading students to higher standards by example.

All students experience first-hand insights from acclaimed artists beyond their primary instrument, such as violin students from cello faculty, and vice versa. Pianists especially gain valuable ensemble experience otherwise not available to them in youth orchestras. In addition to accessing an untapped breadth and depth of musical understanding, students gain an extensive network of mentors, fellow students, and colleagues, who will shape their future success in music and in life for years to come.

A YAF Parent shares his perspectives on how Chamber Music has shaped his daughters' journeys toward artistic excellence.

Applications for 2025-2026

YAF is now accepting students in strings, piano, and woodwinds, ages 8-18, to study chamber music in and around San Francisco, San Mateo, Palo Alto, and Sunnyvale.

Winter Semester application deadline: $65 by November 15, 2025

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2025-2026 Season

Schedules are Subject to Change*

8.11.25

Fall Semester Begins

10.10.25 - Masterclass with Nancy Zhou

Sol Joseph Recital Hall - SFCM

1. Mendelssohn Trio in C Minor

2. Mendelssohn String Quartet no 1

11.8.25 - Student Chamber Music Recital

First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto

11.15.25 - Student Chamber Music Recital

Swedenborgian Church, San Francisco

11.22.25 - Student Chamber Music Recital

St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, Foster City

January 5, 2026

Spring Semster Begins

February 2026 - TBD

Student Solo Recital

March 2026 - TBD

Guest Artist Masterclass

April 2026 - TBD

Student Chamber Music Recital

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Copyright © Young Artists Foundation, Inc. 2025. All Rights Reserved

Photography by Carlin Ma Media

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