Music Education

New West Symphony works year round to bring music education into the lives of young people in our communities, from elementary school through college. Our programs are designed to inspire passion for music through interactive live performances and education programs that enrich the lives of our young audience members and musicians.

New West Symphony sponsors the following education initiatives:

• Symphonic Adventures – Nearly 5,000 third-through-fifth grade students in Ventura County attend special interactive concerts performed by the professional musicians of the New West Symphony, designed just for them.
• Laby Harmony Project of New West Symphony – Laby Harmony Project uses music training to promote the healthy growth and development of children. The program provides high quality tuition-free music instruction to children in grades K-12, currently serving over 160 students in Ventura year-round. By collaborating with students, families, and local partners, and together with our generous supporters, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more musically engaged community.
• Side-by-Side Performances – Each year, dozens of student instrumentalists from area high schools and universities perform with New West Symphony professionals, side-by-side, led by Michael Christie.
• Low-cost concert tickets for students – Through our Connect! Club and VIP Family Club programs, students age 7-24 have an affordable opportunity to attend world-class classical music performances with the New West Symphony. Students age 14-25 can purchase $15 rush tickets at the box office with a valid student ID.
• Hear & Now Pre-Concert Talks – Insightful and informative, our Hear & Now Live! Pre-concert talks will entertain and enlighten you about the music and guest artists on the program. This lively 30-minute discussion led by passionate music expert David Ravetch is free to ticket holders and takes place one hour prior to each performance.
• ‘Meet The Artist’ Talks – Each concert week New West Symphony hosts a 1-hour interview program with guest artists and guest conductors. This intimate question & answer program showcases each artists’ insights and background, and often includes a musical performance.
• Quick Bowman Piano Competition – New West Symphony holds a competition to give youth and young adult pianists an opportunity to perform before local judges, with prizes awarded for top performers in each age group. Created by Henry and LaReine Quick in 1990, the competition culminates in a recital with competition winners performing for the public.

Donations are critical to the ongoing success of these free programs.  Please consider making a donation today.