Adventist Youth Music Association Invites Youth to Cultivate Musical Talents

Story by AYMA Staff

Professors of music from Seventh-day Adventist universities are joining together to form the Adventist Youth Music Association (AYMA). AYMA offers students opportunities to develop their musical gifts, build community and forge the next generation of Adventist music leadership. 

In the United States, Solo & Ensemble and All-State ensembles exist in public school music education, providing opportunities for inspiration, development and exploration of God-given musical talents. Students attending Adventist academies do not have easy access to these programs, and Adventist students attending public schools or home school networks open face Sabbath conflicts. The AYMA Ensemble Experience is designed for all Seventh-day Adventist youth in grades 9 through 12, regardless of education format. Next summer, AYMA will provide an opportunity for eligible students to participate in a unique ensemble experience.

The Invitational AYMA Ensemble Experience is for students grades 9-12 held from July 9-18, 2026 at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Mich. Please apply by October 30, 2025. Solo video submissions will be accepted thru November 9, 2025. Students will submit solo performance videos for adjudication and feedback. 

Students will be selected to participate in the stage two invitational based on the criteria noted here. 

Stage One: Solo Adjudication 

Music Video Guidelines: 

• Students are encouraged to own legal copies of the music they perform. 
• Students are at liberty to select their own music. 
• Video should follow this order: Clearly state your full name and piece title.
• Perform a two-octave scale (singers perform a one octave major scale, up and down).
• Perform your selected work. 
• The video must be no longer than 10 minutes. 

Recording and Accompaniment Guidelines: 

1. Please submit a natural acoustic video in landscape mode. Using a recent model cell phone will suffice. 
2. If you opt to use a professional recording set up, please mic for the natural acoustic of the room. (Do not close mic instruments or singers.) 
3. Auto-tune is forbidden, and additional audio processing is discouraged. 
4. To achieve an organic performance, the student is encouraged to perform with an accompanist (for pieces that include accompaniment). If this is not possible, accompaniment tracks can be used; however, the student should play the track through speakers and record the combined performance using a natural acoustic. 
5. Do not use a mixer to balance the accompaniment track and performer. 

Feedback: Adjudication and scoring is based on the following categories: 

Tone (beauty and control of sound) 

Intonation (accuracy of pitch in relationship to the melody line and harmonic structure) 

Rhythm (precision of note duration, meter, and accents) 

Technique (this is unique to each instrument, but includes things such as articulation, bowing choice, breath control, diction, etc.) 

Interpretation (overall expression, phrasing, tempo, and dynamics) 

Scoring results and feedback will be released on November 24, 2025 

Stage Two: Ensemble Auditions Students earning a high score in the stage one adjudication will be invited to audition for placement in the AYMA Ensemble Experience (summer camp). In this stage, students submit videos of assigned excerpts from the repertoire to be performed. Detailed information for Stage Two: Ensemble Auditions will be provided via the adjudication website to those students who qualify. 

Stage Three: AYMA Invitational Ensemble Experience, July 9-18, 2026 at Andrews University 

Students will engage in worship/discipleship, group lessons, masterclasses, musician health and wellness seminars, ensemble rehearsals and more. The week will include multiple performance opportunities including a capstone performance! 

For more information, please visit andrews.edu/music/ayma.