About
Young Musicians & Artists (YMA) is a residential camp where students take part in activities such as orchestra, choir, flute, clarinet, brass, percussion, piano, art, drama, dance, African dance, musical theatre, technical theatre, photography, and creative writing. The program also includes a Concerto & Aria competition in which selected musicians have the chance to perform a featured solo with the YMA orchestra, along with physical fitness, foreign language, and orientation activities.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Two-week residential sessions, with planned 2027 dates of Session 1 from Sunday, June 27 to Friday, July 9, and Session 2 from Sunday, July 11 to Friday, July 23
• Price: Tuition includes room and board
YMA is a music and arts camp combined with a built-in leadership training program. YMA’s mission is to provide young artists with a unique, immersive arts experience that strengthens creative expression, builds confidence, and cultivates a sense of community. Faculty are described as some of the country’s top musicians, actors, dancers, and artists, and counselors were all former YMA campers. YMA states a pledge to create a safe, supportive environment for all members of the community, regardless of gender, orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, immigration status, or disability, and its mission and values emphasize inclusion and a culture of joy and belonging.
In 1965, Sister Ann Miriam, a music teacher at Portland’s Madeline School, established the Young Musicians, Inc. summer program known as YMI, which began as a one-week camp in Gearhart on the Oregon Coast. For the next six years, YMI (later YMA) operated at Menucha, Mt. Angel, Troutdale, and George Fox University, and a second, two-week session was added in 1970. In 1974, YMA moved to the campus of Willamette University, where it has been housed ever since. In 1985, Sister Ann Miriam retired and Brian M. Biggs, the YMA Drama Director since 1973, became Executive Director and Camp Director; he retired from YMA in 2007 after thirty-four years with the program. Over 13,000 youth have attended YMA since its founding.
Last updated August 17, 2026.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Two-week residential sessions, with planned 2027 dates of Session 1 from Sunday, June 27 to Friday, July 9, and Session 2 from Sunday, July 11 to Friday, July 23
• Price: Tuition includes room and board
YMA is a music and arts camp combined with a built-in leadership training program. YMA’s mission is to provide young artists with a unique, immersive arts experience that strengthens creative expression, builds confidence, and cultivates a sense of community. Faculty are described as some of the country’s top musicians, actors, dancers, and artists, and counselors were all former YMA campers. YMA states a pledge to create a safe, supportive environment for all members of the community, regardless of gender, orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, immigration status, or disability, and its mission and values emphasize inclusion and a culture of joy and belonging.
In 1965, Sister Ann Miriam, a music teacher at Portland’s Madeline School, established the Young Musicians, Inc. summer program known as YMI, which began as a one-week camp in Gearhart on the Oregon Coast. For the next six years, YMI (later YMA) operated at Menucha, Mt. Angel, Troutdale, and George Fox University, and a second, two-week session was added in 1970. In 1974, YMA moved to the campus of Willamette University, where it has been housed ever since. In 1985, Sister Ann Miriam retired and Brian M. Biggs, the YMA Drama Director since 1973, became Executive Director and Camp Director; he retired from YMA in 2007 after thirty-four years with the program. Over 13,000 youth have attended YMA since its founding.
Last updated August 17, 2026.
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