All human beings are biologically predisposed to be musical and this inborn predisposition for musicality has important consequences for us, not only artistically, but emotionally and socially, as well. It appears, then, that infants begin life as musical beings. Thus, music is not only part of our culture; it is also part of our nature. Give our children the musical advantage. Music Matters...

As part of the San Jose Youth Symphony's mission to foster and encourage the study, appreciation, and creation of music we look for innovative ways to bring music into the community. This includes free concerts and learning programs developed specifically for schools where music has been eliminated from the curriculum. In the 2003-2004 season the San Jose Youth Symphony launched a new program called Music Matters with the Oak Grove School District in San Jose. This program provides music theory and history that includes hands-on activities as well as after school instrumental lessons. Following its successful first year, the Music Matters program is expanding this season to include students and families of the James F. Smith and St. Victor elementary schools.