The Young Musicians Institute (YMI): Rochester Day for Strings is a free, full-day immersive experience for string players ages 9 and older with at least one year of instrumental study, open to students from the Rochester, New York, area and beyond. A pillar of Gateways Music Festival’s programming, YMI embodies the spirit of community, mentorship, and the celebration of Black classical artistry through a vibrant day of master classes, sectionals, and rehearsals—connecting young musicians with Gateways teaching artists who inspire and encourage them to pursue their fullest artistic potential.

Led by Gateways teaching artists, the program offers students a powerful opportunity to learn from musicians who model what is possible in classical music and beyond. Throughout the day, students will deepen their technique, explore the intersections of performance and improvisation, and rehearse pre-assigned repertoire under the guidance of Gateways faculty.

Collaboration is at the heart of the program as students join forces to co-create original music and work on selected pieces from the musical canon. Gateways is especially excited to welcome cellist, vocalist, and composer Shana Tucker as this year’s guest artist. Shana will serve as a teaching artist and work with all participants in a special rehearsal and performance of her music. Repertoire will also include selections from the Mosaic Collection of String Music by Black and Latino Composers and multi-level works that allow students with different experience levels to perform together. 

With time built in for food, fun, and connection, the day culminates in a joyful concert at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music, where students and teaching artists share the stage—performing for an audience of family, friends, and community supporters.

Registration and more information can be found on the Gateways website.