THE YACM STORY

Young Artists Conservatory of Music (YACM) was founded as a non-profit charity in April 2005 by long time piano instructor Wanda Cook.  Cook moved to Vacaville in 1995 bringing with her 3 generations of music educators and the belief that quality music education is transformative in the lives the children.  After building a private music studio in her home of over 70 students, Cook wanted to bring the positive effects of music education to as many young people as possible.

​

Today, by partnering with donors and esteemed faculty members, YACM is the largest, most respected pre-college music education organization in the North Bay Region. From 2005 – 2020, YACM expanded to 4 divisions reaching young people from a broad demographic advancing the positive effects of quality music education. In 2010 YACM adopted Solano Youth Theatre© and Founded Music Matters in the Public Schools. Music Matters© brings music to schools throughout Vallejo and Fairfield Unified School Districts. 

In 2013 YACM released its Music Therapy Division under the supervision of board-certified Music Therapist, Brianna McCulloch. By 2014, Solano Youth Chamber Orchestra© became the only regional youth orchestra to perform professional works. The Black-Tie Gala Annual Concert has featured the regions’ most skilled youth in concert performance. Solano Music Conservatory© became home to students cultivating their skills in private lessons, musicianship classes and ensembles, such as TnT Rock Band, Smolder Jazz Band, and Fuse Capella Chorus.

​

During the COVID-19 pandemic, YACM reframed its programs to address a continuum of education: Little Arts for ages 4-5 years, CORE-Arts for children 6 years and older, and Pro-Arts gives families who wish to pursue more educational opportunities.

​

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, YACM remains more committed than ever to the value of formal music training in the healthy development of children. Today, the YACM program is intentional about incorporating the 5 Core Domains of Human Development uncovered by founder, Wanda Cook into each program it offers.  The Inner-Arts© program aims to combine decades of faculty experience, and the 5 Core Domains, with the growing body of research that shows a convincing correlation between formal music training and successful human development.

​

At YACM, we invest in the unlimited potential of Solano County youth through formal training that includes lessons, classes, and performances, because every child deserves the opportunity to benefit from quality music education.