About NYA
What is NYA?
Network for Young Artists, Inc. (NYA) was founded in 1999, by educator Terry Lowry, to give local youth the opportunity to use music and performing arts to build self-esteem, confidence, and leadership skills that are transferable to other social and academic settings. Even though a number of NYA's present and former students have become very talented musicians, the organization's focus is on preparing students for success in all areas of their lives, as opposed to only preparing them for success in music, dance, or performing arts.
Research studies confirm the many academic, physical, and emotional benefits associated with music education. Not only does music education make one smarter, but it teaches discipline, patience and teamwork; aids in the development of self confidence and leadership skills; relieves stress. Most importantly, NYA provides cultural performing arts opportunities for low-income students who do not have the means to obtain a "traditional" music education.
Enrollment
Note: The number of students listed below does not include summer programs, clinics, workshops, or academy enrollment.
136
2018
203
2017
178
2016
138
2015
Brief History
1992:
-
Coach Terry Lowry (Memorial High School, Edgewood I.S.D.) creates P.A.S.S. Concerts (Professionals Assisting Students Success). The purpose of the event was meant to promote and acknowledge students who have perfect attendance and a "B" average in their classes.
Mid 1990s:
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Coach Terry Lowry assists in creating the San Antonio Entertainment Network. The purpose of the organization was to provide opportunities for youth to showcase their vocal talents at Market Square.
1999:
-
Network for Young Artists becomes an official organization.
2000:
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Network for Young Artists becomes a non-profit organization and opens an office in the basement of KEDA Radio Station (located at S. Flores and Durango Blvd).
2000 - 2007:
-
NYA offers Vocal and Dance classes to students. A total of 6 classes are offered to NYA students.
2008:
-
Network for Young Artists moves to the DECO Building at 1800 Fredericksburg Rd. in San Antonio.
To increase the size and scope of their programs, NYA accepted the opportunity to secure a long-term lease in San Antonio's Deco District. NYA has been able to double the number of weekly classes offered from six to a total of twelve, thus being able to serve many additional students.
2010:
-
Winter 2010 - NYA expands to a different office location at 1800 Fredericksburg Rd., Suite 122 & Suite 121, able to open two more practice studios, a lobby, and an administrative office. Due to its larger, safer facilities, membership and class attendance have continued to grow.
2015:
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Summer 2015 - NYA launches S.T.A.G.E.S. Summer Camp at Alamo Community Colleges
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Fall 2015 - NYA adds keyboard classes for students
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Fall 2015 - NYA hires two-time Grammy Award Winner Rebecca Valadez to teach vocal classes
2016:
-
Summer 2016 - NYA launches NYA All-Star Music Awards
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Fall 2016 - NYA launches partnership with ScoreMore Events, Mala Luna Music Festival
2017:
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Summer 2017 - NYA launches a S.T.A.G.E.S. Summer Camp at Our Lady of the Lake University
2018:
-
NYA expands programming to include 13 classes a week for students
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Summer 2018 - NYA begins a summer partnership with Urban Strategies, Inc. to host a 4-week long summer camp at Wheatley Community School
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Summer 2018 - NYA launches a Summer Dance Academy teaching ballet, Folklorico, flamenco, and hip hop
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Summer 2018 - NYA launches a Vocal and Songwriting Camp
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Fall 2018 - NYA begins a Fall Dance Academy teaching ballet, Folklorico, flamenco, and hip hop
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Fall 2018 - NYA launches Mariachi Academy with two-time Grammy Award winner Juan Ortiz
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Fall 2018 - NYA partners with the Alegre Awards
Number of Classes Taught at NYA
Note: Total number of students enrolled via Network for Young Artists membership. This does not include summer programs, clinics, workshops, or private instruction.
TBD
2018
692
2017
469
2016
453
2015
NYA Participation Standards
To enroll in NYA's program, applicants must participate in a talent assessment, fill out application forms, and agree to NYA's organizational policies and procedures.
NYA's programs and activities have been developed around the following participation standards and requirements:
1) Scholastic Standing – School-age applicants must be enrolled in school, maintain at least a “C" average, and not be under suspension for misconduct.
2) Affordability – NYA charges annual non-refundable dues of only $25/month/child to ensure all families can access its services.
3) Family Commitment – At least one parent must be with the child at all times, at meetings, practices, and public performances, to provide support and security in public venues.
Members and their parents/guardians also agree to comply with NYA's policies and procedures regarding attendance, punctuality, participation in NYA activities, grievance procedures, and personal and professional conduct. In accordance with the written participation agreement, members must remain alcohol-free, and drug-free; cannot be involved in a gang or, associate with gang members; must comply with our no-bully-zone policy, and must strive to do their best in all educational endeavors. Failure to comply with the agreement can result in a loss of membership privileges.
Number of Annual Performances
Note: The number of students listed below does not include summer programs, clinics, workshops, or academy enrollment.
TBD
2018
122
2017
103
2016
38
2015
More Than Just Classroom Experience
The vision and leadership of the NYA artistic staff is that of total dedication to mentoring and teaching our members self-confidence, self-esteem, and life and leadership skills. NYA has found that members who regularly sing, dance, or play musical instruments in front of audiences or during class, do not hesitate to assume leadership roles in school and in the community. NYA contracts the services of highly qualified instructors, with significant professional training and expertise. Instruction and performance experience is provided in a variety of musical genres.
Students select their own music for individual performances, but the music must be age appropriate, and must not contain offensive or inappropriate lyrics.
​
Some performances include: NYA's Deco District Art & Music Festival, Alegre Awards, NYA All-Star Music Awards, Mala Luna Music Festival, NYA Showcase at Hard Rock Café, Market Square,Tejano Music Awards Fan Fair, KXTN's Fan Fair, St. Mary's University's Oyster Bake, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Univision's Fiestas Patrias, Una Noche De La Gloria, San Antonio Parks Foundation Fest of Tails, and more.
Percentage of Students that are Female
Note: The data below reflects the students enrolled via Network for Young Artists membership. This does not include summer programs, clinics, workshops, or private instruction.
61%
2018
(As of5/25/2018)
70%
2017
71%
2016
72%
2015
How Music Education Helps a Student Learn, Achieve, and Succed
Music education equips students with foundational skills to learn:
1. Enhances fine motor skills.
2. Prepares the brain for achievement.
3. Fosters superior working memory and vocabulary.
4. Cultivates critical thinking skills.
Music education bolsters student engagement and achievement in other academic subjects:
1. Facilitates the learning of other subjects.
2. Advances math achievement.
3. Boosts proficiency in reading, English language arts, and second languages.
4. Impacts positive engagement in school.
Music education develops the abilities essential for lifelong success:
1. Sharpens attentiveness.
2. Strengthens perseverance.
3. Equips students to be creative.
4. Supports self-esteem and social and cultural identities.
Age Range of Students
Note: The data below reflects the ages of the students enrolled via Network for Young Artists membership from 2016-2018. This does not include summer programs, clinics, workshops, or private instruction.
2%
4 to 5 years old
39%
6 to 10 years old
25%
11 to 13 years old
28%
14 to 18 years old
6%
19 to 20 years old
NYA Knows that Education + Music Go Hand In Hand
The Network for Young Artists is a proud to provide an after-school music education program for the youth of Bexar County community and the San Antonio metro area. Our organization is a member of the following:
The Recording Academy (formerly the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences)
National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures (NALAC)
National Association for Music Education
National Afterschool Association
Texas Partnership for Out of School Time
Texans for the Arts
Excel Beyond the Bell SA
Demographics of Our Students
Note: The data below reflects the students enrolled via Network for Young Artists membership from 2015-2017. This does not include summer programs, clinics, workshops, or private instruction.
79.85%
Hispanic/Latino
.18%
Native American
15.57%
Caucasian
1.83%
African-American
1.47%
Pacific Islander
1%
Unknown
Why A Music Education At NYA?
The vision and leadership of the NYA artistic staff is that of total dedication to mentoring and teaching our members self-confidence, self-esteem, and life and leadership skills. NYA has found that members who regularly sing, dance, or play musical instruments in front of audiences or during class, do not hesitate to assume leadership roles in school and in the community. NYA contracts the services of highly qualified instructors, with significant professional training and expertise. Instruction and performance experience is provided in a variety of musical genres.
Students select their own music for individual performances, but the music must be age appropriate, and must not contain offensive or inappropriate lyrics.
The Students We Serve in Bexar County
Note: The data below reflects the students enrolled via Network for Young Artists membership from 2015-2017. This does not include summer programs, clinics, workshops, or private instruction.
24.93%
Precinct 1
7.16%
Outside Bexar County
30.23%
Precinct 2
18.30%
Precinct 3
19.36%
Precinct 4
Why A Music Education At NYA?
The vision and leadership of the NYA artistic staff is that of total dedication to mentoring and teaching our members self-confidence, self-esteem, and life and leadership skills. NYA has found that members who regularly sing, dance, or play musical instruments in front of audiences or during class, do not hesitate to assume leadership roles in school and in the community. NYA contracts the services of highly qualified instructors, with significant professional training and expertise. Instruction and performance experience is provided in a variety of musical genres.
Students select their own music for individual performances, but the music must be age-appropriate, and must not contain offensive or inappropriate lyrics.
The Students We Serve in San Antonio
Note: The data below reflects the students enrolled via Network for Young Artists membership from 2015-2017. This does not include summer programs, clinics, workshops, or private instruction.
17.67%
Council District 1
8.32%
Council District 5
Council District 9
6.44%
Council District 2
8.11%
Council District 6
6.24%
Council District 3
8.52%
Council District 4
6.86%
Council District 8
4.99%
3.95%
13.10%
15.8%
Council District 10
Council District 7
Outside San Antonio
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GENERATION OF ARTISTS
