Using music to build a stronger world

Our mission is to support, educate and empower student musicians, guest teachers and audiences in the US and Cuba. Here, CAYO (cah-yo) helps musicians find common ground across barriers by sharing a tuning “A”, to sharing a meal, to sharing indelible memories. Our priority is to provide equal input and impact for both cultures.

CAYO provides a creative space for US and Cuban participants to connect through music in a number of ways:

  • Week-long travel to Cuba where students, teaching artists and parents can collaborate, socialize and learn from each other

  • Exposure to world class teaching artists from the US and Cuba across genres

  • Professional training and live performances alongside peers from a different culture

  • Full-scale orchestra of students from across the US and Cuba

Student laughing and smiling as she participates in a music education program

The world is a better place when you know your neighbors

The Student Ambassador Program is a week-long cultural exchange for US and Cuban students, giving students, teaching artists and parents the unique opportunity to collaborate, socialize and learn from each other in Cuba.

  • Daily workshops at local music schools in Havana

  • Work with world-class teaching artists from prestigious institutions

  • Orchestral preparation, improvisation, chamber music and more

  • Contribute to humanitarian mission through service hours in Cuba

  • An unforgettable experience that forges lifelong relationships and memories

Selfie with Student Ambassadors during String Week in Havana, Cuba

How you can help

Your support of our scholarship program enables talented students to have an unforgettable musical experience regardless of their financial means. Your gift supports learning that goes beyond the classroom, helping young people access world-class music education, grow through cultural exchange, and participate in our world community.

Donations also supply young musicians in Cuba with the tools they need to meet their potential, from humanitarian supplies to sheet music and instruments.

  • Rick Heydinger Student Scholarship Fund

  • General operations

  • Endowment fund

CAYO events

Upcoming Events
String Week in Cuba
Oct 14
String Week in Cuba

Travel to Cuba with CAYO teaching artists Desirée Ruhstrat, Masumi Per Rostad and Dr. Melissa Kraut for a transformative week in Havana, Cuba. Open to US-based students ages 13-17 with a parent, ages 18+ solo.

The Student Ambassador Program takes talented musicians from the US and brings them together with their musician peers in Cuba. Students journey to Havana for a week-long immersive musical and cultural exchange led by world-class teaching artists recruited from prestigious music institutions in both countries.

Double Reed Fest
Dec 14
Double Reed Fest
Brass Week in Cuba
Jan 19
Brass Week in Cuba

Travel to Cuba with other musicians from around the US to study with teaching artists Chuck Lazarus and Douglas Carlsen, trumpet; Michael Gast, French horn; R. Douglas Wright, trombone and Steven Campbell, tuba. Work alongside Cuba's top young musicians in daily workshops including lessons, masterclasses, chamber music and school visits with your Cuban peers. Participate in service learning and contribute to the delivery of humanitarian and musical supplies to our partner schools in this musical and cultural exchange week!

Patrons can join the Twin Cities’ own Uptown Brass on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Cuba in January 2025! All musicians of the Minnesota Orchestra, the Uptown Brass have played together for 17 years and have performed together and individually in every US state and throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, South America, and Africa.

CAYO brings you to Havana’s famed performing arts schools where the music begins. Get an inside look at our mission and enjoy private performances from CAYO friends while supporting the next generation of musicians of the US and Cuba!

Teaching artists

CAYO teaching artists are drawn from leading institutions of music from the US and Cuba. These renowned musicians from different genres, disciplines and locations bring their solo, chamber and orchestral experience to students in our Student Ambassador Programs.

Daiana Garcia Siverio holding a conductor's baton
Karlos Rodriguez holding a cello in front of a comic book-inspired background
Manny Laureano holding a trumpet
Karla Donehew Perez holding a violin

Music catalog

Explore sheet music available for purchase by Cuban composers.

Featured
Del canto y la rítmica for chamber ensemble
Del canto y la rítmica for chamber ensemble
$100.00

Nonet for flute, clarinet, bassoon, violin, cello, French horn, trumpet, double bass and piano

Cuentos peregrinos for violin, clarinet and piano
Cuentos peregrinos for violin, clarinet and piano
$30.00

Trio for violin, clarinet and piano, 2016

Drei-Stücke.jpg
Drei Stücke for Soprano and Piano
$25.00

Three Pieces for Soprano and Piano (2021)

Stay connected and never miss a beat

Sign up for our CAYO newsletter and get the latest updates on upcoming events around town, exciting opportunities to study and make music in Cuba, and more!