Programs

Cuba and US-based programs for students, parents and patrons that expand musical horizons and broaden cultural perspectives.

Student Ambassador Program

Our premier educational experience, 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.

Students under 18 travel with a parent or guardian who follows a parallel itinerary throughout the week.

Teaching artist helping a student with a violin
Group of parents at dinner in Havana, Cuba

Transformative experiences

Travel to Havana, Cuba with a select group of your American peers and nationally-recognized CAYO teaching artists. Work side-by-side with Cuban students at one of the island’s acclaimed performing arts schools, such as Escuela Nacional de Música and Conservatorio Amadeo Roldán.

Scholarships are available for students seeking financial assistance.

Students under 18 travel with a parent. Have additional questions? Please inquire at info@cayomusic.org.

What our participants are saying

Student, January 2023

“Knowing that I was able to do this successfully has benefitted my self-confidence and self-awareness.”

Parent, October 2023

“It has been a profound joy for us as parents to watch our daughter grow and develop as both a musician and a global citizen through this experience with CAYO”.

Upcoming programs

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!

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