Student Ambassadors

Education. Affiliation. Transformation.

Student musician playing violin in front of drummer and singers

Where student musicians become global ambassadors

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

A musical journey like no other

Imagine a musical journey that combines learning from the nation’s top musical artists, while studying and performing alongside talented Cuban students in an entirely new and exciting locale. This is CAYO. Both our US and Cuban students come away forever transformed – socially, musically, culturally, and personally. It is that powerful and positive an experience.

Student reactions

“We exchanged ideas, ways of thinking, stories, languages and above all a lot of music. It allowed us to discover new cultural horizons and open up new experiences!”

- Kevin, Escuela Nacional de Arte, Havana

“Working with such talented musicians was both humbling and incredibly challenging and stimulating. It brought out the best in me.”

- Student, String Week 2023

“Being able to make music from a different point of view helps expand our knowledge. Being able to meet people was so enriching!”

-Mariana, ELXUS Quartet, Havana

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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