Our History

Kansas City Young Audiences was founded in 1961 by community leaders with the goal of introducing all children to classical music. The idea was formed when National Young Audiences Music Director Herb Hairfrecht visited Kansas City to speak with his former Juilliard classmate, Norman Hollander, about starting a local Young Audiences chapter. Together with Helen Hollander, and several civic-minded friends including Bob and Mary Lyons, Lennie and Jerry Berkowitz, and Bob and Betty Slegman, they established what would become KCYA.

What began as a simple introduction to classical music evolved into the comprehensive School & Community Programs, bringing professional teaching artists of all disciplines into schools to deliver performances, workshops, and residencies in a wide range of artistic disciplines integrated with core academic subjects. 

In 1985, KCYA built upon this success with the launch of the Arts Partners program. This initiative integrates the arts into K-12 curriculum with school districts, leveraging the strengths of 14 of Kansas City’s leading cultural organizations. Together these arts organization partners provide equitable high-quality arts learning experiences for students throughout a specific school district in a more comprehensive year-long program.

To expand out-of-school opportunities for young artists, KCYA established the Community School of the Arts in 2004 with support from generous community leaders. In 2016, KCYA purchased and renovated its permanent home on Main Street in midtown Kansas City. With support from the local arts community, this dedicated space has allowed KCYA to broaden its reach and deepen its impact. Our building now serves as our administrative and artistic hub where thousands of children engage with the arts each year.