El Sistema USA

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El Sistema USA

http://www.elsistemausa.org El Sistema USA® is a membership organization. We do this by providing continuing education, mentorships, resources, and more.

El Sistema USA® works to ensure every child has access to high-quality music education that celebrates their voice and potential by supporting a national network of organizations & educators. Our mission is to nurture and support the efforts of all -inspired programs within the United States. But what is El Sistema? For many the story of El Sistema in the United States began with a wish.

In 2009 Dr. José Abreu was awarded the TED Prize for his wish to "create and document a special training program for at least 50 gifted young musicians, passionate for their art and for social justice, and dedicated to developing El Sistema in the US and in other countries". Since then the idea has moved throughout the nation and the world. Awareness of El Sistema and its dedication to rigorous, artistic ensemble playing as a vehicle for social change captured the attention of those interested in working with young people living in impoverished and sometimes dangerous situations. Prior to Dr. Abreu's TED Prize wish, information about El Sistema had been filtering into the United States. Educators, performers, and administrators began to inquire about forming El Sistema inspired programs in their city. Leaders from all over the country started programs in schools, community centers, and other venues – each uniquely fitted to their specific needs. It is nearly impossible to narrow down a complete list of events or people that have contributed to the El Sistema movement in the U.S. The desire to connect and share information led to meetings and symposia across the nation. From these connections the movement gained impetus and continues to grow today.

09/02/2026

This summer, INTEMPO brought music learning to students in Stamford, CT, through musical theater, strings, and music enrichment! 🎶

Students explored performance, music theory, rhythm, choir, dance, and ukulele, with weekly showcases giving them the opportunity to share their artistic growth with peers, families, and staff.

With support from El Sistema USA’s Summer Now! Strengthening Grant, INTEMPO offered students opportunities to build their musical skills, explore different areas of music, and perform throughout the summer. 💙

09/01/2026

El Sistema USA is excited to announce the Nuts & Bolts Leadership Cohort, a five-session virtual program focused on the work of running a nonprofit organization.

Facilitated by Eryn Johnson, founder and principal consultant of Avaki Consulting, participants will explore the executive role, supervising staff, working with a board, and raising money, all alongside a small cohort of leaders working through similar challenges. Eryn brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit creative youth development.

Applications close Wednesday, September 23, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Learn more at elsistemausa.org/nuts-bolts-leadership-cohort/

08/28/2026

This summer, Austin Soundwaves served 210 students through three music camps across two weeks and two sites.

Students ages 7–18 explored ensemble music-making, instrument exploration, music scoring, audition preparation, conducting, improvisation, and more.

With support from El Sistema USA’s Summer Now! Strengthening Grant, Austin Soundwaves also piloted a new mariachi elective that was enthusiastically received by students across age groups.

We’re proud to support Austin Soundwaves in creating joyful and accessible music-making opportunities for young musicians!

08/27/2026

Congratulations to Kaylee from Sistema Ravinia, recipient of the 2026 El Sistema USA Fellowship at the Peabody Conservatory 🎉

Through the ESUSA Fellowship, Peabody Conservatory provides one student from an ESUSA member program with a full cost-of-attendance fellowship each year.

Interested in learning more about this opportunity? Join us on October 6 at 7 PM ET // 4 PM PT for a free virtual info session about scholarships for ESUSA students with admissions representatives from Peabody Conservatory and Manhattan School of Music.

Learn more at elsistemausa.org/event/esusa-scholarship-and-fellowship-info-session/

08/26/2026

This year, El Sistema USA introduced the Student Impact Framework, a resource designed to help programs better communicate and measure student outcomes.

We believe that when music education is rooted in access, excellence, and a holistic approach, students experience artistic and social growth.

Learn more at elsistemausa.org/wp-content/uploads/ESUSA-Student-Impact-Framework.pdf

08/25/2026

With support from El Sistema USA’s Summer Now! grant, Crescendo Phoenixville expanded its summer program from 21 to 32 students this year!

Funding helped provide bus transportation, add an additional Teaching Artist, and give students a summer filled with rehearsals, performances, creative activities, and community connection.

We’re proud to support more opportunities for young musicians this summer! 💙

08/20/2026

This summer, 43 students from MYCincinnati, a program of Price Hill Will, came together for a month of music-making, learning, and connection. 🎶

Students participated in individual lessons, chamber and orchestra rehearsals, musicianship activities, a field trip to the Kirby Nature Preserve, and a special visit from La Formula exploring Afro-Latin American dance music.

We’re proud to support MYCincinnati through El Sistema USA’s Summer Now! Strengthening Grant. 💙

08/18/2026

This summer, El Sistema Indianapolis brought free music enrichment to more than 175 students across six community locations! 🎶

With support from El Sistema USA’s Summer Now! Strengthening Grant, students explored ensemble music-making and self-expression, with nearly 80% learning a musical instrument for the first time.

We’re proud to support El Sistema Indianapolis in expanding access to free, high-quality music education! 💙

08/13/2026

This summer, ComMUSICation brought young singers together for four weeks of music-making through its Gospel Choir Camp, with support from El Sistema USA’s Summer Now! Strengthening Grant.

Participants explored the history and context of Gospel music, learned a variety of songs, and connected with renowned Gospel artists. Youth also worked with local spoken word artist Joe Davis to write an original song and record it in a professional studio.

The camp culminated in a final showcase featuring 15 youth soloists and three professional instrumentalists. This year’s Gospel Choir was ComMUSICation’s biggest program post-pandemic!

We’re proud to support ComMUSICation in expanding its Gospel Choir Camp and creating more opportunities for young people to make and experience music.

08/06/2026

El Sistema USA’s Director of Programs, Gabrielle Molina, and Director of Operations, Brian Gallion, recently visited El Sistema Colorado, one of our 2026 Summer Now! grant recipients.

During the visit, they had the opportunity to see students in action, connect with program leadership, and learn more about how the Summer Now! grant is supporting their work this season.

This summer, El Sistema Colorado’s programming also welcomed 13 students from CEMUT (Centro Educativo Musical Tomza) in Juárez, Mexico, led by Director Lizandro García, providing them with the opportunity to participate in the camp as part of the organization’s summer activities.

We’re grateful to El Sistema Colorado for welcoming us and for the inspiring work they continue to do in their community.

Address

4721 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 130
Durham, NC
27703

Website

http://elsistemausa.org/

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