The Abreu Fellows Program curriculum is designed to provide Fellows with a toolkit for El Sistema center (or “nucleo”) leadership and implementation of musical, educational and organizational aspects. Building on the Fellows’ background of excellence in musical performance, composition and/or music education, each will be trained for teaching and management roles in nucleo programs at various stages of development – including initiation. Emphasis will be placed on teaching in and working with underserved populations and at-risk youth and communities.
El Sistema’s approach to music education emphasizes intensive ensemble participation from the earliest stages, group learning, peer teaching and a commitment to keeping the joy and fun of musical learning and music making ever-present. Sometimes referred to as “passion first/refinement second,” the El Sistema methodology is in marked contrast to more traditional music education methods. The Abreu Fellows Program curriculum will focus on the El Sistema method of music instruction and organizational leadership.
It should be noted that since the El Sistema movement is in its startup phase outside of Venezuela and a few other Latin American countries, nucleos in most countries need to address the musical, educational and social needs of primarily elementary and preschool-age children. Also important to keep in mind is that the backbone of El Sistema student training is preparation for participation in orchestral ensembles, which are at the heart of the nucleo community and culture. Of nearly equal importance is choral singing and various other ensembles, which adapt well to a diversity of musical genres and origins. The Abreu Fellows Program curriculum focuses on orchestral, choral and percussion ensembles.
