The Abreu Fellows Program at New England Conservatory provides tuition-free training for outstanding young postgraduate musicians, “passionate for their art and for social justice,” who seek to guide the development of El Sistema programs in the U.S. and beyond. The curriculum provides the Abreu Fellows with in-depth knowledge of the mission and musical methodology of the El Sistema vision, in addition to practical skills in leadership, communication, cultural understanding, behavioral management, organizational development, fundraising and working with underserved and at-risk youth and communities. In addition, Fellows’ skills as “teaching artists” will be developed through study, observation and coaching.
The first semester comprises exposure to the work of El Sistema in Venezuela and in El Sistema USA models, followed by intensive training in focused workshops presented by leading figures in music, music education, child development, business, technology and communications. The second semester includes a two-month period of observation and study in Venezuela, followed by a series of guided internships at El Sistema-inspired “nucleos” that reflect “excellence in arts education employed for social change.”
Upon completion of the program, graduates are expected to join the staff of an El Sistema–inspired program for a period of at least one year. They will become members of an ever-expanding network of Abreu Fellows, mentoring other leaders and teachers while developing their own local programs.
