Photo Credit: © Sistema Toronto
High Quality Music Education
for Every Child
We support a network of music education programs throughout the country with staff development and training, research and data, student leadership programs, and advocacy for the field.
About El Sistema USA
El Sistema USA® (ESUSA) strengthens the field of music education by providing leadership and resources to organizations and educators. We serve 140 member programs, 6,000 teaching artists, and 25,000 students. Our programming supports members and the wider field through staff professional development, data and advocacy, and student learning and leadership.
We are a central resource for music teaching artists, organizations, researchers, educators, policymakers and funders to help students from all backgrounds thrive in music education.
Mission
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.
Vision
El Sistema USA is committed to equity and excellence in music education. We envision a world in which every child—regardless of income, geography, or identity—has access to a high-quality music education program that builds community, opportunity, and personal growth.
Our Inspiration and Model: El Sistema
Our work draws inspiration from the music education model of El Sistema, founded in Venezuela by José Antonio Abreu and championed by conductor Gustavo Dudamel. It uses music instruction in ensembles to enhance the lives of young people in under-resourced communities. El Sistema USA believes that learning music can set students on a path of self-discovery and improve life skills such as patience, persistence, and confidence.
The El Sistema model emphasizes free or low-cost tuition; frequent instruction (5-10+ hours per week); ensemble-based learning; and student participation over the years. We want to advance high-quality music education, ensuring every student in every school can unleash their potential for creativity and leadership in a supportive environment.
Our programs prepare expressive, resilient individuals who contribute to their communities. Beyond musical proficiency, we emphasize the personal growth and social connections that enrich students as artists and citizens.
Our Core Values
