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Collegiate Access for Young Musicians: Higher-Education Financial Planning for Low-Income Families

February 11 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Do you want to minimize debt and increase scholarship and financial aid resources? This webinar offers strategies to help music students from low-income backgrounds manage higher education expenses effectively. Learn how to create realistic budgets, explore cost-saving opportunities, and compare commuting versus off-campus housing options. The session will also help you understand student loans, loan forgiveness programs, and alternatives such as part-time work and co-op programs. Participants will be prepared to navigate financial aid, manage budgets effectively, and minimize student debt.

Who is this session for? This session is targeted towards prospective music students and families from low-income backgrounds. This session will also be beneficial for private instructors and program managers who seek guidance in this area.

Registration is free for Equity Arc and El Sistema USA members, and $35 for non-members.
Learn more about Equity Arc membership | Learn more about El Sistema USA membership

YOLA National Festival Application Deadline

The YOLA National Festival offers young musicians the opportunity to participate in a high-level orchestral training program, featuring guest artists, performances, and learning with world-renowned conductors. The festival is free for participants, covering travel, lodging, meals, and programming. Musicians will have the chance to be part of either a Symphony Orchestra or an Overture Orchestra and a corresponding Chamber Music Program, depending on their age and level.

Collegiate Access for Young Musicians: Navigating the Financial Aid & Appeals Process

March 4 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Get the inside scoop from renowned faculty member Peter Slowik and accomplished admissions professional Fred Peterbark on the financial aid process. Learn how to identify scholarships, negotiate your financial aid package, navigate student loans to access the school of your choice.

Who is this session for? This session is targeted towards prospective music students and families seeking to begin their college preparation process. This session will also be beneficial for private instructors and program managers who are supporting their students’ musical journey.

Registration is free for Equity Arc and El Sistema USA members, and $35 for non-members.
Learn more about Equity Arc membership | Learn more about El Sistema USA membership

CEO Forum: Harnessing AI for El Sistema-Inspired Organizations

CEO Forum: Harnessing AI for El Sistema-Inspired Organizations March 5 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Register Facilitated by Gabrielle Molina Executive Director, Project Music Gabrielle Molina (she, ella, siya) is currently the Executive Director of Project Music, a youth development and El Sistema-inspired music nonprofit located in Stamford, CT. In addition to her work at Project…

Program Director & Manager Forum: Meaningful Practices for Community + Parent Engagement

Join us for a valuable session on enhancing community and parent involvement in your programs. Strengthening these relationships is key to creating a supportive and enriching environment for students. This session will explore effective strategies for engaging parents and community members, fostering a collaborative spirit that benefits everyone involved.

Engage with fellow administrators, share successful approaches, and discover innovative methods to build strong connections with families and the community. Learn how active involvement from parents and community members can lead to improved student outcomes and a more vibrant, supportive program. This session will provide you with the insights and tools needed to cultivate meaningful partnerships that enhance the educational experience for all. Don’t miss this opportunity to deepen your community ties and drive the success of your program through active parent and community engagement!

Teaching Artist Forum: TA Forum Teacher Talks

TA Forum Teacher Talks March 17 @ 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm Register Facilitated by Teaching Artists Training Institute The newly formed Teaching Artist Forum aims to provide a space for Teaching Artists working with El Sistema-inspired programs to collaborate, network, and workshop teaching ideas and strategies. Through six discussion-based forums facilitated in partnership with the Teaching…

2025 West Coast Regional Gathering

Supported by a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant, El Sistema USA (ESUSA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Regional Pathways Symposium Series. This series of two regional events will bring together music educators, administrators, and students for two days of professional development, networking, and community engagement. The first regional event will be held at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.

Collegiate Access for Young Musicians: Empowering Your Voice & Developing Self-Advocacy in Higher Education Spaces

May 6 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This session aims to empower young musicians to find and use their voice effectively in collegiate and conservatory environments. Attendees will learn tools for success, including how to assess their landscape, identify their assets and evaluate their needs, and advocate for themselves in academic and pre-professional settings.

Who is this session for? This session is targeted towards prospective music students and families seeking to begin their college preparation process. This session will also be beneficial for private instructors, program managers, and collegiate administrators who are supporting their students’ musical journey.

Registration is free for Equity Arc and El Sistema USA members, and $35 for non-members.
Learn more about Equity Arc membership | Learn more about El Sistema USA membership

2025 East Coast Regional Gathering

Supported by a National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) grant, El Sistema USA (ESUSA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Regional Pathways Symposium Series. This series of two regional events will bring together music educators, administrators, and students for two days of professional development, networking, and community engagement. The first regional event will be held at the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, Maryland.

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