Membership
Committed to Supporting the El Sistema-inspired Movement
Photo Credit: © United Childrens Music Project
Join the Movement of
Equity-based Music Programs
This includes providing resources for individuals and organizations inspired by El Sistema to strengthen existing programs and nurture new programs in communities. Becoming a Member of El Sistema USA means joining the national movement of #ElSistemaProud by working together with like-minded programs across the country. As Members of El Sistema USA, we learn from each other and support one another in order to better support our communities.
Membership Criteria
El Sistema USA member programs must align with our three guiding pillars:
In order to provide all children with opportunities to advance musically and develop a strong relationship with their program, students have access to at least 5 hours of programming per week. (There may some aspects of your program that don’t meet this threshold.)
Programs have the organizational infrastructure to support and run an equity-based music program, including dedicated staff and financial resources for the program.
Programs are of high quality; defined by quality teaching and instruments, regular musical instruction, and established practices for measurable outcomes. Measurable outcomes may include musical and artistic growth, community development, and personal growth.
Programs commit to investing in students over multiple years, serving children for a minimum of 3 years, and aspire to serve them through high school or connect them with partner feeder programs when they age out. Curriculum follows progressive scope and sequence over multiple years, fostering student musical growth and advancement.
Primarily serve children with financial access barriers to high-quality music programs. Provide programs in a manner that work to ensures equal access to all children regardless of income, geography, or identity.
Embeds community voice and partnerships into the operations and programming of the organization.
Embed scaffolded opportunities for youth voice, leadership, and creativity into the program and curriculum. Provide mentoring and paid internship opportunities for students.
Program offers culturally responsive repertoire and curriculum to create programming that reflects the students served.
Emphasize ensemble programming as a core element of curriculum. This may be in addition to group classes and private lessons as available.
Commitment to support holistic student development through joyful music making, including relationship & community building in the classroom, development of social emotional skills, and broader opportunities such as higher education.
Embed activities that center community development and relationship building. This may include student, parent, and family events, activities, and volunteer opportunities.
If your program aligns with our guiding pillars, you are invited to join!
Learn more about what these pillars look like in practice by viewing our full program model description.
Programs are welcome to adapt and adopt the El Sistema USA model as they see fit to their context and determine the needs of their local communities.
Affiliate organizational members will have alignment with the guiding pillars but may not directly provide programming to students or may be located outside ESUSA’s geographic footprint.
Membership Guide 2025-26
Please download our Membership Guide to learn more about El Sistema USA Membership.
Membership Options
If you are unsure what membership is right for you or your organization, please contact us
Organization Membership
Organizations must:
- Provide direct programming to students
- Be based in the US or US Territories
- Serve students with access barriers (financial & social) to other high-quality music programs
- Provide services regardless of ability to pay
- Demonstrate alignment with all three ESUSA Guiding Pillars and Model.
$350 or $500 per year, depending on budget size
Affiliate Organization Membership
Organizations in alignment with ESUSA Guiding Pillars that don’t provide direct programming or are located outside the US or US Territories.
$350 or $500 per year, depending on budget size
Individual Membership
Are individual supporters, partners, and advocates of El Sistema USA work who may not have an ESUSA organizational affiliation.
$100 per year
Member Benefits Comparison Chart
