Overview

El Sistema Pittsburgh is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization modeled after the namesake music program which originated in Venezuela in the 1970s. El Sistema is a tested model proven to transform children’s lives through music. At the root of the philosophy of El Sistema is the idea that music education – specifically ensemble music education – can and should be used as a means of uplifting and unifying an underserved community, starting with the youth. The El Sistema model has proven the benefits of music education for over two million Venezuelan children in poverty and many other communities around the world, leading them to success in school and filling the void of safe and supportive spaces in at-risk areas. El Sistema Pittsburgh focuses its services on school-aged children living in at-risk communities. The organization is working to establish youth music programs in affiliation with Pittsburgh Public Schools. Our programs would employ and seek out volunteer musicians and educators whose approaches to music education and training are aligned with El Sistema’s philosophy; namely, that immersive classical music education can be a means of uplifting and unifying an underserved community. Mission: El Sistema Pittsburgh provides Pittsburgh’s youth with accessible and intensive classical music instruction. Utilizing music as a vehicle for positive change, ESPGH promotes the development of music, cognitive and social skills, self-esteem, and community pride in youth.