El Sistema – Community Transformation through Music

Music has amazing power and cultural impact. It has a nearly infinite amount of applications and influences each person differently. Musical power can be harnessed for the greater good of society and impacts the lives of those who listen and create. Movie scenes become more emotionally charged. Celebratory and fun events are brought to life and artists express what they feel for millions to hear. Music really has no limits. One of the most impactful applications of music is its use for changing the life trajectory of a young person. Many at-risk children do not apply their skills and creativity in the right context and squander a lifelong journey in music. El Sistema Pittsburgh and the El Sistema organization seek to bring children in broken communities into the world of music to transform their lives permanently.

El Sistema Pittsburgh starts with beginner’s music classes for elementary age children and has an ensemble for the participants to perform in. This can progress to more advanced classes and ensembles for the children to continue to explore music. The progress they make in music translate to their academic studies as well. The discipline they use to improve in music helps propel them in school and be motivated to succeed. Additionally, children learn the value of community and diversity. The children that participate in the El Sistema program are a variety of ethnicities and come from many different backgrounds.

El Sistema began in Venezuela in the 1970s with their core mission being to uplift and unify underserved communities, starting with the youth. They have a proven model for effective community transformation that has spread around the world. The dedicated music instructors are fully on board with El Sistema’s history and goal and rejoice in the progress their students make in class and in performance. The organization is a truly remarkable example of the power of music.