El Sistema

 
t the heart of El Sistema is a simple idea: using the classical music ensemble experience to promote positive social change in youth.

It works because in an orchestra, there is diversity of role yet unanimity of purpose and direction. In an orchestra, there is no success for one without success for all.  And unlike sports, an orchestra’s success is measured only against its potential; its victories are not contingent on others being vanquished.

The idea behind el Sistema is powerful, it is inspirational, and it bears investigation from many different angles because its implications and effects are multidimensional. Its potential touches infants in arms and yet reaches to multi-billion dollar industries at the same time.

The following pages are an effort to illuminate the practices, dispel the myths, clarify the concepts and demonstrate the international, multi-disciplinary relevance of the Venezuelan national music system. Much like the system it attempts to explain, this resource is a work in progress, changing as new data and ideas come forth, and understanding evolves and deepens.

Whether you want to start a núcleo or refine an existing 6-figure+ program, hopefully this site will help.