El Sistema TED Talk

El Sistema is a Venezuelan non-profit organization with the goals of teaching underprivileged children how to play music, in order for them to have a chance in the professional world. El Sistema was created in 1975 by musician Jose Antonio Abreu, with aims to introduce the instruction and collective practice of music through symphonies and orchestras as instruments of social organization and human development.

The basis of the organization is to get children off the streets and the crime heavy environments they would normally be drawn to, especially in the poor areas of Venezuela. The Venezuelan government has financed the orchestra since 1976.

- Is the result of  35 years of uninterrupted  constant effort of work and ethic in which Maestro José Antonio Abreu  has been  example of what constant effort and dedication can accomplish.

- Jose Antonio Abreu did a TED Talk in 2009 and with the money earned from the presentation, the El Sistema project created a U.S. based orchestra.

 •221 Núcleos operating in many cities and towns of Venezuela, thus integrating a complex and systematic network encompassing more than:

•112 initiation orchestras

•83 children’s orchestras

•156 pre-youth orchestras

•145  youth orchestras

•342 youth and children’s chorus

•302 chorus ensembles

•363 chamber music groups

•20 workshops for instrument craftamanship

•7 Latin American Academies ( violin, cello, base, flute, percussion, clarinet and piano)

•25 Programs for special needs

•Saving 270.000 individuals

•El Sistema's approach to music education emphasizes intensive ensemble participation from the earliest stages, group learning, peer teaching and a commitment to keeping the joy and fun of musical learning and music making.

•The backbone of El Sistema student training is preparation for participation in orchestral ensembles as earliest as possible.

•There are three levels of practice every week: full ensemble work, section work and private lessons. Students often encounter the same teacher in both their group and personal lessons. This allows students to progress quickly, as bad habits are quickly corrected and good habits are regularly enforced.

•Students play in front of audiences as much as possible and performing in public becomes a natural part of their musical life.

•Students frequently watch their fellow students play in concerts, allowing them to both see and be inspired by the accomplishments of their peers.

•The majority of El Sistema teachers and Núcleo leaders are former students of the program.

•They understand the social and musical mission, nurturing both the individual person and the musician at the same time.

•El Sistema takes considerable time working with the parents of students.

•As the students begin to learn and take care of their instruments, which gives them a sense of pride of their belonging and being responsible for it, the teachers instruct parents on how best to support their child's practice schedule at home, giving feedback and encouragement.

•Parents know when registering a young child that they can count on this chain of musical education throughout the school years.

•Helps create a society based in excellence, quality, acknowledgement and unity.

•The new generation brings new students and new teachers. It is a positive circle.