El Sistema

El Sistema Somerville After School Music Program

Registration for 2026–2027 School Year

• Registration starts March 17, to May1, 2026. Registration Link.
• Non-refundable registration fee is due at time of registration
• Fees are as follows:
  • 5 days / week: $169
  • 4 days / week: $159
  • 3 days / week: $149

Apply for a Scholarship   

Families applying for a scholarship will need to provide a birth certificate for every child in the household, last two pay stubs, and a copy of the most recent tax return. 

El Sistema Somerville

• Programming every day after school M / Tu / Th / F from 2:35–5:20 p.m. and Wednesdays from 1:00–5:20 p.m.
• Meets at the East Somerville Community School.
• Open to all students in grades 3–8.
• Class options include a Beginner Course, Intermediate Course (1+ year experience) and Advanced Course (3+ years experience).
• Instrument choices are violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone.

El Sistema Somerville is a daily afterschool music program that provides ensemble-based music instruction to SPS students in grades 3–8 from any school in the district. El Sistema students participate in two daily music classes, one daily homework session, and a weekly specific and individualized schedule. The program offers intensive study on strings, winds, and brass instruments through orchestral rehearsals, sectionals, musicianship and technique classes, chamber music, and private lessons. Students play violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. Students also receive a daily nutritious snack, academic support, recess time, cultural enrichment activities, field trips, and frequent opportunities to perform for the community. 

OUR STAFF

Director: Rosalyn Taylor, 617-625-6600 x3716
Assistant Director: Claudia Serna

Violin Teaching Artist: TBA

Violin Teaching Artist: Dmitri Ascarunz

Violin Teaching Artist: Meg Van Wie 

Viola Teaching Artist: Rachel Rosier

Mission Statement

At El Sistema Somerville, it is our mission to empower all students to become confident, engaged learners through rigorous, daily instruction in music ensembles and to provide the community with equitable access to musical excellence.

Five Core Values

Teamwork: In music ensembles, all musicians maintain the same goal - to make beautiful music as a team.

Commitment: Students will strive toward and achieve success by participating and engaging fully in all ensembles and persevering even when things get tough. 

Respect: Students will demonstrate care and appreciation for their peers, teachers, instruments, and materials.

Communication: Students will develop their ability to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a calm and confident manner.

Empathy: Students will enhance their capabilities of being sensitive to how their actions can affect others, celebrating with others during joyful times, or comforting others during challenging times.

Program Objectives

• Provide Access to Music Education
• Empower Students through Music Performances
• Support Character Development and Social Skills Building
• Develop Community Engagement
• Nurture the Whole Child

El Sistema roots

Venezuela's national youth orchestra program, known as El Sistema, inspired our program. Founded in 1975 by Dr. Jose Antonio Abreu, an economist and composer, El Sistema is recognized around the globe for providing intense, rigorous musical education that positively alters the life trajectories of many underserved students. Watch Dr. Jose Antonio Abreu explain equitable access to high-quality music education in his Ted Talk.

Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support of the El Sistema Somerville program.