Longy’s Sistema Side-by-Side Program was inspired by the Venezuelan social movement, El Sistema, which addresses issues of social justice through accessible musical training.

This year-long initiative pairs children ages 6-18 from El Sistema-inspired music education sites across Massachusetts with Longy conservatory students for rehearsals and extraordinary performances.

Through this innovative program, Longy is enriching the lives of children, preparing conservatory students to build meaningful lives in music, and addressing a pressing need for high-quality music education for young musicians who may not otherwise have access.

• Top-quality orchestral training led by internationally recognized Sistema Side-by-Side faculty, combined with private and small-group instruction from Longy Conservatory Orchestra musicians.
• Opportunities to build meaningful connections with young El Sistema-inspired musicians from across Massachusetts.
• Performance experience in celebrated concert venues, including Harvard’s Sanders Theatre, and the Fisher Center of Bard College.