The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) aims to establish a school music program, based on the philosophy of
“El Sistema” Music Education, a visionary global movement that transforms the lives of children through music, under the believe that every child can learn music and art. The program provides comprehensive music education opportunities to students within Miami Dade County. This business plan outlines the key elements of the program, including its objectives, target audience, and curriculum. A new model for social change.
On August 26, 2021, the Miami Symphony Orchestra and its Music Director & Conductor Eduardo Marturet announced the new partnership with “EL SISTEMA” from Venezuela, to create a new and innovative music education platform never seen before in South Florida. Eduardo Marturet, MISO Music Director & Conductor, and the family of the late and loved Maestro Jose Antonio Abreu, along with Eduardo Méndez, Executive Director of EL SISTEMA from Venezuela, named the program:
“EL SISTEMA – MISO Music Education Program José A. Abreu” honoring the creator of one of the most innovative and effective learning programs in the history of music.
The Miami Symphony Orchestra is the only organization officially appointed by EL SISTEMA/VENEZUELA to further expand this unique music education program in South Florida.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
Foster a love for music and develop musical talent among students.
Provide access to high-quality music education, regardless of socioeconomic background.
Enhance students’ cognitive, social, and emotional development through music.
Promote teamwork, discipline, and self-expression through group learning, ensemble playing and orchestral performances.
The program aims to serve students from diverse backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.
EL SISTEMA TIMELINE
Music Initiation Level (Ages 3 to 5)
At this stage, children are introduced to the world of music in a playful and nurturing environment. Through singing, movement, and age-appropriate rhythm exercises, they begin to develop a natural appreciation for music. This is also the time when they explore different sounds and instruments—such as the recorder, simple percussion, or even handmade instruments—and begin forming preferences for the instrument they may eventually choose. Music theory is introduced in a fun and accessible way, often through games and storytelling, and individual lessons can begin for those ready to explore further. Participation in group activities like a beginner choir encourages listening, expression, and creativity.
Pre-infant Orchestra or Choir Level (5 and 8 years old).
The seed for the music taste has been implanted; peers with the same interest surround children.
When the child enters the orchestra for the first time, he begins to interact with other children and begins his collective development; he knows the orchestral repertoire adapted to this level; he gets involved with other children and awakens the need for cooperation and demand within the orchestra, music, teamwork, etc.
Children’s Orchestra or Choir Level (8 and 12 years old).
At this age, children are already exposed to different moral values (good and evil.) Children may be exposed to hate-rate, abuse, and addictions. El Sistema can act as an escape to a beautiful thing that nurtures the child.
Here the orchestral repertoire grows in demand and discipline; through this, the child develops his interest in self-improvement, healthy competition, and in giving his best to achieve the proposed goal, put on a good concert, participate in regional and national seminars, the opportunity to participate in the Children’s National Symphony Orchestra that has been perhaps the most precious jewel of El Sistema. His capacity on the instrument, solo repertoire, etc., is also developed in parallel.
Youth Orchestra or Choir Level (12 and 25 years old).
The young adult has strong values of self-improvement, collective goals, and a support system.
At this level, we are already talking about a more solid orchestra, which addresses high-level artistic repertoires, where the youngster develops his most strict and demanding musical abilities. Chamber music is encouraged, which is essential for the creative development of each student. The collective is applied through rehearsals and preparations with more perfectionist demands. On an individual level, from the age of 12, the individual can start studying at a Conservatory of Music, studying in depth all the practical and theoretical elements of Music and the instrument to become a professional. In Venezuela,
The Conservatory of Music is a program attached to El Sistema where you obtain the title of superior technician in Music after eight years of study.
University.
At this level, the young adult has a 90% probability of being a professional and an active contributor to the community.
The natural next step is a bachelor’s degree in Music, specializing in instrument execution, composition, orchestra direction, etc. The program is not attached to El Sistema at this level, but historically, they have been hand in hand. Currently, some Universities in Latin America, for example, Santa Rosa de Lima University, have an agreement with El Sistema. There is also a project to create the University of El Sistema.
Professional Orchestras.
El Sistema currently has various orchestras as a spearhead to develop a solid and professional musical career, including the Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, Simon Bolivar Chamber Orchestra, Simon Bolivar Baroque Orchestra, Simon Bolivar National Choir, Simon Bolivar Big Band Jazz, among others. It should be noted that entering these orchestras is already an audition process and is not limited by age or academic level.
SHELTON ACADEMY! THE MISO/EL SISTEMA AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
The Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) is proud to announce the launch of its EL SISTEMA music education programin South Florida through a groundbreaking partnership with Shelton Academy in the City of Doral.
This initiative marks a historic milestone, as Shelton Academy becomes the first school in South Florida to integrate the world-renowned EL SISTEMA model—providing children of all ages in Doral with access to free, high-quality music education. The program embodies MISO’s mission to inspire, empower, and unite communities through the transformative power of music.
With this first step, MISO and Shelton Academy aspire to expand EL SISTEMA to additional schools across South Florida in the coming years, creating a network of opportunities that will nurture young talent, build confidence, and cultivate the next generation of musicians and leaders.
Through this program, MISO reaffirms its commitment to making music education accessible, inclusive, and impactful—transforming lives and communities one note at a time.
MISO/El Sistema /Shelton afterschool program is available and currently opening subscriptions for the new school year.
For more information, call 305-2755666 or visit https://sheltonafterschool.com/