Musical Excellence. Joy. Equity. Community.
We envision a world where every child has access to music. We promote positive youth development and thriving communities through ensemble training and performance.
About El Sistema Indy
El Sistema Indianapolis was formed by Indianapolis area musicians and educators to create programs based on the International El Sistema model of music education for underserved youth. Our model stresses community, engagement, and empowerment for young people, with ensemble music instruction as the means rather than the end. The movement has spread across the U.S. with the mission of “effecting social change through music for children with the fewest resources and the greatest need.”
El Sistema Indianapolis was incorporated as a nonprofit in Indiana in 2020 and received 501(c)(3) status from the IRS in April 2021. We are also a member of the national organization El Sistema and El Sistema USA.
Programs and Partners
Music Enrichment Programs with Indianapolis Public Schools
El Sistema Indy provides 20 weeks of free group music instruction to students in grades 2-5 during the academic year . Our 2025-2026 IPS locations include IPS 87 George Washington Carver (ukulele and rhythm, grades 2-5), IPS 43 James Whitcomb Riley (ukulele, grades 2 & 3), and IPS 31 James A. Garfield (ukulele grades 2-5). Pictured is a December 2024 performance for the IPS School Board with ESI Teaching Artist Sara Petokas.
Public Charter School Music Enrichment Programs
El Sistema Indy will provide 20 weeks of free group music enrichment with school partners Enlace Academy (middle school Mariachi ukulele, guitar, and trumpet) and Allegiant Prep (music fundamentals and ukulele, grades Kinder - 5) during the school year. Pictured here is Teaching Artist Julian Orem with an afterschool ukulele class during the 2024-2025 school year.
Summer Music Education Programs with Community Partners
El Sistema Indy partners with community organizations including Indy Parks (Windsor Village and Christian Park Summer 2025), La Plaza, and Christ Church Cathedral to offer summer music enrichment activities for Indianapolis youth. Pictured here is guest Teaching Artist Januarie York with Indy Parks campers, summer 2025.
Parent Experience
“As the parent of a 9-year-old with ADHD and behavioral challenges, I am thrilled to share our experience with El Sistema Indianapolis. My son loves music, so enrolling him in this program was a natural step - and it turned out to be an incredible journey for him. Through El Sistema, I watched his confidence and dedication to learning a musical instrument blossom. A particularly unforgettable moment was during the beginners' showcase when he surprised us by leading his group to play Bob Marley's Three Little Birds. This song has been deeply meaningful to our family since his infancy, when we sung this to him as a lullaby. Seeing him not only advocate for the song but also overcome his shyness to announce and lead it brought tears to my eyes.
This experience highlighted his growth in leadership, cooperation, dedication, thoughtfulness, and compassion - qualities he struggles to express in other environments. Hearing his instructors describe him as “a pleasure to teach” was truly music to this momma’s ears. El Sistema Indianapolis has given my son a space to thrive, and I wholly support this program for the transformative impact it has on children and families.” -IPS 87 Parent
