Originally established in 2006, ETM-LA reaches approximately 18,000 students across 41 schools and five school districts annually. To date, we’ve impacted over 150,000 children with music education. Our work is built on four key pillars:
- Deliver yearlong, sequential, culturally responsive music instruction, along with curriculum, instruments, & resources.
- Recruit, train, support, and place music teachers & teaching interns.
- Provide ongoing professional development for music educators & classroom teachers.
- Support schools and districts in building sustainable music programs.
Student Programming
Comprehensive Music & Ensemble Programs
ETM-LA partners with under-resourced schools to provide music as a core subject for all children. Our inclusive music classes ensure students receive weekly, yearlong standards-based instruction that integrates skills and concepts across the curriculum. Areas of instruction include general music, strings, guitar, recorder, ukulele, band, modern rock band, mariachi, chorus, and music tech/production, determined through customized planning with each school. ETM-LA Music Teachers provide instruction that is innovative, standards-based, & culturally responsive. Teachers receive ongoing professional development, mentorship, and support to ensure continued learning, growth, and high-quality education for students. ETM-LA collaborates with partner schools to provide ensemble programs during and after school in a setting that allows students to build strong relationships with their fellow classmates, fostering teamwork, communication, & motivation to grow. Ensembles have the opportunity to perform alongside students from across LA County in a culminating concert for their parents & community during our annual Music Unites the World Festival celebration.
Summer Music Programming
We provide fun and engaging music classes through our multi-week summer program! Perfect for students looking to explore or continue diving into their music skills. Offerings may include Guitar, Vocal Ensemble, Strings/Band Ensemble, Songwriting, Ukulele, Rock Band, & more.
Professional Development
ETM-LA provides a series of PD workshops ranging in topics including cultural responsiveness, pedagogy, curriculum, SEL, and more, open to arts instructors, educators, artists, emerging practitioners, and community members. Furthermore, we offer guidance and resources for districts and schools on how to build their programs for long-term sustainability. Music teachers, teaching artists, and artists on our faculty receive over 100 hours of training. In addition, we provide professional development for our partner schools & district leaders. We are committed to ensuring the longevity of music programs in Los Angeles, and providing teachers with ongoing tools for success.
Music Teacher Internship
ETM-LA’s Music Teacher Internship program provides the opportunity to gain classroom teaching experience & receive 100+ hours of professional development, preparing interns to become teachers. This paid internship program gives aspiring teachers an opportunity to gain classroom experience under the guidance of a mentor teacher. Upon successful completion of the program, interns have the opportunity to be hired on as Music Teachers, and run their classroom with confidence.