Enriching Lives through Music (ELM) is a multi-year, tuition-free, community-based music program primarily for first generation Latine students in San Rafael, California. We promote social change through the ambitious pursuit of musical excellence. ELM currently offers 170+ children ages 8-18 instruction on orchestral instruments, year-round, for their entire childhood – providing increasing layers of support to them and their families as they grow older. We plan to admit a new cohort of 25-30 third grade students each year.

ELM is based on a model of inclusivity, equity, and intensity. Students participate in ELM for 10 hours, four days per week. After school, students study their primary instruments (violin, cello, flute, clarinet, oboe, trumpet, trombone), participate in enrichment classes, and receive academic support. In addition to instrument-specific classes, all students have weekly sectionals, weekly ensemble (orchestra) rehearsals, and musicianship/theory classes. On Saturdays the ELM community joins together to rehearse in orchestras. ELM creates opportunities for students to thrive creatively, academically, socially, and emotionally.