About Us

Education Through Music–Los Angeles, an independent 501(c)3 organization, began in the Fall of 2006 to provide and promote the integration of music into the curricula of disadvantaged schools in order to enhance students' academic performance and creative and general development.  ETM-LA is based on the successful ETM model (New York, 1991).

Every child deserves a well-rounded education: one that includes music. Yet 61% of schools in California do not even have one full-time equivalent arts specialist.  ETM-LA utilizes a comprehensive program that incorporates music into the education of every child, including those with special needs.

ETM-LA forms long-term partnerships with inner-city elementary and middle schools that lack the resources to develop school-wide music programs. We ensure high-quality instruction by hiring qualified music teachers, providing ongoing training, and performing regular program assessments. We encourage academic teachers and ETM-LA music teachers to collaborate so that music can reinforce learning and development in all areas. And we help schools embrace music as a core subject by involving all members of the school community.

Through our fiscal responsibility, over 80% of expenses go directly towards the program.