In an exciting new education project, SPARQ is partnering with Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) to examine the effects of rigorous orchestral training on children’s development. A program of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, YOLA gives some 700 children, ages 6 to 18, free instruments, intensive music training, and academic support. YOLA is inspired by El Sistema, a worldwide movement that “seeks to effect social change through the ambitious pursuit of musical excellence.” The conductor of the LA Philharmonic, Gustavo Dudanel, is an alumnus of El Sistema. SPARQ and YOLA are not only conducting basic research on music and children’s development, but also packaging and disseminating effective practices to other El Sistema-inspired programs.
Press release: LA Phil Announces Research Study With Stanford University to Measure Effects of Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA)
Photo credit: YOLA Photo Gallery
