Music for Social Change and Human Value at North Park

The Music for Social Change and Human Values certificate program, a collaboration between North Park and the People’s Music School in Chicago, allows music majors to add this certificate to their degree. Students will focus on teaching youth to play bowed stringed instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass) and gain hands-on experience through internships with local youth orchestras. This unique program equips students with the skills to use music as a tool for social change while learning directly from El Sistema instructors.

El Sistema is a proven music teaching model that not only creates skilled musicians but also helps children succeed in all aspects of life. Developed in Venezuela to provide free music education to underserved children, the method involves parents and communities in creating safe, nurturing environments that foster growth, confidence, and achievement.

Featured course

MUS 1600–El Sistema

An introduction to the El Sistema philosophy of music instruction. The course will include information about the history of El Sistema; current developments in the movement; specific case studies of El Sistema-inspired programs in Venezuela, the United States and other countries; and other pertinent topics related to this philosophy of music instruction. Resources from greater Chicago and YOURS community will be linked to the curriculum of this course.

Certificate requirements

To earn the Certificate in Music for Social Change and Human Values, you must be a music major (in any degree option) who plays a stringed instrument. You’ll complete the following 8 semester hours of coursework and internship credits:

Required semester hours: 8 sh

Core courses:

• MUS 1600: El Sistema (1 sh)
• Either MUS 2083 and 3083 OR AMUS 3050:
  • MUS 2083: Applied Methods: Strings (1 sh)
  • MUS 3083: Pedagogical Methods: Strings (1 sh)
  • AMUS 3050: Instrumental Pedagogy and Literature II (2 sh)
• MUS 3690: Youth Orchestra Techniques (2 sh)
• MUS 4970: Internship in Music (1 sh per semester, 3 sh total)