Welcome!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

ELM is pleased to announce that we were awarded a Marin Arts Council grant to support the Saturday program and a "Lively Artists Concert Series."

Enriching Lives through Music (ELM) is a community based after-school, weekend, and summer music program located in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael. ELM provides group and individual music instruction for elementary age students. All students start on the soprano recorder through which they learn ear training, music theory, and music-reading skills. After students demonstrate competence on the recorder, they are offered opportunities to transition to other instruments.

Most of the children are English Language Learners. All students are on partial to full scholarship.

ELM’s key objective is to use music as a conduit through which students develop a sense of mastery that will contribute to their self-esteem and enhance their success in all facets of their lives.

Our Mission
ELM’s mission is to provide an accessible, high quality music education to elementary school children who live in San Rafael’s Canal neighborhood and to help each student progress to his or her own personal best.

The Canal Neighborhood
The Canal is a densely populated neighborhood comprised primarily of immigrant families. It is home to more than 12,000 residents living in more than 3,500 households. Nearly 80% of Canal residents are of Latino, Asian, or African American origin. Twenty-two languages are spoken. The median family income is $36,000, and 15% of all families live below poverty level.

History
ELM began as a pilot project in 2007 providing an individualized, curriculum-based music program of theory, ear training, and instrumental music to young children living in the Canal. The project started with 25 students at three sites: Pickleweed Community Center, the Canal Alliance, and San Pedro Elementary School. ELM has grown to include a summer camp and Saturday morning music program, and has now taught over 75 students.

“When I finished playing the concert, I felt fine and full of joy.”
(Jessica, age 10)