AMLA Artist-in-Residence Program
Bring high-quality music education directly to your students.
For more than 30 years, AMLA (Artistas y Músicos Latino Americanos) has provided culturally relevant music education to young people throughout Philadelphia. Through our Artist-in-Residence Program, schools partner with AMLA to bring professional teaching artists into their after-school and out-of-school time (OST) programs.
Our Artist-in-Residence Program is designed to strengthen a school’s arts offerings while providing students with access to high-quality instruction, instruments, performance opportunities, and culturally relevant learning experiences.
What Makes AMLA Different?
Many music programs focus exclusively on technical instruction. AMLA combines artistic excellence with cultural relevance.
Students learn foundational musical skills while exploring music connected to their communities, histories, and identities. Our curriculum includes classical traditions alongside music from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the broader Latino diaspora. Students are introduced to composers, artists, and musical traditions that are often absent from traditional music education programs.
This approach helps students develop musical skills while building cultural awareness, confidence, creativity, and community pride.
Program Areas
Artist residencies can be customized to meet the needs of each school and may include:
• Strings (violin, viola, cello)
• Guitar
• Piano
• Voice and Choir
• Latin Percussion
• Songwriting
• Ensemble Performance
What AMLA Provides
AMLA manages the program from start to finish, allowing schools to focus on student participation and outcomes.
AMLA provides:
• Professional teaching artists
• Curriculum and lesson planning
• Musical instruments
• Instructional materials
• Program administration
• Student performance opportunities
• Family engagement opportunities
• Assessment and program support
Schools provide:
• Student participants
• Program space
• Administrative partnership
• Program investment through school funding, OST funding, grants, or other available resources
Performance Opportunities
Students participating in AMLA residencies may be invited to participate in larger AMLA ensemble experiences, collaborative performances, festivals, and community events. AMLA is currently expanding opportunities for students from multiple schools to perform together as part of a larger youth orchestra and regional music community.
Designed for Schools
Our Artist-in-Residence Program works particularly well for:
• Charter Schools
• Public Schools
• Independent Schools
• Faith-Based Schools
• OST and After-School Programs
• Summer Programs
Let’s Build a Program Together
Every school is different. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, AMLA works with each partner school to design a program that reflects the needs of its students and community.
We would welcome the opportunity to meet with your team and discuss how AMLA can support your school’s arts and enrichment goals.
Contact:
Daniel de Jesús
Director of Music Education & Community Relations
AMLA at Esperanza
ddejesus@esperanza.us
215-967-9705
