Artist-in-Residence Programs
Bringing Latin American Music Into Your School
AMLA’s Artist-in-Residence Programs bring professional musicians and teaching artists directly into schools, providing students with immersive experiences that combine music education, cultural exploration, and creative expression. Designed for elementary, middle, and high school students, our residencies celebrate the rich musical traditions of Latin America while helping students build confidence, creativity, collaboration, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Each residency is led by a professional teaching artist and can be customized to fit your school’s schedule, educational goals, and student population. Whether offered during the school day, as an after-school enrichment program, or as part of a special arts initiative, AMLA partners with schools to create meaningful learning experiences that culminate in a public performance.
What’s Included
Every Artist-in-Residence Program includes:
• Professional teaching artist instruction
• Instrumental music education
• Music literacy and musicianship
• Latin American history, culture, and traditions
• Collaborative ensemble performance
• Family and community engagement
• Performance planning and coaching
• Administrative and program coordination
• Access to AMLA’s educational instrument library
Programs are available in a variety of residency lengths, allowing schools to choose the experience that best fits their curriculum and schedule.
Residency Options
Tango Strings
Violin, Culture & Performance
Students discover the expressive world of Argentine tango while learning beginning violin technique, music reading, ensemble performance, and the cultural history of one of Latin America’s most influential musical traditions. This residency emphasizes musicianship, discipline, and collaborative performance while introducing students to the violin through engaging repertoire inspired by tango.
Recommended Grades: 4–12
Available as:
• 8-Week Discovery Residency
• 10-Week Foundations Residency
• 12-Week Performance Residency
• 15-Week Conservatory Residency
Canta y Toca!
Sing • Play • Learn Together
Canta y Toca! is a year-long residency that combines ukulele, singing, and Spanish language development through the music of Latin America. Students learn to accompany themselves on the ukulele while singing traditional folk songs, children’s music, and age-appropriate popular repertoire from across the Spanish-speaking world. Along the way, they build Spanish vocabulary, improve pronunciation, and gain a deeper appreciation for Latin American cultures through music.
Recommended Grades: 3–6
Available as:
• Full Academic Year Residency
Latin Guitar
Music, Technique & Performance
Students explore the rich traditions of classical and folk guitar from across Latin America while developing beginning guitar technique, music reading, ensemble performance, and musical expression. Through engaging repertoire and collaborative learning, students gain a strong musical foundation while discovering the guitar’s important role in Latin American culture.
Recommended Grades: 4–12
Available as:
• 8-Week Discovery Residency
• 10-Week Foundations Residency
• 12-Week Performance Residency
• 15-Week Conservatory Residency
South American Woodwinds
Music of the Andes
Students explore the traditional wind instruments and musical traditions of the Andes while learning beginning performance techniques, rhythm, melody, and ensemble skills. This residency introduces students to indigenous musical traditions and the cultural heritage of South America through hands-on music making and collaborative performance.
Recommended Grades: 4–12
Available as:
• 8-Week Discovery Residency
• 10-Week Foundations Residency
• 12-Week Performance Residency
• 15-Week Conservatory Residency
Residency Models
Discovery Residency
8 Weeks
An introductory residency designed to expose students to a new instrument, its cultural traditions, and the fundamentals of music-making. Ideal for arts enrichment and cultural appreciation programs.
Foundations Residency
10 Weeks
Students continue developing technical skills while preparing for a small school performance that showcases their musical growth.
Performance Residency
12 Weeks
Students strengthen musicianship, ensemble skills, and confidence while preparing a polished public performance. Schools may also have the opportunity to participate in an AMLA community event.
Conservatory Residency
15 Weeks
A semester-long residency offering deeper musical study, ensemble rehearsal, and performance preparation. Students develop stronger technical skills and present a culminating concert at their school, with the opportunity to perform during an AMLA community performance.
Bringing AMLA to Your School
Our Artist-in-Residence Programs are designed to be flexible and adaptable. Residencies can be offered:
• During the school day
• As after-school enrichment
• During elective or specials periods
• During summer learning programs
• As part of school-wide arts initiatives
AMLA works closely with each school to customize the residency schedule, learning objectives, and culminating performance to meet the needs of students and educators.
Why Choose AMLA?
At AMLA, we believe music is more than an art form. It is a powerful way to build community, celebrate culture, strengthen identity, and inspire lifelong learning.
Our Artist-in-Residence Programs provide students with opportunities to work alongside professional musicians, experience the rich musical traditions of Latin America, and develop skills that extend far beyond the classroom. By combining artistic excellence with culturally responsive education, AMLA helps schools create meaningful arts experiences that engage students, families, and communities alike.
Interested in bringing an AMLA Artist-in-Residence Program to your school? Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn how we can design a residency that meets your educational goals.
