November 27, 2012
In Los Angeles, a movement inspired by El Sistema is taking shape to bring music education to underprivileged youth. Professor Yoon Jae Park, who was recently appointed as the Music Director of Love in Music, envisions a future where Love in Music extends beyond LA, reaching music classrooms across the country.
Park has been teaching violin to low-income children through Love in Music for the past five years. His inspiration comes from El Sistema, a Venezuelan music education program that nurtured world-famous conductor Gustavo Dudamel. El Sistema provided free music education to impoverished youth, helping them break the cycle of poverty. Park hopes to replicate this success in the U.S.
Currently, around 50 high school and college students volunteer as instructors for Love in Music, mentoring younger students and guiding them toward music scholarships. Weekly classes, rehearsals, and performances provide not only musical training but also a sense of discipline, teamwork, and purpose.
Meanwhile, Professor Park is also active as part of the “Park Trio” alongside his wife, Professor Soo Jung Park, and his younger brother, pianist Sun Kyu Park.