Upbeat New Hampshire

Upbeat New Hampshire (Upbeat) is an El Sistema Nashua-based music education program that invests in 250 young musicians with 130 full scholarships and an instrument to use for the school year. Upbeat New Hampshire follows a model of ensemble-based learning with frequent instruction, free or low-cost tuition, and an instrument to use for the year free of charge.Through excellent music education, Upbeat teaches students that everyone can become successful in life by learning how to work with each other.

Upbeat New Hampshire (Upbeat), based in Nashua NH, is a nonprofit music education program that provides after-school ensemble-based string instruction to students through free or low-cost tuition. Through intensive ensemble participation, students develop resilience, self-esteem, and critical thinking skills. We use the orchestra as a model community to help nurture collaboration, responsibility, and engaged citizenship. Our faculty consists of nine professional violinists and experienced educators with degrees in music. 

A defining feature of Upbeat is our commitment to accessibility. Over 65% of our 250 students receive free school lunch which qualifies them for a full scholarship. All students receive an Upbeat instrument for the year, supplies, and method books at no extra cost to them. By offering after-school programming within neighborhood schools, we reduce transportation barriers that prevent participation. 

Students begin in third grade with 30 weekly after-school group lessons and continue through high school.  For an additional day each week, students come together from all the neighborhood schools and play in one of three orchestras. In this hub of multi-cultural orchestras students learn more than music. They learn to achieve success by working together regardless of the neighborhood they are from.

During the last week of June, the Upbeat Summer Strings week is held at Nashua High School North.  This is a half-day summer string camp. For five mornings students participate in daily string lessons, orchestra practice, rhythm and performance workshops and a workshop preparing advanced students for the NH All State Orchestra audition. There are also opportunities for chamber music performance for our advanced students. 

Who We Are

Upbeat New Hampshire uses group playing of string instruments the means for students from all economic and cultural backgrounds to break down barriers by learning to play together in student musical ensembles. Upbeat shares the "El Sistema"  (https://elsistemausa.org/about/) vision of providing music education as a way to “develop the essential life skills and habits of mind…needed to lead successful lives.” Essential to each student’s success in the program is the ability to work in collaboration with others to create orchestral music. As students progress through the program, cognitive, organizational and emotional skills are honed and positive work habits are internalized. Upbeat New Hampshire is poised to offer a music alternative to isolation or sub-optimal choices that students will undoubtedly encounter.