Side by Side Arts
is a team of high schoolers providing music education to students in El Sistema movements (though we welcome everybody to our programs) nation-wide through masterclasses, music theory and history classes, technique and musicality classes, and private lessons.
Day in the Life
What's it like to be a musician in Side by Side Arts?
Group lessons
Every week, group lessons are taught by high school instructors for El Sistema students in grades 3 to 8. Instruction times vary from 1 hour to 3 hours per week.
Private lessons
Private lessons, lasting between 30 to 45 minutes, are held in addition to general lessons and are completely optional.
Becoming a musician
Explore composers of all different eras, perform for each other, listen to music, and have fun throughout the process!
Check out lessons we've taught in the past!
Click the text on the left to see full slides
Frequently Asked Questions
We have previously taught music theory, music history, masterclasses, musicality, technique, personal experiences/opportunities, and performance prep. In addition to these, look out for new types of lessons in the future!
General lessons are held weekly during weekends, and private lessons are scheduled separately with individual instructors. All general and private lessons are held virtually through Google Meet.
We welcome students of any level, from beginner to advanced! We recommend that high school tutors have at least three years of experience, though there are no strict requirements.
Nothing! Side by Side is completely free, run by a generous team of volunteers.
Just fill out our short Google Form and wait to hear back! We're excited to begin working with you.
Our team
Sydney Ma is a violist from the Midwest. She sought to create a platform connecting musicians of all different backgrounds to incorporate collaboration and social exchanges into practicing because of personal experience.She currently serves as the principal violist of the Michigan Youth Symphony Orchestra and has participated in the Boston University Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Orchestra as Assistant Principal Violist (2025), MSBOA High School and Middle School All-State Orchestra (2023 - 2026), and Interlochen Symphony Orchestra and Viola Intensive (2024 - 2025). At her school, she is an active member of the Dow High School Symphony and Honors Orchestra. She has received masterclasses from internationally-acclaimed musicians and educators such as Ed Gazouleas, Daniel Sweany, Jeremy Crosmer, and others.
Shuman has participated in the BU Tanglewood Institute Young Artists Orchestra as Assistant Concertmaster and various PMEA ensembles. Currently, she is a violinist at Temple Music Prep.
In her 4 years of flute playing, Sophia has won several scholarships and awards. She currently serves as Principal Flute of her school's wind ensemble. In addition, she has extensive experience in jazz band, marching band, pit orchestra, and symphonic band.
Langlen is a sophomore from Northern Virginia. She started private classical vocal training 4 years ago, and is a student of the 2025-2026 Peabody Institute’s Vocal Performance academy. Her most recent achievements include participating in the All-Virginia choir for three years consecutively and placing first chair alto 1 in her district choir. Langlen is looking forward to serving as Side by Side’s VP of Operations and working alongside many other hardworking musicians!
Siena Koch is a dedicated horn player with a strong passion for classical music. She is the first horn in both youth orchestras at the Colburn Conservatory of Music. She also performs with the Heart of Los Angeles Intergenerational Orchestra. Siena is also a chamber musician and plays in a brass quintet at the Colburn School. She values collaboration, growth, and expressive performance. She is so excited to be on the Side by Side team.
Sophomore Taryn Lee is a bassoonist in the Evergreen Philharmonic and the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, where she has traveled internationally to perform in Portugal in summer of 2025. She has previously attended the Marrowstone Music Festival and Western International Band Clinic, and will be attending the Interlochen Arts Camp in summer of 2026. She is excited to serve as the Vice President of Social Media as a part of Side by Side Arts.
Stephanie Bukuru, the Blog Author at Side by Side Arts, is a double bassist and member of numerous ensembles and bands. Most notably, she is a part of the prestigious Hochstein Symphony Youth Orchestra in New York. She is also an active member of her school's jazz band and orchestra. In the past, she has received invitations to multiple All-County and Area All-State Orchestras. She is very glad to be a part of Side by Side Arts and looks forward to working with talented musicians.
