ELM began as a pilot project in 2008 when Executive Director, Jane Kramer Ph.D. received a one-year Time Out grant from Vassar College to “pursue a passion and/or take a risk.” She took a leave of absence from her research position at the University of California, San Francisco Institute for Adolescent Health Policy to focus on her oboe and English horn studies. Returning to music was demanding and exhilarating for Jane, but this opportunity highlighted the disparity in access to high-quality music education for children in her own community.
Rather than continue her research work at UCSF, Jane decided to pursue her lifelong dream to follow in the footsteps of her mentor and role model, Dr. Ruth Greenfield. In the 1950s, Dr. Greenfield started the Miami Fine Arts Conservatory, an accessible and inclusive school of the arts, in (at the time) a segregated Miami, Florida.
Jane purchased 15 soprano recorders, identified elementary school children from the Canal neighborhood in San Rafael, and committed to teaching the students twice a week. Today, several of those who started on recorder a decade ago are now graduating high school and are college-bound.
ELM is a full scholarship, multi-year, intensive program that provides music education, ensemble, and performance opportunities to youth to develop the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to succeed in life.
Programs include chorus, orchestra, chamber music, and parent music groups. In addition to school-year classes, ELM runs a summer camp, concert series, and provides scholarships for private lessons for exceptionally motivated students. There are no financial barriers to participation.
Enriching Lives through Music
Enriching Lives through Music
2955 Kerner Blvd
San Rafael, CA 94901
United States