Based on the music-education program founded in Venezuela in 1975 by Venezuelan educator, musician, and activist José Antonio Abreu, El Sistema Santa Cruz & Pajaro Valley aims to insure that every child has access to high-quality music education that celebrates their voice and potential.

Youth Orchestras Salinas is an El Sistema-inspired music program for the Salinas Valley and the surrounding region.

The Community Music School is a nonprofit organization that provides information and programs for the greater Santa Cruz area, including lists of local teachers, camps, and workshops for students of all ages.

Cabrillo Youth Strings offers three string orchestras: Beginning Strings for grades 4–6; Festival Strings for younger students with note-reading skills; and Cabrillo Strings for older, more advanced students. A chamber music program is also offered.

Serving Monterey County, Youth Music Monterey provides a variety of orchestral playing opportunities to Monterey County youth.

The local branch of the Music Teachers Association of California is a resource for finding local music teachers and other opportunities for young musicians.

Arts Council Santa Cruz County is a long-standing nonprofit whose mission is to promote, connect, and invest in the arts in order to stimulate creativity and vibrancy in Santa Cruz County. An excellent resource for all arts-related activities in Santa Cruz County.