Project STEP has named Élider DiPaula as the new Executive Director, and Arts Consulting Group (ACG) extends its congratulations on his leadership appointment. He began his tenure on November 6, 2025.
Project STEP is a nationally celebrated organization rooted in Boston, Massachusetts, committed to advancing equity, access, and excellence in classical music. Since 1982, Project STEP has transformed the classical music pipeline by providing comprehensive, long-term string instrument training to musically talented students from underrepresented communities—primarily Black and Latine youth. Its mission is both artistic and social: to prepare students for success in conservatories and professional careers, while also reshaping who belongs and thrives in the world of classical music.
Praised by the Chicago Tribune as a “highly personable, exceptionally talented pianist,” DiPaula’s artistic and educational philosophy centers on the belief that music is a transformative force with the power to bridge cultural divides, cultivate emotional depth, and spark intellectual curiosity. As Executive Director of Project STEP, DiPaula will continue his and Project STEP’s collective mission to elevate underrepresented young musicians and advocate for their holistic development, emphasizing both artistic rigor and personal growth.
“Project STEP doesn’t just celebrate excellence; we’re redefining who gets to be excellent,” said DiPaula. “I’m here to ensure that every young musician, regardless of background, claims their rightful place in the classical music world.”
DiPaula joins Project STEP from Project 88 Music Academy, where he served as Executive Director and Artistic Director after founding it in 2018. Under his leadership, he raised more than one million dollars to provide free, high-quality music education to over 130 students, primarily Black, Latine, and immigrant youth in Chicago’s western suburbs. Under his leadership, the Project 88 Concert Series reached its 88th production in 2024, and students earned state-level accolades as well as international recognition, including 1st Prize at the 11th Sandakan International Piano Competition in 2025.
As a producer and performer, DiPaula has curated more than 100 concerts featuring artists from 17 countries, with coverage in major Chicago publications. A national piano competition winner at age seven, he later performed with the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Goiás, received a national commission from Goiânia Música Hoje, and directed Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale.
DiPaula trained in Brazil and the U.S., holding degrees from the Universidade Federal de Goiás, James Madison University, and the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, where he later became Advisory Board Chair. His leadership and advocacy have been recognized with awards from Roosevelt University and the Chicago College of Performing Arts, as well as a 2025 nomination for the American Red Cross Hero of Education Award.
“We are thrilled to welcome Élider as our new Executive Director,” said Elisa Pepe, President of the Board of Directors for Project STEP. “Élider not only embodies all the qualities we would want in a leader for our young musicians but is a talented musician who has dedicated his life to our similar mission of changing the face of classical music by creating opportunities for underrepresented students.”
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