This article explores children's reflections on the value of their participation in "In Harmony," a social and music education programme whose approach and philosophy derives from the Venezuelan 'El Sistema' ('The System') model. More specifically, through an analysis of participating children's accounts (n = 111) and an exploration of the key patterns evident within children's attribution of value to their "In Harmony" participation, the article highlights a series of ways in which the initiative's approach to music and musical learning threaten to undermine its core aims.