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What is SOUNDS Academy?

Who We Are

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SOUNDS Academy transforms lives by empowering youth through teaching music and character values, with a commitment to reaching underserved communities. Through music, we ignite each student’s potential, mentoring tomorrow’s leaders who are ready to create a successful future for themselves and their communities. Students receive individual lessons, group classes, and perform on string and woodwind instruments, guitar, and piano. Instruments are provided to those who cannot afford one.

What We Do

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We teach character values in our Musical Access Program, which connects students to live music and instruments through our Instrument Petting Zoos, our School Program for lower income schools, our SOLO Program, which provides one-on-one instruction, and the Collective, which connects hardworking students in advanced ensembles. Instruments are provided to those who cannot afford one.

How to Apply

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Click HERE to register and learn more about our programs! Need-based scholarships are provided for those that need financial assistance.

SOUNDS Academy Programs

Musical Access: Grades K - 12

School Program: Grades K - 12

SOLO Program: Grades K - 12

The Collective

Our Musical Access Program exposes children to musical experiences through live performances and Instrument Petting Zoos. Through this program, children are inspired to explore music and play instruments. Beyond a live performance, musicians share their stories and speak about the importance of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and higher education.

School Programs provide instrumental instruction in a group setting. Students learn the character values of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork through music education. While in the program, students receive instruments, music books, and other materials. Classes teach note reading and the fundamentals of instrument performance through bi-weekly, hour-long classes.

Our SOLO Program provides one-on-one lessons to students. Students receive mentorship to prepare them for auditions and high-level performances. While in the SOLO Program, students receive instruments, music books, and other supplementary materials. It is out of this program that students have received scholarships to play with orchestras and attend college.

The Collective consists of 50 hardworking students who exemplify the character values of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork. Students in this program attend concerts, take lessons, play in a chamber ensemble, and take theory classes for 6 hours a week. Additionally, these students perform throughout the valley, using the community as their stage.

Awards & Recognitions

A few things about SOUNDS Academy

Our Mission

SOUNDS Academy transforms lives by empowering youth through teaching music and character values, with a commitment to reaching underserved communities. Through music, we ignite each student’s potential, mentoring tomorrow’s leaders who are ready to create a successful future for themselves and their communities.

Our Vision

One day, every child, regardless of their zip code, has access to the transformative impact of music education and character development, in order to foster personal growth and strengthen communities. We envision a community of young leaders who inspire and uplift each other, cultivating a deep sense of belonging and purpose.

Our Values

At SOUNDS Academy, we immerse our students in five core character values, Creativity, Leadership, Perseverance, Resilience, and Teamwork, through the power of music education, shaping them into well-rounded individuals who thrive in school, work, and life. 

Lessons Given

Students Impacted Through The Musical Access Program

Students Impacted through the School Program

Scholarship Dollars Given

The Problems We Are Solving

1

Lack of Resources

  • Schools have trouble finding support (curricular, financial, developmental, etc.) for music education programs.
  • Schools and parents have trouble finding instruments, performances opportunities, and other supplemental elements to a holistic music education.
  • Parents have trouble finding affordable music education opportunities for their children.
2

Sustainability and Availability

  • Schools have trouble finding programs that will stay in their schools and with their students for an extended period of time.
  • Parents have trouble finding a consistent teacher for their children.
  • There are not many music education programs in Phoenix; specifically in the Southern and Western parts of the valley that provide low-cost and no-cost music education for children.
3

Lack of Structure

  • Schools have trouble finding music programs that teach music as rigorously as Math and English, while keeping the joy factor.
  • Schools have trouble finding a music program that aligns with the mission, values, and core values set for their students.
  • Parents have trouble finding affordable instructors that can progress their children past the rudimentary level.

Learn more about the state of music education and its benefits here.

If you share any of these problems or would like to help us solve these problems, click on one of the following buttons:

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CONTACT US

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SOUNDS Academy featured video

Click here to hear what our students are doing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Testimonials

  • SOUNDS Academy has been a great blessing for my children. Ever since they began lessons their love for music has only grown. I hear them practice every day and anxiously wait for their next lesson. I had trouble finding something that my 8 year old would be passionate about. Although she was initially hesitant and reluctant to taking piano lessons, she was quickly won over by the music and her music teacher; Ms. Janie. She now sets piano goals for herself and can't wait to continue learning and growing.
    - Bonnie Verhoeven
  • "In addition to all the more obvious benefits of music, SOUNDS Academy has given us a chance to talk with our child about patience, responsibility, and what it means to practice every day. The experience goes beyond just learning notes."
    - Ms. Seltzer; SOUNDS Academy Parent
  • "In my family, we say 'It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be'. SOUNDS Academy has given my child an opportunity to blossom. SOUNDS Academy has unlocked my daughters inner passion and creativity. Thank You!!!"
    - SOUNDS Academy Parent
  • "SOUNDS Academy provides a climate, through private lessons and group activities, that enables all students to reach their artistic potential.  SOUNDS academy instructors provide artistic instruction, which enhances student’s academic ability, by providing training that strengthens characters, clarifies judgment and refines sensitivity.  These personal developments are key to academic and career success.  Music and academics work hand in hand to cultivate youth that will greatly enhance our society."
    - Adrienne Henderson-Cole, M. Ed, National Board Certified Teacher
  • "I like playing music because it allows me to step into my own private world. In this world all of stress is relieved. I like to come home from school and practice."
    - Mr. Muñoz; SOUNDS Academy Student
  • The teachers cater the lessons to their student's needs and learning styles. The motivational techniques are tailored to how each student best responds. The teachers genuinely care and are willing to work with a child's emotional needs; knowing no two students are alike. They do not talk down to children and including them in solutions to any problems. My daughter not only gets the "whats" and the subtle techniques of the "hows", but also the "whys" of music. I've watched her grow not only musically, but also emotionally.  She has learned to keep trying and push through during hardships. All these things add up to an organization that is amazing at teaching music to children and teens, and exposing them to musical opportunities they might not otherwise have or know about.
    - Ms. Bowley; SOUNDS Academy Parent

Meet our Team

SOUNDS Academy prides ourselves in providing professional teachers with a high level of education and performance. Our faculty live and teach the values of perseverance, resilience, teamwork, leadership, and creativity through music education and performance. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT US

  • Kirk Johnson
    Founder, CEO, & Teaching Artist
  • Matthew Fox
    Program Manager
  • Mat Weddle
    Program Assistant

Join The Movement!!!