Who We Are
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
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
Click HERE to register and learn more about our programs! Need-based scholarships are provided for those that need financial assistance.
SOUNDS Academy Programs
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.
A few things about SOUNDS Academy
Lessons Given
Students Impacted Through The Musical Access Program
Students Impacted through the School Program
Scholarship Dollars Given
The Problems We Are Solving
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:
Testimonials
- "I choose to have my sons in SOUNDS Academy because they care. The dedication of the organization is truly heart felt in everything that they do."- SOUNDS Academy Parent
- 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
- "SOUNDS Academy taught me how to conquer my fears and put myself out there because you never know what you'll learn about yourself."
- Ms. Montalbo; Graduate of SOUNDS Academy - "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
- "Instruction in the creative arts are integral to the development of children's problem solving, logical reasoning, and self-esteem. SOUNDS Academy fills a deficit in the current US educational system by providing the space to develop these skills."- Kirsten Eby MAT, MA, BHT, Expressive Arts Therapist (SOUNDS Academy Board Member)
- "I like SOUNDS Academy because they allow me to learn a lot, teach me how to write my own music, and help prepare me for youth orchestra auditions. They encourage and allow me to be confident and extraordinary."
Ms. Chávez; SOUNDS Academy Student
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
