SOUNDS ACADEMY

SOUNDS Academy is focused on developing the character traits of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork through music education in our young students. SOUNDS Academy has established a continuum of music programs that range from introducing youth to instruments to nurturing them to become high-level performers. Our Musical Access Program introduces youth to live music and instruments; our School Programs
partner with schools and community organizations to deliver group music instruction during or after school; the SOLO program provides individual lessons; and The Collective offers higher-level group ensemble and music theory classes.

SOUNDS Academy aims to offer high-quality music education/experiences for 325 children in underserved communities across Metro-Phoenix. Through our programming, we strive to achieve the following overarching goals:
1. To reduce the inequality of access to music education
2. To develop not only the musical talent but the character and leadership ability of each
of the children in our programs
3. To increase the minority representation in professional orchestras across America

The Atlanta Music Project (AMP) mission is to inspire social change by providing Atlanta's underserved youth the opportunity to learn music in orchestras and choirs. To achieve this mission AMP brings all the components of a conservatory-level music program to underserved neighborhoods and provide full scholarships for each child to attend.

Each student in SOUNDS Academy receives an instrument, a teacher, classes and curriculum, and several public performance opportunities. Music instruction takes place in 1-on-1 lessons, group lessons, theory classes and concerts are performed throughout the Metropolitan Phoenix area on a regular basis. The Collective meets weekly to develop music theory skills, performances classes, and ensemble playing techniques.

SOUNDS Academy teaching artists are all degreed, professional musicians and music educators. Bringing in top quality teaching artists is in keeping with the SOUNDS Academy strategy to bring all the components of a conservatory-level music education program to underserved neighborhoods.

SOUNDS Academy is an expert at organizing and running high-quality music programs in underserved neighborhoods that focus on character development. We bring in our own instruments, teaching artists, and curriculum. Over the past six years we have developed and fine tuned our own curriculum to aid students in becoming proficient and literate instrumentalists as well as wonderful human beings. We have monthly Professional Development meetings with our teaching artists to address a variety of topics including, adverse childhood experiences, brain development, and teaching techniques. We are able to implement our programming within a diverse array of institutions, including schools, churches and community centers.

SOUNDS Academy is well-versed in community partnerships, having worked with over 40 organizations to help bring music opportunities to children. These organizations include various colleges such as Estrella Mountain Community College, Grand Canyon University, and Northern Arizona University to connect our students to higher level music experiences; ensembles such as The Phoenix Symphony Orchestra and Symphony of the Southwest to connect our students to high level performances; school districts such as the Avondale, Roosevelt, and Littleton School Districts to provide music education opportunities for children; and local companies such as Central Music, Mike Nye Instrument Repair, and Valley of the Sun Violin to provide high quality instruments and books to our students. Our community partners are key in enabling us to focus on teaching music, all while providing our students with opportunities to perform all over the valley and broaden their horizons in the process.

Since September of 2014, we have given over 35,000 lessons and classes. Over 19,000 students have been exposed to live music and instruments through our Musical Access Program. We have given close to $145,000 in scholarships for students to participate in music education programs, camps, and college. Today we have 300 students in our SOLO and School Programs that receive instruments and weekly instruction.