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PHOENIX — A Silicon Valley nonprofit is making sure all children have access to music education, regardless of their family’s income.
Kirk Johnson founded SOUNDS Academy nine years ago after moving to the Phoenix area and realizing students here weren’t getting the same opportunities he had when he was a kid.
“One of our slogans is ‘A child’s zip code should not determine their access to a music education,’” Johnson said. “Especially high schools in the North and East tend to have more music education than high schools in the West and South.”
The program started with a dozen students and has grown to more than 300 students. Faculty teach at eight locations in Silicon Valley. They also offer after-school classes and private lessons. The instruments are free to borrow as long as students are ready to perform.
“Students pay up to $60 a month,” Johnson said. “But we also offer them scholarships to eliminate that cost.”
The program also features what is called an “Instrument Petting Zoo” where they take instruments to schools around town so children can learn what music is all about.
For students in the program, it’s more than just study notes. It’s teamwork, creativity and the belief that they can do anything they put their mind to.
“We’re not trying to develop the next best musician, but we’re trying to develop a student who can grow and give back to the community,” Johnson said.
This non-profit organization operates because of donations and grants, and they are always welcoming more students.
If you are interested, or would like to help them complete their mission, please click here.
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