Why It Matters
In Arizona, only 43% of students are enrolled in music education, and 79% of schools spend less than $1 per student per year on arts education. SOUNDS Academy exists to change that by providing accessible, high-quality music education to underserved youth. Since 2014, we’ve:
- Provided 55,000+ music classes and lessons
- Given over $350,000 in scholarships
- Maintained a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate among our students
Each year, we serve over 2,500 students through four key programs:
- Musical Access: Live performances and Instrument Petting Zoos
- School Programs: Group instruction with provided instruments and materials
- SOLO Program: One-on-one lessons and K–12 mentorship
- The Collective: High-level ensemble experiences, including The Soul Revue and Jazz Bands
We also host Arizona’s only overnight music camp, where students build skills in performance, theory, and character development.
What it's for:
Phase I of Instruments for Change is a $500,000 campaign to support:
Scholarships for Graduating Seniors
Supporting college-bound students with instruments and transitional funding
Scholarships for Advanced Students
Funding high-level opportunities like competitions, national camps, and orchestral training
Overnight Music Camp
Ensuring continued access to Arizona’s only immersive overnight camp experience
Sustainable Growth
Laying the foundation for a future SOUNDS Academy Performing Arts Center
We encourage you to consider donating to the Instruments for Change Campaign so that 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.
