Musa: Today’s Musicians, Tomorrow’s Beacons of Hope

SOUNDS Academy is dedicated to empowering students to reach their full potential. Every day, we have students who are becoming their best selves and living out the mission and vision of our organization.

We are proud to highlight one of our own, Musa Muhammad, whose musical journey continues to reach new levels of excellence. Recently, he performed as part of the N.O.I. Sounds of Harmony Orchestral Ensemble, a collective of talented young musicians who brought strings, keys, and melodies to life at the Bing Theatre at the University of Southern California.

“At first, I didn’t really know what to do,” Musa admitted. “But once they explained it, I kind of got the hang of it.” After a brief practice session—just one or two hours—the ensemble was ready for the concert. Before the performance, Musa went through an interview process where the final selection was determined the day before the show. The piece performed? Gavotte in G Major, a classical favorite that resonated deeply.

Among these performances was Musa’s role as a violinist to the stage that was beyond entertainment — it became worship, prayer, and healing for the crowd. As one audience member shared, “That stage was not a stage. It was a sanctuary. And every instrument was a prayer and every song was a lecture.”

Being featured in such an impactful performance reflects Musa’s commitment to using music to impact the lives of others. Over the many years that Musa has been part of SOUNDS Academy we have witnessed his dedication to our character values of Creativity, Leadership, Perseverance, Resilience, and Teamwork. It is amazing to see how Musa continues to break through barriers and evolve. His musical journey began at the age of three with the violin. Early on, there were challenges, particularly a lack of interest in the violin. “I didn’t like playing it when I was younger because it just took so long to get something down,” Musa shared. But over time, the love for classical music and the desire to master challenging pieces rekindled the passion. The transition to viola also opened new doors: “I chose it because I liked the way it sounds. And once I started playing, I just really liked it.”

Looking ahead, Musa has inspiring goals. “I want to play with my siblings and really master reading music,” he explained. “And of course, I want to be the best I can be here.” When asked what advice he would give to young musicians, Musa emphasized perseverance: “If you fail one time, then get back up. You can do anything that you put your mind to.”

We are inspired by Musa’s accomplishments and grateful to witness his journey. As he continues to grow, we look forward to seeing the many platforms and hearts that he will touch.

Congratulations on this incredible milestone, Musa! 🫰🏾🫰🏾