United Sound
Overview
United Sound is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing music education opportunities to students with special needs through a model of peer mentorship. Founded by Julie Duty, it aims to remove barriers and foster social change through music by promoting inclusion and respect among students. Since its inception, United Sound has focused on creating an innovative environment that integrates special education students into music programs, providing them with enriching experiences and promoting social integration.
Recent Developments
- October 2025: An inclusion-focused music mentorship program by United Sound began at Union High School in Arizona. The program, detailed by Martin Hebda, seeks to pair students with and without disabilities to create music collectively. Funded by a startup grant, the program aims to instill confidence and bolster music education within the district.
- 2025-26 Academic Year: Thanks to a generous grant from Thunderbirds Charities, United Sound is planning to bolster its programs and expand its reach. Founder and Executive Director Julie Duty highlighted the organization’s mission to promote inclusion and belonging through music.
- 2024: The United Sounds NYC Festival was announced, a significant initiative filling the gap in the indie music scene. This event marked an expansion into organizing music festivals, with a lineup featuring popular and indie artists.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | Not specified |
| Headquarters | Not specified |
| Founders | Julie Duty |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | Thunderbirds Charities |
| Industry | Nonprofit, Music Education |
| Number of Employees | Not publicly disclosed |
Early History
United Sound began with the vision of integrating students with special needs into mainstream school music programs. Founder Julie Duty saw a gap in musical education opportunities for students with disabilities, which prompted the establishment of United Sound. By partnering students lacking access to traditional music education due to disabilities with peer mentors, United Sound aimed to create not only musicians but also environments of equality and inclusion. Early support from local community initiatives laid the foundation for United Sound's expansion into schools across the United States.
Company Profile and Achievements
United Sound operates on a peer-mentorship model, where students with disabilities, referred to as "New Musicians," are paired with "Peer Mentors." This model facilitates one-on-one learning and companionship, offering personalized mentorship. The organization has been instrumental in adapting musical pieces to accommodate various abilities, ensuring music is accessible to every student.
- Spearheaded several new school district partnerships, expanding reach to students nationwide.
- Developed comprehensive training materials for mentors and instructors to facilitate more effective teaching and integration.
- Enhanced social events like concerts and music festivals, which act as social lubricants for students from diverse backgrounds to unite through music.
Current Operations and Market Position
United Sound is active in schools across the U.S., predominantly focusing on inclusion in music education. With emphasis on peer mentorship, it has positioned itself uniquely by blending educational and social objectives with skill-building. The support from charitable organizations like Thunderbirds Charities underscores its societal relevance. Its influence can be observed in the increased number of schools adopting its programs, demonstrating its esteem within educational and music communities.
Conclusion
United Sound stands out as an exemplar of leveraging music as a tool for social change. Through innovative approaches to inclusive education, it has successfully integrated students with special needs into general music programs, fostering a culture of empathy and unity. As it continues to expand its programs and initiatives, United Sound is poised to further its impact, bringing the transformative power of music to even more communities.