Kirk Johnson is a musician, educator, author, and social change leader who believes that the zip code of a child should not dictate their access to music education. Out of this belief, he founded SOUNDS Academy, a non-profit music education organization that transforms lives by empowering youth through teaching music and character values, with a commitment to reaching underserved communities. His unique approach teaches the character values of creativity, leadership, perseverance, resilience, and teamwork through music education. Students have performed throughout Arizona at various concert halls, retirement homes, and shelters, Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, Carnegie Hall in New York, and with the National Youth Orchestra of the USA in Puerto Rico. Students have also been accepted to prestigious universities such as Brown, Yale, and Princeton University. Instruments are given to students who cannot afford one of their own. SOUNDS Academy works with over 50 organizations to bring musical opportunities to neighborhoods that do not have music education due to affordability or accessibility.
