Austin Soundwaves

Austin Soundwaves Austin Soundwaves makes learning music accessible and equitable.

Austin Soundwaves launched on October 17, 2011 by giving 41 students the opportunity to learn the violin, viola, cello, or percussion. Students receive an instrument, as well as all supplies, lesson books, and at least 10 hours of weekly instruction by expert teaching artists free of charge. After less than two months practicing with instruments, the Austin Soundwaves Orchestra gave its debut perf

ormance on December 19, 2011 to a “packed house” of family, friends, and community supporters. One audience member wrote to HAPA immediately after the performance:

“I loved every minute of it—the room packed with proud families; the kids marching in so seriously, like real musicians; the buildup to the two group performances, and the very loud and genuine applause. [It’s] amazing that you have brought the kids so far in six weeks; you should be super proud!”

This is just the beginning for HAPA and Austin Soundwaves. What the students accomplished in six weeks was indeed remarkable, and it is astounding to think about what they are capable of accomplishing in six months and six years. Austin Soundwaves will add woodwinds and brass instruments in early 2012, thereby increasing the number of students we are able to serve and creating a full symphony orchestra.

"Detail your implementation plan, learning objectives aligned to a focus area, activities, timeline, and evaluation meth...
09/04/2026

"Detail your implementation plan, learning objectives aligned to a focus area, activities, timeline, and evaluation methods." 😵‍💫 What?

Sometimes doing the best you can for your students means that you have to seek additional funding for your classroom. And after years of studying your artistic craft AND pedagogy AND learning outcomes AND classroom management AND everything else that comes along with leading a band or orchestra... you are also a grant writer now.

The support we offer to Austin's music educators doesn't stop in the practice room. Just last month, our Deputy Director, Hermes Camacho, provided several teachers with guidance on how to apply for a grant, giving them the tools they need to earn funding for a successful school year.

Your support gives us the bandwidth to offer real relief to the teachers who already take on so much.
https://www.austinsoundwaves.org/donate

How does Austin Soundwaves support teachers?The support we provide goes beyond student mentorship. At our core, we are w...
09/03/2026

How does Austin Soundwaves support teachers?

The support we provide goes beyond student mentorship. At our core, we are working to break down barriers to music education, and that means supporting the students and teachers who lead music programs. We work closely with partner teachers across the Austin Independent School District, who are a vital part of our community's music network.

Our Programs Director, Mary Speight, once stepped in to provide professional development to three local middle schools' music faculty. Over the course of two days, she helped them work through practical ways they could further build community in their classrooms and support student academics through the lens of music and the arts.

By supporting our partner teachers, we can help even more young musicians. It's not about us being in every classroom, but instead making sure each teacher feels prepared and knowing we're there for them when they need extra help.

This kind of support is possible because donors give throughout the year — not just to help students, but to make sure their teachers never have to go it alone.

09/02/2026

One of our key values at Austin Soundwaves is that music is joy. We see every day how music brings us together - whether we are beginners, experienced musicians, or appreciative listeners.

Music is our shared joy, inspiration, and community.

And it changes lives.

What has music done for you?

What do you do when you're asked to teach a music class outside your area of expertise?When a guitar teacher from one of...
09/01/2026

What do you do when you're asked to teach a music class outside your area of expertise?

When a guitar teacher from one of our partners, Martin Middle School, was asked to reboot the school's orchestra program, he needed support — not only for himself, but for his students.

Meredith McAlmon, a low strings teaching artist with Austin Soundwaves, stepped in to support him. She helped select the repertoire of music. Provided support registering the ensemble for events. Coordinated lesson plans. And answered questions.

Weeks of behind-the-scenes support — one teacher helping another — built the foundation for the school's music program to grow.

Support like this is only possible because donors give throughout the year, so we're ready before a school even has to ask.

Now that same teacher is moving into a new role, leading a more advanced orchestra. With the mentorship and tools provided by Meredith, he's stepping into it with the skills and confidence to keep building on what they started together.

Have you turned in your application for the Chamber Music Scholarship Program yet?👀
08/31/2026

Have you turned in your application for the Chamber Music Scholarship Program yet?👀

08/29/2026

Austin Soundwaves is hiring additional teaching artists to join our team! The ideal candidate will also be a dynamic team player with a strong work ethic. Instructors will work to support organizational goals and to ensure the highest quality experience program-wide.

Learn more and apply now at: https://www.austinsoundwaves.org/austinsoundwaves-teaching-artist

08/27/2026

We all wear a lot of hats around here. 😅 And this is just the stuff we have footage of! Every member of our team goes above and beyond to provide not just excellent artistic education but also the logistical support needed to make the magic happen. 🧡

Come help us move a chair or a stand! And if you can't, you can make a gift of any amount. Every donation moves more than just chairs.

When you attend a concert, what do you see?You see musicians gathered on stage, reading music. Chairs aligned in rows, e...
08/26/2026

When you attend a concert, what do you see?

You see musicians gathered on stage, reading music. Chairs aligned in rows, each paired with a stand. Bright lights shining down, illuminating each student as they begin to play. Each of these pieces bring together the final performance we enjoy together.

When one of our partners, Magnolia Middle School, let us know they needed support for their upcoming winter concert, our team stepped in to help. The support they needed went beyond music instruction – they needed double the instruments they had and help setting up the stage, and their performance was fast approaching.

Six Austin Soundwaves staff members – Sara, Meredith, Erika, Rohan, Mary, and Gabi – began a cross-town scavenger hunt for the necessary instruments.

5 violas. 12 violins. 4 cellos. 3 basses.

But it didn't stop there. Many instruments needed repairs. Students needed new copies of sheet music. And the stage needed an amplification system and lights to ensure students could read the notes and the audience could hear their songs. Through teamwork and dedication, our team brought each piece of the performance together before students took the stage.

None of this would have been possible without supporters like you, who make it possible for our team to respond the moment a need like this comes up.

NEW DATE 💥 Austin Soundwaves is proud to sponsor this AISD Middle School Violin Workshop. This is an awesome opportunity...
08/25/2026

NEW DATE 💥 Austin Soundwaves is proud to sponsor this AISD Middle School Violin Workshop. This is an awesome opportunity to level up your region audition. 💪

Register now ➡️ https://bit.ly/reg18workshop

Address

2235 East 6th Street, Suite 107
Austin, TX
78701

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+15129276070

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