This session will discuss a program that supports music educators in providing musical performance experiences for students with special needs in a non-traditional way. Topics for discussion will include the legal responsibility schools have to provide opportunities to all students, research-based effects of both musical and social experiences for the special needs child, and the effects this initiative is having on music programs and their communities at various demographic and socioeconomic levels.
Julie Duty
- Biographical Information
Julie completed her undergraduate degree at Arizona State University in 1998, earning a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. She taught middle school band and served as a mentor teacher for nine years in Arizona. During that time her groups were recognized for musical excellence and had active involvement with Special Olympics Arizona.
Since leaving the classroom, Julie has remained dedicated to music education and community service. She is an active volunteer with Sunshine Acres Children’s Home in Mesa, Arizona. She volunteers within her church community as the leader of a regional orchestra and leads a 150 member children’s chorus. She co-founded a parent advocacy group, Gilbert Music Matters, which works to bring parents and school district leaders together to improve music education.
Julie currently serves as the founder and executive director of United Sound, Inc. working with teachers, parents, school administrators, and industry leaders to bring meaningful participation and inclusivity to the instrumental music classroom.