Meet Sandy Taylor | Founder and Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandy Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My husband Charlie and I founded A Child’s Song (ACS) in 1999 in response to our community’s need for excellent musical training combined with evidence-based music programs designed to support youth who learn differently. My background in child development and music education coupled with Charles’ work both as a musician and as a nontraditional instrument craftsperson gave us a unique perspective on music education. Our commitment to family also affected the structure and direction of ACS. As parents of eight adopted children, grandparents of eight children (four adopted), and foster parents of more than 35 children (many with developmental and emotional challenges), we witnessed first-hand the profound effects of music and movement on brain development and cognitive function. So, while ACS originated as a for-profit venture, it was converted to a nonprofit in 2003 to foster community involvement and support the long-term goals of my family and the ACS Board of Directors, which included funding assistance so that all children and families, regardless of finances or ability, could benefit from music.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Throughout the past 19 years, ACS’ greatest goal has been to respond to community requests for music outreach and instruction, and to pivot and remain flexible enough to provide instruction in some of the most challenging situations, such as foster care. ACS provides music classes and innovative therapies through early childhood programs, school/community outreach, and individual/group instrument instruction. Quality, affordable music education is vitally important in preparing children for success and academic achievement as they encounter a world with more challenges and fewer resources. ACS’s Music Outreach program’s goal is to bring music education and movement opportunities that foster hope and joy to youth in under-served communities, by partnering with a variety of community and public organizations. To do so, ACS partners with: under-funded Title 1 schools in Adams County, Colorado to provide music education during the school day and through after-school programs; residential treatment facilities in five counties in Colorado that serve foster youth; and one community-led arts alliance for group keyboard/guitar instruction and positive youth development programming for children of immigrants in Northglenn, Colorado. Additional goals of the program include: 1) providing sustained music instruction of 45 minutes to one hour per week to encourage true mastery with the hope that youth will continue music instruction throughout their lifetime; 2) providing instruments for under-resourced youth for use at home to encourage practice and family participation; 3) reducing the impact of trauma and increasing emotional healing through music exploration; and 4) providing needs-based scholarships for students to pursue individual instruction at the ACS Studio if desired.

In order to nurture an appreciation of music our atmosphere and teaching methods are oriented towards enrichment. While some music schools might be heavily competitive, more formal and rigid in their approach, we strongly believe that to make a difference, learning has to be fun. We meet all individuals at their ability and use methods they respond to and songs they appreciate to bring their learning to life. The Shaak technique allows our students to focus on how the music sounds first, packing their journey with success from day 1.

We believe passionately in the power of music to change the lives of all youth, enrich their education, and change the way they engage with the world. We also believe that all children, regardless of their ability to pay, should have the opportunity for music exploration. The pandemic illuminated the deep divide that exists between arts education opportunities enjoyed by privileged youth (often white youth) versus the almost non-existent opportunities open to their less-financially privileged peers (often youth of color). Privileged youth had access to individual lessons or online instruction during the pandemic; students with fewer resources had almost no programming.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Colorado has SO much to offer, a week would barely scratch the surface! Outside activities are always at the top of the list, since every season offers its own outdoor enjoyment. Estes Park, Avon/Vail in the mountains would be priorities. Whether enjoying the quaint villages, shopping, dining or finding the best hiking/snowshoe trails or ski slopes- the Rocky Mountains have a lot to offer. Stops to both 16th Street Mall/downtown Denver and Pearl Street Mall in Boulder would also be a must. Both offer eclectic shops, delicious restaurants like Illegal Pete’s or Jax Fish House, and the best people watching in two very different atmospheres. Start a day off at Sam’s No 3 then we’d be sure to hit up the more obvious attractions like the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, the Art Museum, and of course Meow Wolf for its vibrant and immersive experience. We’d do our best to head South to Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs and Canon City to see Garden of the Gods, Royal Gorge, the Cog train and the countless family friendly activities to be enjoyed. And no trip would be complete without a visit to Red Rocks, hopefully for a spectacular concert with an unbeatable view, followed by a late night treat from Freddy’s Burgers and Frozen Custard or Santiago’s (a little green chili and horchata) is bound to send them home with treasured memories.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In the last 24+ years there have been numerous individuals that have been instrumental in the success of our organization and my personal mission. Family and friends have provided the backbone of encouragement and support during all of the ups and downs, but ultimately I’d like to dedicate this ShoutOut to all of the foster and adopted children who have blessed my life and all of the other children out there facing adversity every day. I want them to know there are people in their corner, they don’t have to limit their belief in themselves based on what someone else has told them, what conditions life has dealt them, or define themselves by the trauma they have experienced. I encourage them to find the song in their heart and create the life they want.

Website: https://achildssong.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achildssongco/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-child’s-song

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AChildsSongAndTheStudio

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzZasMt7pthzOa3txU4qsPw

Other: https://g.page/r/Cfoq_-WyL-r2EAE