Banding Together

What Banding Together does

Banding Together is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in January 2009 by a parent of a child with autism and two music therapists to provide free music therapy programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. The organization's core offering is Jam Sessions, weekly group music therapy sessions led by board-certified music therapists (MT-BC) targeting youth and young adults (ages 13-38) with autism, Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, Rett syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, learning disabilities, and traumatic brain injury. Programs are delivered in-person at five locations (Carlsbad, Point Loma, El Cajon, and Chula Vista in San Diego County, plus Miami, Florida) and online via community groups (Songbirds for ages 3-6 and Rock Star Club for ages 9-13). Annual programs include 56 Jam Sessions per season cycle, with over 600 sessions hosted and 2,100+ individuals served since 2012.

The core technology is clinical rather than digital: board-certified music therapists design and lead sessions using adapted instruments (open-tuned guitars, EZ Play keyboards, keyboard guides, picture lyric sheets) and accommodations such as iPads and visuals to serve participants across all functioning levels. A differentiated program, Soundcheck Jams, is delivered through a partnership with Surfdog Records that places participants onstage during nationally touring bands' sound checks. The technology stack is otherwise standard non-profit web infrastructure (website, social media, email newsletter, Facebook Live, YouTube) with no proprietary software, apps, or APIs.

The business model is a charitable non-profit: all programs are provided free to participants, funded entirely through individual donations, corporate and foundation grants (tiered Platinum, Diamond, Gold, Silver), and signature fundraising events (Greatest Hits Benefit Concert, Sips and Sounds, PaJAMa Jam). Key funding partners include Autism Speaks, Jason Mraz Foundation, Music Man Foundation, Coastal Community Foundation, Kirk Foundation, and instrument donors Fender, Yamaha, Taylor Guitars, Shure, and Remo. Distribution is direct to beneficiaries through community venues and partner referrals, with no paid customer acquisition channels. The organization has awarded over $109,000 in scholarships to 200 individuals and operates with a board of directors plus an auxiliary council.

Name

Banding Together

Legal name

Banding Together

Website

https://bandingtogethersd.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Banding Together is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2009 that provides free music therapy programs for individuals with developmental disabilities ages 3-38, serving 2,100+ beneficiaries across five locations and online through donations, grants, and fundraising events.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Music Therapy Services for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists (621340)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Music Therapy (Educational/Developmental Programs) (EDAMANAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Early Childhood Music Education (Ages 0–7) (EDAMANAD), Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC)

Keywords

• Music therapy programs
• Adaptive music education
• Disability music services
• Nonprofit music therapy
• Developmental disability support

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible charitable contributions from individual donors. Donations support all of Banding Together's programs, purchasing instruments and music therapy scholarships.
2. Event Fundraising: Annual events including Greatest Hits Benefit Concert, Sips and Sounds Beer Fest, Sips and Sounds Wine Tasting, and PaJAMa Jam auctions generate revenue through ticket sales and auction purchases.
3. Corporate & Foundation Grants: Support from corporate partners and foundations including Platinum, Diamond, Gold, and Silver tier sponsors. Major funders include Jason Mraz Foundation, Music Man Foundation, Coastal Community Foundation, and Kirk Foundation.
4. In-Kind Donations: Guest musicians donate their time and talent. Since 2010, professional musicians have provided free performances allowing programs to remain free for participants.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Banding Together delivers free music therapy and social music programs for individuals with developmental disabilities aged 3-38, led by board-certified music therapists. Core offerings include weekly Jam Sessions (in-person social music groups), Soundcheck Jams (onstage performances with touring bands), virtual Songbirds (ages 3-6) and Rock Star Club (ages 9-13), supplemented by Music Therapy Scholarships. Programs are funded entirely through individual donations, corporate and foundation grants, and benefit events.

Product overview

Banding Together is a non-profit organization offering a portfolio of music therapy and social programs for individuals with developmental disabilities. The core offerings include Jam Sessions (social music groups for ages 13+ led by board-certified music therapists at multiple in-person locations and online), Soundcheck Jams (partnership with Surfdog Records for onstage performance opportunities during touring band sound checks), and virtual community groups (Songbirds for ages 3-6, Rock Star Club for ages 9-13). Supporting programs include music therapy scholarships, instrument donations, and signature fundraising events including the annual Greatest Hits Benefit Concert and Sips and Sounds festival. All programs are provided free to participants, funded through donations, grants, and fundraising events.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Jam Sessions Group music therapy and mentoring program for youth and young adults (ages 13+) with developmental disabilities, led by board-certified music therapists (MT-BC) with weekly guest musician appearances. Promotes socialization, emotional expression, community inclusion, and communication skills. Offered free at 5 physical locations and online.
• Soundcheck Jams Partnership program with Surfdog Records that gives individuals with special needs the opportunity to perform onstage during nationally touring bands' sound checks at local music venues in San Diego.
• Songbirds Free online music social group for young children (ages 3-6) with special needs and their parents/caregivers, facilitated by board-certified music therapists via Facebook Live.
• Rock Star Club Free online music group for tweens (ages 9-13) with special needs, featuring interactive jamming sessions where participants use instruments from home via Facebook Live.
• Music Therapy Scholarships Financial scholarships awarded to individuals (ages 2-22) with special needs to fund music therapy, adapted music lessons, and camp programs. Over $109,000 has been awarded to 200 individuals.
• Instrument Donation Program Program that accepts donated musical instruments to support Banding Together programs and provide instruments to budding musicians with special needs.
• Greatest Hits Benefit Concert Annual benefit concert and auction featuring professional singers/songwriters and aspiring musicians from all abilities to raise money for Banding Together programs.
• Sips and Sounds Annual wine tasting and beer festival events featuring live music from guest musicians and Banding Together participants, held around San Diego.
• PaJAMa Jam Annual fundraising event held the night before Giving Tuesday featuring live performances and auctions to support Banding Together programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 2,100 individuals with special needs served since 2012
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Surfdog RecordsflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing partnership hosting Soundcheck Jams program, giving individuals with special needs the opportunity to shine onstage during nationally touring band's sound check. Engaged 26 touring musicians and 80 individuals with special needs through this unique program.
• Autism SpeakscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum tier partner helping spread awareness of Banding Together programs to families affected by autism throughout San Diego.
• Next For AutismcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPlatinum tier partner supporting programs for individuals with autism.
• Advocates for Classical MusicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDiamond tier partner supporting classical music education and programs.
• Christ Presbyterian ChurchminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond tier partner providing community support and venue access.
• Relationship ImpactminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond tier partner supporting programs.
• Guiding HandsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerDiamond tier partner serving individuals with special needs.
• Point Loma Nazarene UniversityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGold tier partner providing venue space for Jam Sessions and community events.
• FenderminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver tier partner providing musical instruments and equipment donations.
• YamahaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver tier partner providing musical instruments and equipment donations.
• Taylor GuitarsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver tier partner providing musical instruments and equipment donations.
• ShureminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver tier partner providing audio equipment for programs and events.
• RemominorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver tier partner providing percussion instruments for programs.
• Hands On San DiegominorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver tier volunteer organization helping recruit and organize volunteer mentors.
• Music Therapy Center of California (MTCCA)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founding organization providing clinical expertise, board-certified music therapists, and program development. The Music Therapy Center of California, co-founded by Angela Meier and Julie Guy, pioneered the Jam Sessions national program.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/bandingtogethe2
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC4RfCT8tC4ZT-00xjzryutw/featured
• Facebookfacebook.com/bandingtogethersd
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/banding-together-sd
• Instagraminstagram.com/banding_together

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Banding Together