Windsync
WindSync is a Houston-based 501(c)(3) wind quintet that performs chamber music concerts, runs K-12 and university educational programs, and releases albums on Delos/Outhere Music, serving concert venues, schools, universities, and a 500+ donor Circle of Support.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersHouston, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Windsync does
WindSync is a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit wind quintet founded in 2009 at Rice University. The ensemble comprises five musicians (Garrett Hudson/flute, Noah Kay/oboe, Graeme Steele Johnson/clarinet, Kara LaMoure/bassoon, and Anni Hochhalter/horn) operating from Houston, New York City, and San Francisco. Its core service is live chamber music performance: ensemble concerts at venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Library of Congress, plus the annual Onstage Offstage Chamber Music Festival in Houston (10th anniversary in 2026). It also runs K-12 educational programming (including costumed productions of Peter and the Wolf and sensory-friendly concerts for autistic audiences) and university-level residencies at institutions including the Shepherd School of Music, Yale, Eastman, Northwestern, and New World Symphony. The quintet differentiates through a self-generated repertoire built via commissions from American composers (Viet Cuong, Nathalie Joachim, Shawn Okpebholo, Marc Mellits, Miguel del Aguila, among others) and through in-house arrangements performed from memory with a costumed stage presentation.
The product stack is split between live performance and physical/digital goods. Recorded output includes the albums Common Thread (2014), Aria (2015), All Worlds, All Times (2022), WindSync Plays Miguel del Aguila (2024, recorded at Abbey Road Studios, debuted No. 1 on Billboard's Traditional Classical Albums chart), and the scheduled Nadia (March 2026, on Delos/Outhere Music). The ensemble also publishes digital sheet music (e.g., Stravinsky Suite from Pulcinella arr. $100, Holst Jupiter arr. $80) and limited-edition merchandise (Nadia Portrait Tee $39) via its direct e-commerce storefront, with parallel retail distribution through Amazon and streaming through Spotify/Apple Music/Bandcamp.
Commercial model is multi-stream nonprofit: performance fees and touring engagements (booked through MKI Artists); album sales and streaming royalties; direct e-commerce of merchandise and sheet music; university residency and masterclass fees; and contributed income from a Circle of Support donor program (tiers from Friend at $25-$499 through Angel at $10,000+) plus foundation and government support (NEA, Texas Commission on the Arts, Houston Arts Alliance, Richard D. Huff Foundation, and others). Anchor nonprofit relationships are with Delos/Outhere Music (exclusive 2025 recording label) and MKI Artists (booking representation). End customers span four principal segments: concert venues and festivals, universities and conservatories, K-12 schools and families (including accessibility-focused families), and a 500+ donor base concentrated in the Houston region with national reach.
Windsync firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Windsync
- Legal name
- WindSync
- Website
- https://windsync.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- WindSync is a Houston-based 501(c)(3) wind quintet that performs chamber music concerts, runs K-12 and university educational programs, and releases albums on Delos/Outhere Music, serving concert venues, schools, universities, and a 500+ donor Circle of Support.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Windsync industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Chamber Music Performance
- NAICS
- Musical Groups and Artists (711130), Sound Recording Studios (51224)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir) (EDAMANAC)
Keywords
Where Windsync is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Houston
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
Windsync business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Concert performances and touring: WindSync generates revenue through paid concert performances at venues and festivals, including prestigious stages like Carnegie Hall, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Library of Congress. The ensemble tours domestically and internationally.
- Recording sales and streaming: WindSync releases commercial albums through recording labels (Delos/Outhere Music, Azica Records) and sells physical CDs and digital downloads. Their 2024 album debuted at #1 on Billboard classical charts.
- Merchandise and sheet music sales: WindSync sells merchandise including Nadia Portrait Tee ($39) and sheet music arrangements (Stravinsky Suite from Pulcinella arr. $100, Holst Jupiter arr. $80) through their online store.
- Donations and fundraising: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, WindSync relies on individual donations, foundation support, and corporate sponsorships. The organization maintains a Circle of Support donor program with named recognition tiers from Friend ($25-$499) to Angel ($10,000+).
- Educational programs and residencies: WindSync offers university-level residency programs including masterclasses, coaching, individual lessons, composition classes, and collaborative performances for educational institutions.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | $100 LECTURER - advance copy of Nadia signed by WindSync |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | $500 CONDUCTOR - advance copy of Nadia signed + limited edition tee |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | $1,000 MUSIC THEORIST - all above + name in album booklet |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | $5,000 COMPOSER - all above + underwrite future commission |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | $10,000 TEACHER - all above + private performance |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Nadia CD - $30 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Nadia Portrait Tee - $39 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Stravinsky Suite from Pulcinella arr. - $100 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Holst: Jupiter from The Planets arr. - $80 |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels7 records
Windsync product offering
Product offeringCore offering
WindSync is a wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn) that delivers live chamber music performances, educational programs for K-12 and university students, and commercial recordings. The ensemble performs largely self-generated repertoire, including commissioned works from leading American composers, and operates the annual Onstage Offstage Chamber Music Festival in Houston. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it sustains operations through performance fees, recording sales, merchandise, educational programming, and donor contributions.
Product overview
WindSync is a wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn) that offers live concert performances, an annual chamber music festival, and educational programs for K-12 and university students. The ensemble produces commercial recordings including albums (Nadia, WindSync Plays Miguel del Aguila, Aria, Common Thread, All Worlds All Times) and sells sheet music arrangements and merchandise. WindSync operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to enriching lives through innovative chamber music concerts and educational programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Onstage Offstage Chamber Music Festival: Annual chamber music festival in Houston, Texas connecting people and places through music since 2017. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026.
Products and services
- Live Concert Performances Live wind quintet chamber music performances presented at prestigious concert venues and festivals including Carnegie Hall, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and Library of Congress. The ensemble performs largely from memory with a distinctive costumed and choreographed stage presentation.
- Onstage Offstage Chamber Music Festival Annual chamber music festival in Houston, Texas, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, that integrates national guest artists with local musicians for artistic cross-pollination across traditional and non-traditional community venues.
- K-5 Educational Programs Signature interactive concert programs for children and families, including costumed and choreographed productions of Peter and the Wolf and sensory-friendly concerts developed for children on the autism spectrum.
- University Residency Programs University-level residencies offering chamber music masterclasses, individual instrument lessons, composition workshops, career education seminars, and collaborative performances with student or local performers.
- Nadia Album (2026) Album tracing the stylistic diversity of American music to French composer Nadia Boulanger, featuring works by Boulanger, Marion Bauer, Philip Glass, Elliott Carter, and Quincy Jones. Released March 13, 2026 on Delos/Outhere Music.
- WindSync Plays Miguel del Aguila Album (2024) Album dedicated exclusively to GRAMMY-nominated composer Miguel del Aguila's works for wind quintet. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Traditional Classical Albums chart.
- All Worlds, All Times Album (2022) Commercial album from WindSync's discography, available on Bandcamp and other digital platforms.
- Aria Album (2015) Album featuring wind quintet standards and original arrangements including music of Mozart, Prokofiev, Piazzolla, Francaix, and Maslanka, with guest bandoneon player Hector Del Curto.
- Common Thread Album (2014) WindSync's debut album, part of the ensemble's commercial discography.
- Nadia Portrait Tee Limited edition heavyweight bamboo-textured cotton/poly blend T-shirt featuring Nadia Boulanger's signature and contour portrait by Kara LaMoure. Priced at $39.
- Nadia CD Physical CD release of the Nadia album, priced at $30 including shipping. Features photography by Evan Chapman and liner notes by Graeme Steele Johnson and Kara LaMoure.
- Stravinsky Suite from Pulcinella Sheet Music Arrangement Digital download score and parts for Stravinsky Suite from Pulcinella arranged by Jack Marquardt. Four movements including Sinfonia, Serenata, Gavotta con due variazioni, and Minuetto-Finale (14 minutes duration). Priced at $100.
- Holst Jupiter Sheet Music Arrangement Digital download score and parts for Holst Jupiter from The Planets arranged by Kara LaMoure (8 minutes duration). Priced at $80.
Quantifiable outcome
- 2024 album WindSync Plays Miguel del Aguila debuted at #1 on Billboard Traditional Classical Albums chart
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Windsync
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Windsync technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature1 record
Windsync partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- Delos/Outhere MusiccoreWindSync established an exclusive recording relationship with Delos/Outhere Music in 2025. Founded 50 years ago in California, Delos has built a reputation as a legendary recording label and beacon for American music. The partnership means Delos will release WindSync's future albums at no cost to the organization, dramatically reducing recording expenses and supporting the goal of regularly releasing albums.
- Music for AutismminorWindSync served as 2013 Spotlight Artist for Music for Autism and has been trained to present concerts specifically developed for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families.
- MKI ArtistscoreWindSync is represented by MKI Artists for professional booking inquiries. MKI Artists handles domestic and international booking, including Laura Dunaway for performance inquiries and Alicia Horwitz for additional booking matters.
- Balourdet QuartetflagshipWindSync collaborates with the award-winning Balourdet Quartet for the 10th anniversary of the Onstage Offstage Chamber Music Festival in 2026. The Balourdet Quartet is acclaimed for their vibrant energy and masterful blend of technical precision and emotional depth. They earned the 2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant and Chamber Music America's 2024 Cleveland Quartet Award.
- Houston Arts AlliancecoreHouston Arts Alliance supports WindSync's Houston activities through awards and funding, partnering on cultural programming in the Houston community.
- Texas Commission on the ArtscoreTexas Commission on the Arts provides awards supporting WindSync's year-round activities and the annual Onstage Offstage Chamber Music Festival.
- Center for Performing Arts MedicineminorPartnership with Houston Methodist Hospital for presenting WindSync's lunch concert series at Crain Garden, making classical music accessible to healthcare community members.
- Houston Youth Symphony Coda Music ProgramcoreWindSync maintains a year-round educational partnership with the Houston Youth Symphony Coda Music Program, providing coaching and mentorship to young musicians.
- Chamber Music NorthwestcoreFestival presenter that has featured WindSync for sensory-friendly concerts and regular performance engagements.
- Azure Family Concerts (Schubert Club)minorPresented WindSync's sensory-friendly concerts for families and individuals with autism in St. Paul, Minnesota.
- Xenia ConcertsminorPresented WindSync's sensory-friendly concerts for audiences in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
- Canucks Autism NetworkminorPresented WindSync's sensory-friendly concerts for families and individuals with autism in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Windsync competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- A Far Cry: A conductorless string orchestra recognized for innovative programming and community engagement; comparable in nonprofit chamber-ensemble operations and audience-development mission even though its ensemble format differs.
- Kronos Quartet: A pioneering new-music string quartet with a multi-decade commissioning legacy and global touring footprint; broader in scale and catalog but the benchmark for commissioned chamber-repertoire strategy.
- Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: A larger institutional presenter and producer of chamber music concerts and educational programs; competes for venue relationships, presenter partnerships, and donor mindshare at the high end of the market.
Direct peers
- Imani Winds: Imani Winds is another leading American wind quintet performing chamber music, commissioning new works, and conducting educational outreach — the closest direct competitor to WindSync in repertoire, ensemble format, and mission.
- Eighth Blackbird: A Grammy-winning sextet specializing in contemporary classical music commissioning and performance, sharing WindSync's DNA around new works, education, and chamber ensemble format.
- Roomful of Teeth: A Grammy-winning vocal ensemble focused on new music commissioning and innovative programming, comparable to WindSync in small-ensemble nonprofit format, awards trajectory, and education outreach.
- Apollo Chamber Players: A Houston-based chamber ensemble that combines performance with educational programming; competes with WindSync for Houston audiences, school partnerships, and local presenting slots.
- Calidore String Quartet: An award-winning American string quartet that competes with WindSync for chamber music presenting slots at major venues and festivals, and operates in the same artist-management and nonprofit ecosystem.
- Balourdet Quartet: Award-winning string quartet (2024 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Cleveland Quartet Award) collaborating with WindSync for the 2026 Onstage Offstage festival; comparable in scope, awards profile, and touring career stage.
Others
- Delos/Outhere Music: WindSync's exclusive recording partner; a 50-year-old classical label that provides distribution and production infrastructure. Relevant as a peer-enabling relationship rather than a competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Windsync social profiles
Digital presenceWindsync compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Windsync financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Windsync leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles6 records
Windsync funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Windsync M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Windsync
What does Windsync do?
WindSync is a wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn) that delivers live chamber music performances, educational programs for K-12 and university students, and commercial recordings. The ensemble performs largely self-generated repertoire, including commissioned works from leading American composers, and operates the annual Onstage Offstage Chamber Music Festival in Houston. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, it sustains operations through performance fees, recording sales, merchandise, educational programming, and donor contributions.
Is Windsync a public or private company?
Windsync is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Windsync founded?
Windsync was founded in 2009. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Windsync based?
Windsync is headquartered in Houston, United States, in the North America region.
How does Windsync make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Concert performances and touring is the primary driver. The others are recording sales and streaming, merchandise and sheet music sales, donations and fundraising and educational programs and residencies.
Who are Windsync's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are A Far Cry, Kronos Quartet and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Direct peers are Imani Winds, Eighth Blackbird, Roomful of Teeth, Apollo Chamber Players, Calidore String Quartet and Balourdet Quartet. Delos/Outhere Music is listed as an others.
Does Windsync have an API?
No public API is recorded for Windsync.
What industry is Windsync in?
Windsync's product category is Chamber Music Performance. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMANAC, Group Music Classes & Ensembles (Band, Orchestra, Choir). Its NAICS code is 711130.