A Child's Song Story
24+ YEARS OF MUSIC EDUCATION
A Child’s Song (ACS) has served the Denver Metro area since 1999 and it has been our goal to provide access to life-changing music programs to all ages and abilities regardless of zip code or circumstance.
Stepping into our studio, you’re immediately enveloped in the warmth of a thriving music haven. Several mornings, our space comes alive with the laughter and melodies of toddlers and preschoolers from across the Denver Metro area, drawn by our renowned Early Childhood music and movement class, Melody Gym.
As the school day ends, a fresh wave of excited students floods in, warmly greeting their instructors and eagerly diving into their musical journeys across various instruments.
Here, competition takes a backseat. Our core belief is in harnessing the power of music not just for skill development, but as a catalyst for growth, healing, and unity—enriching the lives of all ages and abilities regardless of socio-economic status and fostering bonds within families and communities.
“At A Child’s Song, we believe that Music Changes Lives. Music education doesn’t just teach notes and rhythms; it unlocks the symphony of life, reshaping minds, mending hearts, and crafting a harmony that transcends barriers and changes lives.”
Sandy Taylor
Founder & Executive Director
MUsic changes lives
ACS MISSION & VALUES
A Child’s Song nurtures an appreciation for music while providing programs and education to share the developmental, healing, and social-emotional benefits of music for children and adults.
Our Values:
- Provide a nurturing atmosphere of love, safety, and acceptance in which to appreciate music
- Provide an opportunity to grow together in a setting that advances and preserves the art of creating music
- Provide an environment that fosters physical, social, and emotional development
- Instill positive self-esteem
- Be an inspiration
- Be accountable to the community
- Pursue excellence
Our Melodic journey
THE HISTORY OF A CHILD’S SONG
Charles and Sandy Taylor founded A Child’s Song (ACS) in 1999 in response to their community’s need for excellent musical training combined with evidence-based music programs designed to support youth who learn differently. Sandy’s background in child development and music education coupled with Charles’ work both as a musician and as a nontraditional instrument craftsperson gave this couple a unique perspective on music education. The Taylors’ 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), the Taylors witnessed first-hand the profound effects of music and movement on brain development and cognitive function. ACS originated as a for-profit venture, which was converted to a nonprofit in 2003 to foster community involvement and support the long-term goals of the Taylors and the ACS Board of Directors, which included funding assistance so that all children and families, regardless of finances, could benefit from music.
Throughout the past 19 years, the nonprofit’s 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 and COVID-19 restrictions. 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 (including Meadow, York International, and Welby) in Adams County, Colorado to provide music education during the school day and through after-school programs; Shiloh House 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 Latinx youth 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.
We believe passionately in the power of music to change the lives of all youth, enriching their education, and changing 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.
1. What does your organization do?
We bring the arts to life for everyone in our community. For a list of specific programs and services we provide, visit Lessons at The Studio.
2. How can I get involved?
We’re always on the lookout for individuals who want to share their talents with us. Visit our Sponsorship and Volunteering section to find out ways to donate or volunteer.
3. If I were to donate funds, how is my money used?
We have a responsibility to our community and our donors and work hard to ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. All funds donated to ACS go to furthering current and projected programs to increase our reach in the community.
We make our IRS Form 990 available for review, as required by law.
4. What is your organization’s privacy policy?
Our organization takes its privacy policy seriously and takes steps to protect and ensure the safety of our supporters. We do not sell or otherwise disclose information about our volunteers or supporters outside of our immediate organization. This policy has no exceptions. We do not sell or exchange your information with any other organizations, public, private or nonprofit.
