We are grateful to all of those who shared messages of encouragement with our young artists!

Music tackles all of the invisible parts of you like creativity, emotion, discipline, power, and hope. Music binds community and you are part of making us whole. Play your music for all to hear, because without it we are less.

~Gabriel Estrada

Music is one of the very best things we have to give to each other. Explore it to the fullness of your curiosity. What you make will be of great value.

~Brandon

First of all, congratulations for choosing to learn music and incorporate it in your life. After many years of making music, I still feel like I am barely starting. I am sure you have already experienced the joy of sharing music with your friends, never let that feeling to fade out in your search for improvement and perfection. Music is your super power, never forget that!

~Mauricio Callejas, singer/songwriter

I haven't sat in front of a music stand and played with other musicians in over a decade, but the fact that at one time I did? That's part of my very being.

This time in your life is demanding - you are in a constant cycle of meeting the expectations of your friends, your teachers, your family, and your responsibilities. Those feelings of stress can be overwhelming. I wish I could say for certain that in the future your time and energy won't be such a commodity, but I can't. What I can say is that music will always be there for you.

Even if you aren't playing with others in a band or orchestra, you'll be able to pick up your instrument and let the hard parts of life just fade to the background.

I hope that it will always feel like coming home. Don't let go of it.

~Mary

~Ana Barajas

The melody of music impacts people in so many ways. Please continue to make awesome music so that it transforms lives. Thank you for all your hard work in learning your craft. Happy Thanksgiving!

~Gary Renfro

~Eric Booth

You are so lucky to be a part of Austin Soundwaves! Enjoy every moment. I know the skills your learn there will help you succeed in all your goals in life.

~Laura Jekel

As a retired educator, I know research indicates that at-least some musical education has a positive impact on social and cognitive development of children. Therefore, these effects are long lasting _ better motor skills, improved memory, better verbal and literacy skills.

At its core, music is fun. Music is an expression of cultures.

~~~

Keep up the great work. Music can open so many doors of opportunities and music is such an amazing way to express thoughts and feelings while connecting with the world around you. Share your talent with all!

~Mrs. Richart

~Brian Klenzendorf

Hello Students of Austin Soundwaves

I am a cousin of Draylen Mason's grandfather Dr Norman Mason. Over the years I have been enlightened by the beautiful music and sounds from Austin Soundwaves. I miss so much hearing and witnessing my young cousin Dreylan perform along with his fellow musicians. Be encourage musicians of Austin Soundwaves, your efforts are appreciated. Your love for music, whether it is instruments or a melodious voice, you light up so many lives across this city and many more. Your musical journey is nothing to take lightly, have fun, respect each other and your leaders. Let your spirits be lifted and your love and joy of music be loved and enjoyed by others. Austin Soundwaves you are one of a kind and nothing or any others can take your place. Be Blessed, you have and are making this community proud.

~Sandra Etheridge

As the holidays approach, I wanted to reach out and offer words of encouragement.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, take a moment to reflect on the journey you've embarked upon. Recognize the growth, celebrate the small victories, and find solace in the process. You are not defined by the challenges you face but by the resilience with which you overcome them.

Let the music you create be a celebration of your unique journey and a testament to your unwavering spirit. May your melodies be a reminder of the magic that resides within you and the potential that stretches far beyond the confines of any obstacle.

Remember that your music has the power to inspire, heal, and connect. Embrace the uniqueness that sets you apart, for it is that very uniqueness that makes your voice irreplaceable.

~Joel

Music will take you so far in life! When it feels tough, take a break and come back to it. You have the magic in you!

~Julie Ann Mason

Student musicians like you brighten the world! I know what hard work it is to practice your instrument while also staying on top of school work and life. But it will be worth it! Playing music provides many new skills and can open doors for you in the future. Most importantly, it will give you something you can always turn to when you need a bit of joy. Thank you for keeping this passion alive and sharing your gift of music with others!

~Kathleen Stimpert

In the midst of life's challenges, let the magic of music be your guiding light. Your commitment to your craft is not just a skill but a reflection of your passion and resilience. Embrace each note, each practice session, and every performance as a step towards discovering the incredible potential within you. In the face of doubt, remember that your unique voice is a powerful instrument. Your music is a gift to the world, and in this holiday season, may the joy it brings be a wellspring of inspiration. Keep playing, keep believing, and know that your melodies have the power to transcend obstacles and uplift not only your spirits but those of everyone fortunate enough to hear them.

~~~

Hello young music learner - Let my words encourage you to be patient with your early stage of learning how to play or sing music. Don't quit trying. Once progress begins celebrate the little steps that you make. Being in a musical group for many years to come is a fun skill that will open many doors for you. I taught band for 43 years and all my students had a great time, made new friends, traveled with a lot of friends, and had many fun performances. Most of all- I want to assure you that being a musician makes you very special. So, don't get frustrated, ask for help, and hang in there. There are many life-changing experiences in your future.

Best wishes,
~Don Haynes

Being able to sing or play an instrument is being able to connect directly to your heart and share with others what matters most to you.

In music, you can express experiences, hopes, dreams or fears and anger, anything living deep inside of you, even things that you would never dare share with anyone in words. And you will allow others to do the same when you play together with them. The language of Music is a miracle. It creates instant deep connections in a way that nothing else can.

And nobody can ever take it away from you. The music in your heart will always be there for you.

Forever.

~~~

~Richard Hartgrove

Some days are challenging but music is something you can always come back to in good times and bad.

~Patrick Slevin

Music is incredible, right? It's like a language that can say so much without words. As you dive into making music, know that you're on a special journey. It's all about you—your style, your way of playing. That's what makes your music awesome and totally unique.

You've got talent! Believe in it. Your music is like your signature—it's all about your feelings and emotions. Let it out through your music; it's your way of telling stories without words.

Look around for inspiration. It could be from your favorite artists, nature, or even everyday life. Use these ideas to make your music even more impactful. Becoming great takes time and practice. Keep at it, learn new stuff, and watch how much you grow. And please don't keep your music to yourself. Share it! Your music can make someone's day brighter in ways you may never know.

Connect with friends who love music like you do. Together, you can create something awesome. Explore different kinds of music or even new instruments. Who knows what you might discover.

Your passion for music is amazing. Keep at it, even when things get tricky. Your music has its own special magic, and the world deserves to hear it.

~Layla Fry, Austin Soundwaves Board President