OREGON, Wis. — A Dane County based music center is making a significant impact by giving students from all backgrounds a chance to excel. 

Through its dedicated team, The Academy of Sound aims to demonstrate how music lessons can change lives.

Inside the Academy of Sound, piano and saxophone instructor Ally Kurihara turns sheet music into soundtracks for life.

“Once upon a time, someone took time with me to give me the skills, so getting the one-on-one instruction… I don’t know what other way to do it,” Kurihara said.

One of Kurihara’s students, Carter Staas, began just like her, starting lessons in late elementary school.

“I’ve seen all the progress I made. It makes me feel pretty good about myself,” Carter said.

Two years ago, he said he couldn’t even find middle C, but now he envisions playing music forever.

Kurihara said she’s passionate about her role in her students’ journeys.

“Just knowing that you were a part of that and helped guide them to that point, there’s no other feeling like it,” she said.

The Academy of Sound was a dream realized 23 years ago by the mother of education director Elisa Kaether. It’s a studio dedicated to helping all kids unlock their potential, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

“It’s really important for me to carry on the traditions, carry on the legacy and carry on the fun,” said Kaether.

A significant part of the academy’s mission is its scholarship program, which provides financial assistance to deserving students.

“It’s a wonderful program that we have to offer, and it’s used and it’s useful. And I just encourage anybody who’s interested, but is concerned about the price to apply,” Kaether said.

“Everybody can be a musician. And I think having music in your life is, I mean, it’s a positive thing. So yeah, we want that for as many people as we can reach,” Kurihara said.

For more information about the Academy of Sound and its scholarship program, visit its website here.