We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Julie Guy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Julie below.

Hi Julie, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I’ve ever worked on is co-founding Banding Together, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing unique music opportunities to individuals with special needs. As music therapists, we were witnessing something powerful—our students were growing, connecting, and thriving through music. But there was a heartbreaking pattern we couldn’t ignore: families were overwhelmed with the financial strain of raising and caring for a loved one with disabilities, and music therapy often became one more thing they had to say “no” to—not because they didn’t see its value, but because they simply couldn’t afford it.

In 2009, alongside the parent of a child with autism and another fellow music therapist, we decided to stop trying to patch the problem with temporary fixes. We rolled up our sleeves and started a nonprofit that would offer free and accessible programs—something we wished already existed. At the time, there were very few recreational options where youth with special needs could build friendships, practice life skills, and feel a true sense of belonging. Banding Together was created to fill that gap, grounded in the belief that music could be more than therapeutic—it could be a bridge to community, connection, and joy.

It’s deeply meaningful to me because I’ve seen firsthand the transformation in our students. I’ve watched a nonverbal teen vocalize for the first time during a jam session. I’ve seen young adults walk into a room feeling unsure and walk out feeling like rockstars. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into a movement powered by families, volunteers, and supporters who believe in inclusion, creativity, and the power of music.

Banding Together is a daily reminder that even a small group of people with a big dream can create lasting change—and that music, when shared freely and with love, has the power to connect us all.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not know me yet—hi, I’m Julie Guy, a board-certified music therapist, co-founder of The Music Therapy Center of California, and co-founder of Banding Together, a nonprofit that provides free music programs for youth and young adults with special needs. I’ve always been drawn to both helping people and creating music, and when I first discovered music therapy, it was as if someone had put my passions into a single job description. I knew instantly that it was what I was meant to do.

Early on, I realized that music therapy jobs—especially full-time roles—were rare on the West Coast, so I decided to create my own path. That leap of faith led to starting The Music Therapy Center of California, where we provide individualized music therapy services that support everything from communication and social skills to emotional regulation and motor development. Our team works with individuals of all ages and abilities, using music as a powerful tool to help people pursue their potential—one note at a time.

But we also saw a gap: so many families recognized the benefits of music therapy, but the financial burden of raising a child with special needs made accessing those services nearly impossible. That’s why in 2009, together with a fellow music therapist and a parent of a child with autism, I co-founded Banding Together. We started with one small jam session, and it’s grown into a vibrant, community-based program where individuals with special needs can make music, build friendships, express themselves, and be celebrated for exactly who they are.

What sets us apart is our heart-centered approach, our belief in possibility, and our commitment to building inclusive, connected communities through music. Whether it’s through our therapy services, nonprofit programs, team of passionate professionals, or creative tools and trainings we’ve developed over the years, everything we do is designed to create moments of growth, joy, and belonging.

I’m most proud of the lives we’ve impacted—like JJ, a young man with complex needs who found his voice (literally and figuratively) through our Jam Session program. It’s the one thing that he looks forward to doing most each week. The minute, his mom takes out his Banding Together Rock Star shirt to wear to Jam Session, he gets excited! Stories like his remind me why I do this work, even on the hard days.

If there’s one thing I hope people take away from learning about our work, it’s this: music is more than entertainment—it’s connection, empowerment, and joy. And everyone deserves access to that.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my journey as a music therapist—and one I think many non-creatives may struggle to understand—is the ongoing effort to validate and advocate for the legitimacy of music therapy as a profession. Most people intuitively recognize that music is powerful. They’ve experienced it personally—using playlists to fall asleep, push through a workout, or find comfort during hard times. But what they often don’t realize is that music therapy is a clinical, evidence-based profession, rooted in decades of research and neuroscience.

Because of that gap in awareness, music therapy is frequently seen as a “nice-to-have” rather than a necessity. It’s easy to overlook that behind every joyful jam session or songwriting moment is a carefully crafted intervention designed to meet therapeutic goals—whether it’s improving communication, building social connections, or regulating emotions.

What’s kept me going is witnessing transformation after transformation—nonverbal children saying their first words through song, individuals with complex disabilities forming friendships, a senior with dementia who is unable to talk can sing and connect with their loved ones, and families experiencing hope and connection where there was once only struggle.

Thankfully, the rise of neuromusicology and advances in brain imaging over the last two decades have begun to bridge the gap between the heart and the science of music therapy. We now have the data to show what music therapists have known all along: music literally changes the brain. And that’s exciting—not just for us as creatives and clinicians, but for anyone seeking innovative, effective ways to support human growth and healing.

So, if there’s one piece of insight I can offer, it’s this: creativity isn’t just about expression—it can also be a rigorous, intentional, and transformative tool for change. And in the case of music therapy, it’s often a lifeline.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

As a music therapy student, I took a wide range of courses—from biology and anatomy to psychology, speech and language development, music theory, and clinical music therapy practice. But one thing that was missing from my education was any formal training in business—how to read financial statements, build a sustainable model, lead a team, or manage the day-to-day operations of an organization. When we started our nonprofit and later expanded into running a business, it often felt like I was learning everything the hard way: by doing, failing, adjusting, and trying again.

The turning point came when we joined the EntreLeadership program, a business mastermind community started by Dave Ramsey’s team. Hands down, it’s been the best investment we’ve made as business owners and leaders. Through this program, we became part of a small advisory group—with seven other business owners from around the country. We meet virtually twice a month to share struggles, swap strategies, and support each other. We affectionately call ourselves “Eight the Great”—and it’s more than a mastermind group, it’s a lifeline. It’s where we learn, grow, and show up for each other through both challenges and celebrations.

EntreLeadership taught me that running a values-based business is about more than just profit—it’s about serving your people well, building a strong culture, and making an impact. It’s given me the tools I never learned in school and helped me step more confidently into my role as a leader and visionary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://bandingtogethersd.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banding_together/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bandingtogethersd
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/banding-together-sd/
• Twitter: https://x.com/bandingtogethe2
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4RfCT8tC4ZT-00xjzryutw/featured