— OUR APPROACH —
Opens minds
Music and art disrupt habitual ways of thinking. When we’re stuck in mental ruts or rigid perspectives, creative experiences jolt us out of autopilot and create openings for fresh insights and ways to approach problems.
Why music & art?
We believe moving people forward requires more imagination and creativity – not more information.
Why facilitation?
We believe every group has extraordinary potential just waiting to be tapped into.
Art and facilitation are powerful tools for connection.
We make sure our approach serves everyone, not just the few.
We don’t just talk about belonging. We put it into practice.
Equity and cultural humility are central to how we work. We believe real transformation begins when people recognize the limits of their own perspective and open themselves to experiences beyond it.
This belief shapes our approach to facilitation. Our team makes sure every voice is heard, with deliberate attention to elevating perspectives that are too often overlooked in traditional gatherings.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You don’t have to wonder if our spaces are meant for you.
We’re explicit about our focus. Communities we’re especially eager to serve include:
- LGBTQIA+ individuals
- Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC)
- Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA-NH/PI)
- Hispanic and Latino communities
- Persons experiencing mental health challenges or living with disabilities
- Economically disadvantaged or low-income individuals
- Veterans, including those actively serving and their families
- First-generation, international, and nontraditional students and professionals
- Seniors and older adults
Most importantly, your financial situation won’t determine access to our work.
We operate on a values-driven, sliding scale pricing model. Transformation shouldn’t require wealth, and underrepresented groups have long faced systemic barriers to accessing quality programs. As a minority-led organization, we remove those barriers by offering subsidized and pro bono experiences to underserved groups.
Don’t just take our word for it!
We have the numbers and testimonials to back up our approach.
94%
felt more aligned with their values and emerged with a greater sense of purpose
77%
are more likely to be aware of their day-to-day experiences without getting lost in them.
88%
felt it fostered a meaningful sense of belonging and connection with others in their group.
77%
are more likely to embrace challenging situations without trying to avoid or control them.
81%
believe it equipped them with skills and resources to improve their mental well-being.
76%
said we helped them embrace challenges in service of their personal and professional growth.
* Based on n = 1,639 participants in the last 24 months.
(See the raw evaluation data behind these numbers.)
Numbers only tell part of the story.
Our approach is shaped by qualitative feedback from our partners and participants. We capture diverse experiences through evaluations and use the data to continuously refine our work.
Browse these insights by category to get a deeper look at our impact:
Empire State University
Student Participant
“This allowed me the space openly consider what drives my behavior and the things that both motivate and hinder me.”
Haverford College
Student Participant
“I really connected with the experience of just taking time to listen and notice. I would love to continue to foster this relationship with music and mindfulness.”
San Diego State University
Student Participant
“We don’t always have the time to stop and make choices that align with our values and goals. Sometimes we have to make choices and those will be filled with their own obstacles while we strive to maintain our wellness.”
University of Maryland
Staff participant
“I really appreciated something the facilitator said at the beginning of the workshop, which was ‘We notice the things that matter to us when we have the chance to pause.’ I was so happy with the time we had to reflect during the workshop. And of course that this reflection was accompanied by music that made me tap into everything.”
De Anza College
Pride Center Participant
“Even though I’ve explored similar topics, revisiting these ideas through music was incredibly affirming. It reminded me to stay connected with my values and reframe challenges to navigate feeling overwhelmed. In our busy lives, it’s all too easy to overlook the need to process our emotions mindfully. Thanks again for providing a space where our queer community can find such valuable check-ins and support!”
Río Hondo College
LGBTQ+ Student Participant
“It was nice seeing everyone’s perspective and not just mine. I love to see people open up and resonate with what we have going on.”
Case Western Reserve University
Graduate Student Council VP of Equity and Inclusion
“This was a space where I was able to self-reflect and realize that I need to do much more for myself as I do for the people around me.”
Ursinus College
Staff Participant
“This was truly a transcendental experience. I see myself using the skills presented outside of the workshop. Thank you for helping me feel more confident in knowing my values.”
Boston College
Staff Participant
“It finally gave me a moment to put my thoughts and feelings into understandable and actionable words.”
San Diego Miramar College
Student Participant
“You helped me realize I have the choice to live more aligned with my values. It’s okay to have the things that anchor us, but we make space for them and refocus on what’s important. I can acknowledge negative thoughts and emotions without letting them dictate my leadership decisions.”
Princeton University
Graduate Student Participant
“Graduate school can make me feel like my entire identity is reduced to productivity and deadlines. This workshop cut through all of that for me. The music gave me an entry point into thoughts and emotions I’ve been ignoring, and the group dialogue helped me connect with faces I’ve seen over and over, but never actually talked to. I’m walking away with organized thoughts, a way out of my silo, and strategies I can actually use, which I’m all about.”
Stony Brook University
National Society of Leadership and Success Chapter President
“I love what Sonic Connections represents and I’m so excited about the mental health awareness and direct assistance it provided to faculty and students.”
University of Hartford
SGA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Chair
“Thank you for an amazing workshop. Going through it really made me realize the importance and impact it can have on the campus community. And you got students to engage which is rare, so hats off to you for that. We will definitely be in touch about a Part Two.”
SUNY Broome
Counseling Services Chair
“Sonic Connections offers a creative and innovative way to support one’s wellness in an all-inclusive and comfortable environment. I cannot rave about the entire experience enough!”
Binghamton University
Student Participant
“Today helped me connect with what I really find important, which I lose sight of a lot.”
Ready to create immersive experiences that stick?
Get in touch to talk through your goals and how we can reach them together.
