Our story
I grew up in a small town in Nebraska, where strong schools and well-supported fine arts programs were an important part of the community. I was extremely lucky to have excellent band directors. One in particular, who we called “Soro” had this amazing ability to connect with students, to make them believe in themselves and each other. His influence inspired me to become the kind of educator who could make that same difference for future generations.
He was the first in a long line of teachers and mentors who had a lasting impact on my journey as a musician and teacher. Many were flutists, others were pianists, conductors, and various professors. What they all had in common was a true passion for teaching and an ability to build lasting connections through music.
When I moved to North Texas and began teaching and freelancing in the area, I was struck by not only the level of musicianship in the middle and high schools, but the amount of professional musicians who taught masterclasses and private lessons in the schools. I very clearly remember thinking, “This is amazing! What an incredible opportunity these students have at their disposal. I wonder if all Texas schools have this available to them?” That was immediately followed by, “Imagine if I had access to something like this when I was in school, even on a limited basis! What if we could bring these opportunities to more students? And what if we could make live classical music more accessible to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it?”
Those questions became the foundation for Within Reach Music Initiative. After more than a decade of brainstorming ways to create a sustainable model, the right circumstances presented themselves to finally put the ideas into action. At the heart of Within Reach is a simple belief: meaningful musical experiences should not be limited by geography or access to resources. By connecting students and communities with passionate professional musicians and educators, we hope to create opportunities for learning, inspiration, and the kinds of lasting connections that shaped my own musical journey.
— Dr. Amy ThiemannFounder and Executive Artistic Director
Meet Our Board