Julie Guy shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Julie, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
For many years, while I was pouring myself into building my businesses, I set aside playing my flute in bands and orchestras. I used to say, ‘One day when I have more time, I’ll play again.’ But as the years passed and evenings filled with work, that ‘one day’ never seemed to arrive. Recently, I made the leap to join a local community band and a small orchestra—and it has been such a gift. Making music in a group again brings me incredible joy. I love the feeling of blending into the sound, the challenge of learning new pieces, and the simple delight of meeting new people and building friendships. It feels like a part of myself has come alive again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Julie, co-founder of Banding Together, a nonprofit that helps teens and adults with developmental disabilities discover their inner rock star. We do this through inclusive, adaptive music-making programs—like our community Jam Sessions and Soundcheck Jams—that spark self-expression, build social skills, and foster real connection.
What makes Banding Together special is that it was born out of lived experience: two music therapists and a parent of a child with autism recognized the need for accessible programs where music could help break down barriers. Since 2009, we’ve welcomed over 2,000 “Rock Stars” into our programs, along with their families, music therapists, professional musicians, and volunteers. Together, we create spaces where everyone belongs, where everyone gets to be in the band.
Right now, we’re excited about expanding our reach, cultivating new partnerships, and continuing to set the stage for stronger, more inclusive communities. Whether you’re jamming alongside us, cheering from the audience, or supporting our mission, you’re helping us prove what we believe at our core: everyone is a rock star.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
One part of myself that I’m learning to release is my perfectionism. For years, it fueled my drive and high standards, but it also slowed me down—making me hesitant to take risks, delaying decisions, and sometimes keeping me stuck. I’ve realized that action is better than inaction; once you’re moving, you can always adjust and course correct. Letting go of the fear of failure has been huge for me. I’ve drawn inspiration from leaders like Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, who talks about celebrating failure as part of growth. I’m learning to reframe mistakes not as setbacks but as stepping stones, and to celebrate the courage it takes to try.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that has held me back the most in life has been the fear of communication. From a young age, I was shy and hesitant to speak my mind—even something as simple as making a phone call to order pizza felt overwhelming. Navigating conflict, friendships, or relationships was even harder. I grew up in a family where communication wasn’t modeled in a healthy way; instead, silence, avoidance, or passive aggressiveness were the norm. As a result, I shied away from tough conversations and avoided saying the hard things.
Over time, though, I’ve worked intentionally to change that. Through therapy, coaching groups, workshops, and the encouragement and modeling of friends and colleagues, I’ve developed the tools and confidence to communicate more openly and authentically. It hasn’t been easy, but learning to use my voice has been one of the most empowering transformations of my life.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One belief I’m deeply committed to—no matter how long it takes—is advancing the profession of music therapy. I believe it should be a viable, respected career where music therapists earn a livable wage and have the support they need to thrive. At the same time, music therapy must be accessible to every individual and family who needs it, regardless of financial barriers. My vision is a future where there are enough highly trained music therapists to meet the growing demand for services, and where our work is fully recognized for the powerful impact it has on health, development, and community inclusion. This commitment is bigger than me—it’s about building a foundation for future generations of music therapists and the people they will serve.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
I think the biggest misunderstanding about my legacy might be that it looks effortless. When you do something you love, like leading a Jam Session, and have been doing it for years, it can appear easy to the outside world. What people don’t always see are the sacrifices, setbacks, and difficult choices that paved the way. There were seasons of uncertainty, financial risk, and tough calls that tested my resilience and commitment. As Dave Ramsey puts it, ‘Success is just a pile of failures you’re standing on top of.’
If people only see the finished product—the thriving programs, the community impact, the joy in the work—they might miss the grit and perseverance it took to get there. My hope is that my legacy isn’t just about the outcomes, but also about modeling persistence, faith, and the belief that even through failure, you can keep building something meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bandingtogethersd.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/banding_together/
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/banding-together-sd
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bandingtogethersd
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bandingtogethersd
Image Credits
Katie Gardner, C. Huerta
