Our Mission
Austin Sound Care is a youth-led nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors in Austin, Texas through live jazz performances. We connect talented young musicians with senior living communities, providing therapeutic musical experiences that bring comfort, spark memories, and foster human connection.
Our Story
I started playing piano at a very young age. As I grew, I found myself drawn to the saxophone — the tenor, specifically, for its darker tone, emotional depth, and freedom of expression. Jazz became more than music for me. It taught me how to take risks, how to listen, and how to communicate without words.
But my most meaningful performances have never been on a stage. They’ve been at nursing homes. When I first played at Brookdale Senior Living in Austin, I watched something happen that I hadn’t expected. A resident who had been sitting quietly began tapping her foot. Another started humming along. By the end, people were smiling, clapping, and asking me to come back. I realized that my saxophone wasn’t just making sound — it was making connection.
That experience changed how I think about music. I love playing the saxophone for myself, and also to reach people. When someone who hasn’t spoken all day starts tapping their foot, that’s everything. And I believe every young musician in Austin can do the same.
Austin Sound Care exists to make it possible to give young musicians a platform to serve, and to give seniors the gift of live music when they need it most.
— Aditya Gullapalli, Founder
Why it matters.
Research consistently shows that live music can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and stimulate cognitive function in older adults — particularly those living with memory loss or limited social interaction. For many residents in senior care facilities, a live performance may be the most meaningful moment of their week.
At the same time, young musicians gain something that practice rooms and competitions can’t provide: the experience of playing for people who truly need their music. Our performers learn empathy, presence, and the power of serving others through their craft.