We’ll explore how peer mentorship can transform your instrumental ensemble by reframing inclusion as a shared, student-driven practice where every student belongs. Participants will examine research demonstrating increased musical engagement, social connection, and skill development in peer-mediated settings. Attendees will gain practical strategies for structuring peer partnerships, reducing teacher workload, and fostering meaningful participation. Designed to compliment, not disrupt, your existing program, this model operates outside of daily rehearsals while still giving students the opportunity to perform alongside the ensemble. Walk away with an actionable framework that moves beyond access toward true belonging- without adding a heavy workload to your already full plate!
Target Audience
High school and middle school instrumental music teachers: concert band, orchestra, jazz, mariachi, guitar, modern band
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Julie Duty
United Sound
Julie Duty completed her Music Education degree at Arizona State University in 1998. She taught middle and high school band for nine years in Arizona. Julie founded United Sound in 2014 and serves as the Executive Director, working to bring meaningful inclusion to the music classroom. Julie currently serves on the Tempe Winds Board of Directors, Music for All’s Advocacy Committee, The Institute for Composer Diversity Advisory Council, and the Midwest Clinic Advisory Board.
Brad Hart
Brad Hart is the instrumental music teacher at Johansen High School in Modesto, California, where he teaches Bands, Jazz, Orchestra, Guitar, and other music courses. In his years of teaching, he has also taught courses at University of the Pacific and CSU Stanislaus. In 2024 he was selected as a Yamaha Music Education 40 under 40 educator.
The Johansen ensembles have established themselves as active members of their local community. Establishing holiday parades in underserved neighborhoods, participating in various community events, and still competing and performing regularly. The last several years has seen a major partnership with the Special Education department for a drum class and an opportunity for new musicians to learn band and orchestra instruments with the assistance of peer mentors. This partnership has included regular performances, visits to the local symphony, and performance opportunities at Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall in LA.
Desmond Stevens
Desmond Stevens is a dedicated music educator with 15 years of experience, now in his tenth year at Portola High School in Irvine, California.
Throughout his career, Mr. Stevens has been driven by a mission to provide equitable, inclusive, and accessible music education, ensuring every musician finds a place to belong and thrive.
During his tenure at PHS, he has championed innovative programming that bridges traditional and contemporary music education. He helped develop the school’s first Modern Band pathway, creating a space for students beyond traditional paradigms, and has co-directed the Portola chapter of United Sound since 2019. Prior to opening Portola in 2016, he taught in Garden Grove, where he co-founded the district’s first Mariachi Ensemble.
Mr. Stevens holds a BA in Music Education and Sociology (UCLA) and an MA in Musicology (UC Riverside) and remains an active clinician and advocate throughout Southern California.