When Alec Johnson first walked into The Music Company, he wasn’t looking for a studio space or a performance opportunity. He was looking for a way forward.
Alec is a music therapist who works primarily with children on the autism spectrum. His work centers on helping young people develop self-regulation, communication skills, and confidence through music, while also supporting families as a whole. Before coming to TMC, Alec was completing his schooling and working within the traditional clinic model. While the work was meaningful, the structure wasn’t sustainable.
“In clinics, there’s always more people than you can serve,” Alec said. “You’re seeing someone for 30 minutes, then you have to cut it off and move on, no matter what they’re processing. I couldn’t go as deep as I wanted to with my clients.”
Alec knew the kind of care he wanted to provide: slower, more intentional, and centered on real presence. But launching a private practice in San Diego came with steep financial barriers. “Rent alone can make it impossible,” he said. “Especially when you’re starting from nothing.”
His connection to TMC came by chance. Walking down the street with a friend, Alec saw the sign, stepped inside, and was welcomed in. “They gave us a tour and invited us to use the studio to create workshops and podcasts,” he said. “That became an incubator for the work I’m doing now.”
At TMC, Alec found something rare: affordable access to professional space, a welcoming creative environment, and the freedom to build a practice aligned with his values. Instead of rushing clients through a rigid schedule, he was able to spend meaningful time with each child, exploring instruments, music production, DJing, or whatever creative pathway best supported their development. “It’s an entire music playground,” Alec said. “But beyond the music, the real purpose is helping them become the best version of themselves and live the best life they can.”
That shift, from high-volume, low-depth care to a low-quantity, high-quality model, became the foundation of Alec’s growing music therapy business, Guard Goose Music Therapy. With the support and stability TMC provided, Alec was able to launch his private practice with confidence. “Starting your own business is terrifying,” he said. “But having this space, and feeling supported by TMC, gave me a real sense of a pathway. That’s what made it possible.”
The impact has been tangible. Alec describes a clear difference in the quality of care he’s able to provide, and in the outcomes for his clients. “Now I’m much more available to clients,” he said. “I’m part of their lives. We’re not just checking a box, we’re going on a journey together.”
Parents have noticed the difference. Clients have grown in confidence, communication, and emotional regulation, not because Alec is rushing to fix anything, but because he’s present. “That’s really what people want,” he said. “To be seen, to be supported.”
Beyond the therapy work itself, TMC has also provided Alec with something unexpected: connection. Through everyday interactions in the studio, he’s met artists, educators, and organizers who have expanded his reach and perspective, including connections that led to national training opportunities and work with veterans. “It’s not forced,” he said. “It’s just people meeting people. That’s powerful.”
Looking ahead, Alec envisions growing his practice in a way that resists burnout, both for himself and for future therapists he hopes to bring on. His long-term goal is to build a sustainable model that supports practitioners financially while allowing them to deliver deep, meaningful care. “There’s so much burnout in this field,” he said. “I want to show that you can provide real value to people without destroying yourself in the process.”
Alec’s story reflects a core truth of TMC’s mission. Building a sustainable music ecosystem isn’t only about artists and performances. It’s also about creating space for educators, therapists, and entrepreneurs to build meaningful, viable careers, especially when their work serves communities that are often overlooked.
With TMC’s help, Alec has the freedom to build a sustainable practice that uses music to reach each client with the personal attention they deserve.
Your gift today helps people like Alec, and the families he supports, discover what’s possible through music. Will you donate now to support emerging artists discovering what’s possible? Click here to donate!
