Space Heard Us Holds Inaugural Concert, Bringing Musicians of All Abilities Together Through Music
August 29, 2026 | Virginia
Space Heard Us, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating inclusive performance opportunities for musicians with and without disabilities, successfully held its inaugural concert on August 29, 2026, at Open Door Presbyterian Church in Virginia.
Space Heard Us, a nonprofit organization that brings together musicians with and without disabilities through music, held its inaugural concert on August 29 at Open Door Presbyterian Church in Virginia. The event was held in collaboration with Start Within Art, which presented its first exhibition alongside the concert, creating a meaningful celebration of both music and visual art.
Space Heard Us was founded by Kayla Joo, together with Co-Founders Christina Lee and Kelly Kim. The organization is dedicated to creating more meaningful performance opportunities for musicians with disabilities who have musical talent but may have limited access to traditional stages. Through music, Space Heard Us also seeks to help these musicians build connections, engage with the community, and participate more fully in society.
Space Heard Us is more than a performance platform for musicians with disabilities. It is an Inclusive Music Ensemble where musicians with and without disabilities perform together, support one another, and create an environment in which every musician’s strengths can be recognized and celebrated.
This philosophy has been central to the organization from the beginning. Courtney Lee (12), a highly accomplished musician without disabilities, exemplifies this spirit. Rather than focusing solely on her own performance, she thoughtfully adapts to the pace, level, and musical flow of fellow musicians with disabilities, helping their individual talents emerge more clearly. Her participation reflects one of Space Heard Us’ core values: “playing together while helping one another shine.”
The same philosophy was reflected in the concert’s stage design. While the piano is often positioned to the side as an accompanying instrument in traditional ensemble performances, Space Heard Us placed the grand piano at the center of the stage in recognition of the many participating musicians with disabilities who are pianists. This intentional choice allowed them to take a central role, express their music with confidence, and be recognized as featured performers.
The concert was not simply presented as a series of separate musical pieces. Instead, the entire program was connected through a Storytelling Concert format. The performance began with the theme of a new beginning, moved through trials and challenges, and ultimately led toward joy, hope, and stepping forward into the world. As the story unfolded through music, the audience was able to experience both joy and inspiration.
Musicians with disabilities who participated in the concert included Kaden Joo (12), Sarah Shin (16), Eric Kim (17), Taemin Kim (13), and Henry Kwon (17).
Musicians without disabilities included Chloe Jeon, Jamie Moon, Julia Moon, Addison Lee, Avery Lee, Edgar Chang, Chloe Zhao, Eileen Lee, Grace Kim, Cameron Feldman, Katelyn Kim, Esther Choi, Claire Suhjin Choe, Leia Shin, Ian Inman, Noelle Lim, Brandon Kim, Sophia Kim, and Madison Bae. Together, they performed alongside musicians with disabilities, creating a unified and meaningful stage through collaboration and mutual support.
The event was further enriched by the participation of Tunes R Us as a Special Music Guest. Along with Brandon Kim, Sophia Kim, and Madison Bae, SHU Team Leader April Choi and students from Centreville High School also took part in the performance. Their collaboration with Space Heard Us musicians demonstrated how people from different generations and backgrounds can connect through music, adding even greater meaning to the concert.
The event also welcomed Ilryong Moon of Fairfax County as a Special Guest Speaker. He shared words of congratulations and encouragement, offering warm support to the performers and their families while emphasizing the importance of community connection and inclusion.
Following the success of its inaugural concert, Space Heard Us plans to continue expanding performance opportunities and community partnerships, creating inclusive spaces where musicians with disabilities can confidently showcase their talents and where musicians of all abilities can grow, perform, and connect through the power of music.
“Music has no barriers. Every voice deserves to be valued, supported, and heard.”
Space Heard Us
Empowering Musicians with Disabilities
spaceheardus.org