School Services History
Honoring the legacy of school-based music therapy at Sound Starts.
Sound Starts has a meaningful history of serving students, schools, and educational teams through music therapy. This work was shaped by dedicated leaders who believed deeply in the power of music to support communication, connection, participation, and growth.
James Craig Williams and Vera Williams
Founders of Music Therapy Services of Texas
Honoring the Legacy
Music Therapy Services of Texas
Sound Starts’ school-based services are rooted in the legacy of Music Therapy Services of Texas, founded in 1995 by James Craig Williams and Vera Williams.
Craig, a board-certified music therapist, helped build a strong foundation for school-based music therapy services across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Through his vision and leadership, Music Therapy Services of Texas grew into a trusted provider for school districts seeking meaningful, goal-based support for students.
After Craig’s passing, Vera continued the work they began together. For the next 18 years, she led the business with dedication, care, and a deep commitment to the students, families, therapists, and school teams served through Music Therapy Services of Texas.
Before Vera’s passing in 2019, Music Therapy Services of Texas was transferred to Mary Altom, owner of Sound Starts. Mary had worked with Music Therapy Services of Texas since 2007 as both a music therapist and Client Services Manager, serving students and school districts through evaluations, direct services, collaboration, and related service support.
Because of Craig and Vera’s vision for music therapy in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Mary gained extensive experience working in school settings and collaborating with educational teams. She has completed more than 1,000 music therapy evaluations and brings deep expertise in music therapy as a related service.
Today, Sound Starts is honored to carry this work forward. Craig and Vera’s dedication continues to shape our commitment to school-based music therapy, thoughtful collaboration, and services that help students access, participate, connect, and grow through music.
School-Based Services Today
Continuing a legacy of thoughtful, collaborative music therapy services in school settings.
Today, Sound Starts works with schools, districts, educators, related service providers, families, and IEP teams to provide music therapy services that fit the needs of each setting.
Our school-based work may include evaluations, direct services, group support, consultation, documentation, and collaboration around student goals. With experience across multiple districts and educational teams, we understand the importance of clear communication, practical scheduling, goal alignment, and services that support meaningful student participation.
Learn More About School Programs
Sound Starts is honored to continue supporting schools, districts, educators, families, and IEP teams through music therapy services and school-based support.
Visit our School Programs page to learn more about current services, or reach out if your school is interested in starting a conversation.