Local Musician Brings Healing Through Music for Children with Special Needs

It’s well known that music can make a lasting impact on children with autism and other intellectual disabilities. But funding those programs is often a challenge. That’s where local musician Jason Nutter is making a difference.

Through his nonprofit Music Heals, Nutter is working to expand music education for students of all abilities across the Coachella Valley. “We have a lack of funding for kids to learn music,” he said. “Music Heals was formed to spread education for everybody with special or all abilities in school districts.”

To help fund the cause, Nutter opened a thrift store in downtown Palm Springs. “I go to swap meets and yard sales. People come in and bring unique items because they know it’ll benefit the store,” he explained. “Even just a little bit helps a lot.”

Support from other organizations has also played a role. “We have support from Guitars for Kids, who’ve been giving us instruments for the programs — which is amazing, and I want to say thank you to them,” Nutter added.

Nutter has also organized live performances, including a memorable Village Fest concert in 2019 featuring musicians of all abilities. “When people see a whole band of autistic and special needs musicians, they’re blown away,” he said. “You see a lot of tears in the audience. It was a big deal for them, and I still teach some of those students today.”

Music Heals also hosts weekly jam sessions every Thursday night at the shop, along with drum circles, art nights, and community events — all aimed at keeping people connected through the power of music.

“Community is what it’s all about,” Nutter said. “We try to keep everyone together through music — that’s what we’re doing.”

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