BY Emily Zeigfinger
For two rising seniors at St. Mark’s School of Texas, music matters, and so does helping students access it.
Andrew Liu and Richard Wang founded One Union Music in 2023 after noticing the disparities in music opportunities between St. Mark’s and several area public schools.
“During the pandemic, I started noticing how many kids were losing access to music programs that used to be free or school-sponsored,” Liu said. “I realized that just an hour a week could make a huge difference for a student. That was the moment that inspired me to start One Union Music, so any student who wanted to learn music could do it for free, regardless of zip code or income.”
The nonprofit offers a 12-week lesson plan that is individualized to each student, based on experience level. Instructors teach skills from theory to improvisation, with volunteers providing more than 200 combined hours this year.
“Balancing nonprofit work and school is challenging, but I’ve learned to treat it like any other priority,” Liu said. “Working with One Union is just like studying for an exam or preparing for a piano recital. I time-block and set clear weekly goals.”
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One Union receives funding from donations and events that the nonprofit coordinates. With chapters in Seattle, Rochester, and Austin, One Union has expanded its focus from a local-level nonprofit to something happening across the country.
“Long-term, it’d be great to see One Union Music in 20 plus cities with hundreds of students served,” Liu said.
He added that One Union Music decided to teach students online starting this summer to continue lessons even when school is out.
“We’re launching a new virtual model where chapters can teach students over Zoom, even if they don’t have access to an instrument or practice space. The goal is to make it as easy as possible for new volunteers to get involved and for students to learn from anywhere.”
Wang has been playing piano for over 10 years, while Liu has played for 11.
“Over the years, I’ve performed at Carnegie Hall, played with an orchestra, and studied under some internationally lauded mentors. But what I love most about music is its ability to express what words can’t,” Liu said. “Teaching through One Union has reminded me that connection and self-expression through music are things every kid deserves to experience.”
