HeartBeats Concert

With generous support from the Weitz Fund for Excellence & Innovation, HeartBeats is a music engagement program that connects UNO School of Music students and faculty with participants from Duet, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

Through interactive music-making, the program creates meaningful, real-world opportunities for students to perform, teach, and learn while supporting the needs of the local community. For Duet participants, HeartBeats offers a welcoming space for creative expression, social connection, and joyful engagement. Participants experience the cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits of music-making – strengthening communication, encouraging movement, supporting memory and attention, and fostering a sense of belonging and accomplishment.

As citizen musicians, students build professional skills while developing empathy, adaptability, and a deeper sense of purpose as active, contributing members of society.