ABOUT US
Applied Music Programs (AMP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit music education organization offering joyful, accessible, and experiential programs for musicians of all ages. We believe music education works best when students learn by doing, grow through performing, and feel supported by a welcoming community.
AMP provides goal-driven music programs that help students move from the practice room to the stage. Our programs emphasize small-group ensembles, genre-specific learning, and real performance experiences, creating clear and meaningful goals for students to work toward.
Unlike competitive or expensive traditional programs, AMP focuses on flexible, affordable, and non-competitive learning environments that welcome all skill levels. While we care about strong musical outcomes, our priority is inclusivity, belonging, and helping students feel comfortable enough to take creative risks.
As a nonprofit, AMP is supported by public grants, private donors, and community partners. We are governed by an operating board and committed to fair pay for working musician-instructors, small teacher-to-student ratios, and expanding access to high-quality music education throughout Salt Lake and Davis counties.
OUR STORY
Applied Music Programs officially formed in 2025, bringing together two community-rooted organizations: Utah Jam Bands (est. 2015) and Salt Lake Academy of Music (est. 2020).
Both programs shared a belief that music education should be practical, human, and centered around real musical experiences.
The decision to merge was driven by a shared goal: to better serve students across Salt Lake and Davis counties while reducing administrative costs and increasing access to nonprofit resources. By joining forces, AMP was able to expand its reach while staying deeply connected to the local music community.
Collectively, the AMP team brings well over a decade of experience designing and producing the kinds of performance-based, goal-driven programs we offer. Our staff and teaching artists also bring even deeper experience as highly skilled, actively working musicians, grounding our programs in real-world musicianship and mentorship.
From the beginning, AMP has focused on creating programs that feel inviting rather than intimidating, and communities that feel supportive rather than competitive. Today, we continue to build a bright and welcoming ecosystem where learning leads to performing, relationships matter, and musicians of all ages can grow with confidence.
The mission of Applied Music Programs (AMP) is to offer joyful, accessible, and experiential music education programs, providing young and adult students with opportunities to learn by doing and to be inspired through performing as part of a welcoming community. AMP seeks to be a visionary organization by thoughtfully expanding the scope of music education beyond what is available in traditional settings, opening access to a broad and diverse group of students, and intentionally fostering a bright and supportive ecosystem where real growth is possible.
AMP provides music programs for young and adult learners of all ability levels who want a specific, meaningful goal to work toward and a friendly, non-competitive community of fellow students and mentors with whom they can work towards that goal. Unlike traditional, academic music education, AMP is uniquely positioned to offer flexible programs that cater to the genre-specific interests of students, and to focus on small-group ensembles and individual development.
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Alicia Wrigley
Executive Director
Alicia oversees all aspects of AMP. Involved with AMP since the founding of Utah Jam Bands, she has served as both instructor and administrator, and brings years of leadership experience to AMP’s programs and operations.
Alicia has taught privately since 2016 and has served as an adjunct professor at UVU and SLCC, blending academic insight with hands-on music instruction. She is a fixture of the Utah music scene, and plays bass and sings, working primarily as a jazz musician while leading multiple bands, and freelancing as a bassist in a variety of ensembles.
Her approach combines professional rigor with warmth, creating programs and policies that empower both students and instructors to thrive.
Richard Gailey
Program Director
Richard is the founder of Utah Jam Bands and the longest-serving member of the AMP team, bringing years of experience as the driving force behind group music programs. At AMP, he develops, oversees, and manages our ensemble programs, ensuring they run smoothly while also teaching extensively in our Jam Bands programs.
A highly sought-after drummer, Richard performs with many of Utah’s top event bands and does recording work across genres. His professional experience informs every aspect of AMP’s group programs, helping students experience real-world performance and musicianship.
Devin Moore
Director of Development
Devin leads advertising, donor management, and grant initiatives at AMP.
A talented guitarist, Devin performs with multiple bands, including the pop-jazz trio Radio Retrograde, as well as several event bands around Utah. He also brings extensive teaching experience to AMP, instructing in our Jam Band programs and inspiring students of all ages with his skill, patience, and enthusiasm.
Devin is known for being personable and steady in both the classroom and on stage, blending professionalism with a passion for making music fun and accessible.
Nick Zunkowski
Operations Manager
Nick manages the day-to-day operations of AMP, overseeing registration, student support, payroll, and teacher management. He was the backbone of SLAM before the merger and has been instrumental in AMP’s continued success, keeping programs running smoothly behind the scenes.
A trained saxophonist, Nick also plays guitar, bass, and keyboard at a proficient level. He leads our Jazz Lab program, bringing his musical expertise and mentorship directly to students, while his versatility allows him to connect with musicians across instruments and genres.
Nick is known for his quiet passion, kindness, and curiosity—constantly surprising the team with his knowledge of everything from woodworking to event planning.