Business Details
42 Years
experience
Affordable Music Education for Nashville Youth
Founded in 1984 by William Oscar Smith, our school has dedicated over four decades to providing accessible music education to underserved youth in Nashville. We combine structured curriculum with volunteer expertise to deliver affordable instruction in diverse musical disciplines. Our programs emphasize foundational skills through Basic Musicianship classes, private lessons, and ensemble opportunities. With a focus on community engagement, we partner with local artists and institutions to provide instruments, materials, and mentorship. Our volunteer teaching artists bring professional experience from performance, studio work, and academic settings. We maintain rigorous eligibility standards aligned with USDA Free and Reduced Lunch Program guidelines while keeping weekly fees at $0.50 per activity.Through partnerships with Belmont University and other organizations, we expand access through multilingual resources and community outreach. Our administrative team ensures efficient student placement through a lottery system that prioritizes availability commitments. With over 100 annual volunteers, we maintain a 1:1 student-teacher ratio in private instruction. Our facilities support 12 distinct class offerings ranging from jazz ensembles to audio production workshops. We measure success through student retention rates and progression to advanced musical study, with 85% of graduates continuing music education beyond our program.
Services
Private Lessons
Group Classes
Ensemble Programs
Music Theory
Instrument Rental
Audio Production
Choral Programs
Basic Musicianship
Songwriting
Digital Music Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- 40+ years of music education expertise in Nashville
- Professional volunteer instructors from diverse musical backgrounds
- Comprehensive curriculum from beginners to advanced students
- Multilingual resources in five languages for accessibility
- Affordable $0.50 weekly fees for all programs
What people say
Life-changing opportunities
Dedicated volunteer teachers
Affordable pricing
Professional development
Multilingual support
Services
Private Music Lessons
Individualized weekly instruction with volunteer teaching artists for piano, guitar, drums, brass, woodwinds, strings, and voice. Sessions focus on technical development and musical interpretation. Students receive personalized feedback and progress tracking.
Basic Musicianship
Semester-long course covering music reading, notation, and theoretical concepts. Required for private lesson eligibility with passing exam. Combines interactive learning with practical application through printable resources and online testing.
Ensemble Programs
Collaborative music-making opportunities including jazz band, steel drum ensembles, and choral groups. Develops ensemble skills through rehearsals and public performances. No prior experience required for most ensembles.
Digital Music Production
Hands-on instruction in Logic, ProTools, and BandLab software for music creation. Teaches mixing, editing, and production techniques. Includes access to digital audio workstations and project-based learning activities.
Instrument Access
Free instrument provision for all enrolled students. Includes maintenance support and care instruction. Available instruments range from traditional orchestral instruments to modern production equipment.
People
Dr. Valerie Cordero
Executive Director
Leads strategic vision and organizational development with 15+ years in music education leadership. Former university music professor with expertise in community engagement programs.
Dr. Allyson McIntyre
Programs Director
Manages curriculum development and instructional quality. Holds doctorate in music education with focus on underserved youth programs. Oversees teacher training initiatives.
Jordan Morrison
Music Education Director
Coordinates lesson scheduling and student placement. Former professional musician with 10+ years teaching experience. Specializes in program accessibility improvements.
Anna Arata
Director of Donor & Media Relations
Manages fundraising campaigns and media outreach. Background in nonprofit development with focus on arts education. Maintains community partnerships and sponsorship programs.
Ronnie Greer
Events Manager
Organizes public performances and special events. Coordinates volunteer logistics and facility operations. Ensures accessibility for all school functions.
Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for enrollment?
Students must be aged 8-18 and qualify for USDA Free/Reduced Lunch Program. Income guidelines require 2025 household income below $39,128 for 2-person households, increasing with family size.
How much do lessons cost?
All programs cost $0.50 per week per activity. Private lessons and group classes maintain the same affordable rate.
What instruments are available?
We offer piano, guitar, bass, drums, brass, woodwinds, strings, voice, and steel drums through our volunteer instructors and equipment provision program.
How do I register my child?
New families must schedule in-person registration. Returning families receive re-registration links via email annually. All families must watch orientation videos before registration.
Are there performance opportunities?
Yes! We offer multiple public performances annually through ensembles like Jazz Band, Polyphony Choir, and Steel Drum Ensembles.
What support exists for non-English speakers?
We provide Spanish translations for all materials and offer informational videos in five languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Burmese, and Zomi.
Videos
