Business Details
42 Years
experience
Affordable Music Education for Nashville Youth
Since 1984, WO Smith Music School has been dedicated to making quality music education accessible to underserved youth in Nashville. Founded by William Oscar Smith, our mission focuses on providing affordable instruction to children from low-income families, ensuring financial barriers do not hinder musical development. We offer private lessons, group classes, and ensemble opportunities across diverse instruments and genres, taught by passionate volunteer instructors. Our programs emphasize self-discipline, goal-setting, and creative expression, fostering skills that benefit students regardless of future career paths. With over four decades of experience, we have impacted thousands of young lives through music. Our structured curriculum includes foundational courses like Basic Musicianship, which prepares students for private instruction, and specialized ensembles ranging from jazz bands to steel drum groups.We maintain rigorous eligibility standards aligned with USDA free/reduced lunch guidelines, ensuring resources reach those most in need. Our volunteer teaching artistsprofessional musicians, educators, and university studentsdonate over 1,000 hours annually. We provide instruments, materials, and flexible scheduling to accommodate working families. Through community partnerships and donor support, we sustain our $.50-per-class fee model, maintaining financial accessibility. Our graduates consistently demonstrate improved academic performance, confidence, and social skills. We actively collaborate with local institutions like Belmont University to expand our reach and resources. By combining structured musical training with character development, we empower students to achieve personal growth and community engagement through music.
Services
Private Music Lessons
Basic Musicianship Class
Jazz Band
Choir Programs
Music Production
String Ensembles
Songwriting Classes
Audio Production
Steel Drum Ensembles
Advanced Theory
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We provide music education since 1984 with proven community impact
- Our $.50 per class fee model ensures financial accessibility
- Professional volunteer instructors donate over 1,000 teaching hours annually
- Structured curriculum prepares students for musical and personal success
- Eligibility based on USDA free/reduced lunch guidelines ensures equitable access
Services
Private Music Lessons
Individualized weekly instruction with volunteer teaching artists for piano, guitar, drums, brass, woodwinds, strings, and voice. Lessons focus on technical development, repertoire building, and performance preparation. Students receive personalized attention to develop musical skills at their own pace.
Basic Musicianship Class
Semester-long program teaching music reading fundamentals, notation, and musical concepts. Required for private lesson eligibility, this class establishes essential skills through interactive instruction. Students demonstrate proficiency through a comprehensive final assessment.
Jazz Band Ensemble
Intermediate-level ensemble focusing on jazz repertoire, improvisation, and performance techniques. Students play traditional big band instruments while developing improvisational skills and stylistic understanding. Regular public performances showcase their musical growth and collaborative achievements.
Music Production Class
Hands-on instruction in digital audio workstations like Logic and ProTools. Students learn recording, mixing, and editing techniques for both MIDI and audio tracks. The curriculum emphasizes creative exploration through technology-based music creation and production workflows.
Choral Programs
Age-specific choirs including Choir Kids, Polyphony Choir, and Singers Studio. Programs develop vocal technique, harmony singing, and performance skills. Participants gain experience in diverse musical styles while building confidence through regular public performances and collaborative music-making.
People
Dr. Valerie Cordero
Executive Director
Dr. Cordero leads strategic initiatives and organizational development at WO Smith Music School. With extensive experience in music education administration, she oversees program expansion and community partnerships while maintaining the school's founding mission.
Dr. Allyson McIntyre
Programs Director
Dr. McIntyre manages curriculum development and instructional quality across all programs. She coordinates teaching artists and ensures pedagogical standards align with the school's educational objectives while implementing innovative music education approaches.
Jordan Morrison
Music Education Director
Morrison supervises instructional operations and teacher training programs. He develops educational resources, implements teaching methodologies, and maintains relationships with volunteer instructors to ensure consistent quality across all music education offerings.
Anna Arata
Director of Donor & Media Relations
Arata manages fundraising initiatives and public communications for the school. She cultivates donor relationships, coordinates marketing efforts, and promotes community awareness of the school's mission and programs.
Ronnie Greer
Weekday Driver, Events Manager
Greer coordinates transportation logistics and special events programming. He ensures smooth operation of student transportation while organizing performances and community engagement activities that showcase student achievements.
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 specified thresholds based on family size.
How much do lessons and classes cost?
All lessons and classes cost $.50 per week per activity. A student taking two classes would pay $1.00 weekly.
What instruments are available for study?
We offer piano, guitar, bass, drums, brass, woodwinds, strings, and voice instruction through private lessons and ensemble programs.
Is prior musical experience required?
No experience is necessary. Students without music reading skills must complete Basic Musicianship class before starting private lessons.
How do I register for programs?
New families must register in person. Visit our website to schedule an appointment and complete the registration process with required documentation.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in regular recitals, public performances, and ensemble showcases including jazz bands, choirs, and steel drum ensembles throughout the year.
Videos
