Welcome to the KIPP Partnership Page

At W. O. Smith Nashville Community Music School, we offer a wide range of music lessons, classes, ensembles, and activities. To come to W. O. Smith, a student must qualify for the Free or Reduced Lunch Program (find qualification info here). Every activity here costs 50 cents per lesson/class/ensemble per time (EX: a student taking lessons will likely pay $7 for a semester of lessons. Our lessons are taught by volunteer teachers under the supervision and support of the staff.

Location: Edgehill Community on 8th Ave. S.

1125 8th Ave. S.

Nashville, TN 37203

Contact: Jordan Morrison - Music Education Director - jordan@wosmith.org

What do we offer @ W.o. Smith?

Private Lessons are the primary program at W.O. Smith. Every student is required to take lessons in order to be involved in other programs here (once they pass basic musicianship class). Students meet for 30mins each week with their volunteer lesson teacher on an instrument which they chose to study.

Basic Musicianship - This 12 week class provides foundational music reading knowledge that is beneficial for any student in their private lessons. Students learn Note Names & Durations, Rhythm Counting, Musical Symbols, Treble & Bass Clef Note Names, and how to locate notes on a keyboard. Once they pass the test at the end of this class they can enter into private lessons on the instrument they choose. Lead: Multiple Volunteers

Polyphony Choir is open to any student aged 13-18. This choir is for the older student interested in four-part ensemble singing. Public performances are possible several times yearly. No previous choir or singing experience necessary. Students will learn to sing harmonies in a variety of styles in a group setting. Lead: Anna Arata

Choir Kids is open to any student aged 9-12. No previous choir or singing experience necessary. This choir is for younger students interested in ensemble singing. Public performances are possible several times yearly. Students will learn the basics of matching pitch and using their voices through a variety of songs and games in a group setting. Lead: Allyson McIntyre

Singer’s Studio - Suggested for students interested in voice as a 2nd instrument or solo singing opportunities. No prior experience necessary. This class will be geared towards singers interested in learning about vocal technique, performance techniques, and vocal health. This class will be conducted like a vocal seminar in which each student will be required to sing solo in front of the class every other week. Lead: Anna Arata

Songwriting & Composition - This interactive class will help your student explore their creative side and create their own songs and musical compositions. In this class, we will listen to music, talk about musical elements, and get creative to write our own music! This is a great outlet for students who are interested in musical exploration, poetry and lyrics, and song form. Lead: Allyson McIntyre (most semesters this class is split into 2 separate classes but this year it is combined)

Audio Production will give students insight and useful knowledge in Live and Recorded music. Students will learn to run live sound, record audio, build a session, and produce tracks while getting hands on experience with sound equipment and software. This class is project-based and will include working alone and in a group. Lead: Jeff Lusk & Jordan Morrison

Jazz Band - Ages 10-18. Placement determined at the discretion of staff. A traditional big band style ensemble, typically comprised of trumpets, saxophones, trombones, guitars, bass, and drums. Open to any student who is playing at an intermediate level on their instrument with a great interest in studying jazz repertoire, improvisation, history, and performance. Lead: Jordan Morrison

Rock Band - Ages 10-18. This band features vocalists, keyboard players, guitar players, a bassist, and a drummer along with the occasional horn player. They play a wide variety of genres but focus mainly on the rock, R&B, Soul, and Funk styles. This group is by audition only. Lead: Billy Livsey

Steel Drum Band - No experience is needed at all for this ensemble! Steel drums are percussion instruments that come from Trinidad. There are several different notes to each, but you’ll only have to play 1-3 at a time. If you’ve ever heard the song with a Caribbean style, think Harry Belafonte, you’ve probably heard one before. Lead: Jordan Morrison

Musical Beginnings - This ten-week long class provides an introduction to music for younger children, incorporating singing, movement, dictation, and games. Students will begin to learn about musical concepts like rhythm, pitch, dynamics, and form. Lead: Jordan Morrison

StringSmiths - String Ensemble

Group Piano

Advanced Music Theory

Prior classes that are not currently being offered include: DJ Class, Video Production, Project Production, MusicPlay, Creating Composers, Beatboxing & Beatmaking, Improv, Lab Band, College Prep Theory, College Prep Piano and many more in-person and online classes.

NOTE: Class offerings, days, and times may change depending on the semester.