The mission of the Joy of Music School is to provide high-quality music instruction, instruments, and mentorship at no cost to children who are underserved in our community. At the heart of this mission is the belief that music has the power to change lives—building confidence, nurturing creativity, and opening doors to personal and academic success.
The vision of the Joy of Music School is to stand as a beacon of excellence in music education, ensuring every underserved child in our community has the opportunity to grow through music in a thriving, sustainable school.
Providing free music lessons and instruments to hundreds of financially disadvantaged, at-risk children and teens. All of our teachers–more than a hundred–are volunteers.
Learn about the organization that has provided the art and discipline of music to thousands of deserving children and teens since 1998.
In 1997 Mr. James A. Dick, business leader and philanthropist, visits the W.O. Smith School in Nashville. Impressed by their mission of providing low cost music lessons to low income children, he brings the idea home to Knoxville.
Later that year Mr. Dick gathers fellow business leaders, community activists, and music educators, founding the Joy of Music School.
In the fall of 1998, the Joy of Music School launched operations at the Boys & Girls Club of Knoxville with a bold and compassionate mission: to provide quality music education to financially disadvantaged and at-risk youth. Operating with a dedicated volunteer board and a single staff member, the School laid its foundation in the Moses Center, generously provided by the Boys & Girls Clubs. From these humble beginnings, the School began building a lasting legacy of mentorship, opportunity, and joy through music.
In November 2000, the Joy of Music School was officially granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, solidifying its commitment to providing free music education to children who need it most. This designation marked a key step in the School’s growth, allowing it to expand its impact through community support, grants, and charitable contributions.
By 2002, rapid enrollment growth at the School made it clear that a larger facility was needed. After an extensive search, the board secured a new home just blocks away from the original location. In 2003, the School moved from its modest 900-square-foot space at the Moses Center to a spacious 14,000-square-foot building at 1209 Euclid Avenue—providing the room needed to serve more students and expand its programs.
In 2005, the Joy of Music School began major renovations to its new home, breaking ground on upgrades that would improve access, safety, and comfort for all. The project included the addition of an elevator, a second stairwell, and handicap-accessible restrooms. By November, the expansion was complete, and the School was fully operational with a spacious lobby and a welcoming, kid-friendly family waiting area—enhancing the experience for students, families, and volunteers alike.
In August 2008, bassoonist Preston Sangster became the first Joy of Music School graduate to attend college. A student of volunteer teacher and University of Tennessee professor Keith McClelland, Preston enrolled as a music education major at the UT School of Music on a full scholarship—a proud moment that marked a new chapter in the School’s legacy of life-changing opportunity.
In 2010 a volunteer who quietly spent several days helping at the Joy of Music School was revealed to be a millionaire moved by the School’s impact. In her final moments, she made a significant donation to support the program. The visit was part of ABC’s Secret Millionaire series, bringing national exposure to the School’s mission to serve underserved youth.
The Joy of Music School co-founded the Knoxville Area Mentoring Initiative (KAMI) with four local nonprofits in 2011, introducing standardized mentoring training that strengthened volunteer teacher-student relationships. That year, ABC’s Secret Millionaire featured the School in an episode viewed by over 20 million people nationwide. The School also reached a major milestone by surpassing 100 volunteer teachers and 200 private-lesson students for the first time.
For the first time, JoMS outreach teachers reached an incredible milestone by providing music classes to over 1,000 children in a single year in 2015. Spreading across the community at after-school sites like Boys & Girls Clubs, Urban Family Outreach, and many others, this achievement reflects the School’s powerful commitment to transforming lives through music.
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Joy of Music School to suspend all in-person teaching. Demonstrating remarkable adaptability, the School transitioned within one week to a fully online model using Zoom for music lessons, ensuring uninterrupted instruction. Impressively, all staff were retained during this challenging time. Today, Zoom remains a valuable tool in the School’s teaching programs, allowing continued access and flexibility for students and teachers alike.
In November 2021, a flood on the second floor disrupted the School’s planned return to in-person lessons following the easing of COVID-19. Thankfully, only one amplifier was damaged, while all other instruments were spared. Staff worked diligently to clean and restore the affected areas, including replacing carpets and repairing ceilings and walls, ensuring the facility was safe and ready for reopening.
In March 2022, following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 flood, the Joy of Music School joyfully welcomed new and returning students and volunteers back for in-person music lessons, while continuing to offer online classes via Zoom for added flexibility.
In the fall of 2023, the Joy of Music School proudly celebrated 25 amazing years of bringing free, quality music education to thousands of students throughout East Tennessee. Hundreds of incredible community members have made this possible by volunteering as teachers, helping to transform lives through the power of music. This joyful milestone is a testament to the spirit and support of the entire community—and the celebration is just the beginning!
In 2024, the Joy of Music School expanded its reach with two exciting new programs. A group strings class was introduced for violin, viola, cello, and bass students, grouped by age and skill level, with weekly lessons and community performances. The School also launched Music for Littles, a fun, hands-on class for children ages 4–7, sparking early musical curiosity. Both programs reflect JoMS’s mission to make quality music education accessible and joyful for students of all ages.
The School unveiled a brand-new, user-friendly website created in partnership with Logic Marketing. Designed to better serve students, families, volunteers, and supporters, the new site made it easier than ever to apply for lessons, sign up to volunteer, donate, and stay connected with School news and events. With improved accessibility, engaging visuals, and streamlined navigation, the site reflects the vibrant spirit of the School. This digital transformation marked a major step forward in expanding JoMS’s reach and strengthening its connection with the community.
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joy of music
1209 Euclid Avenue Knoxville, TN 37921
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