Knoxville School Provides Quality Music Education to Disadvantaged Youth

Using a variety of age-appropriate programs, The Joy of Music School encourages kids from low-income backgrounds to explore new opportunities for success through music. 

In 1997 philanthropist and businessman James A. Dick was visiting Nashville, Tennessee when The W.O. Smith School caught his eye. It was providing low cost music lessons to economically challenged kids, and Mr. Dick was inspired to follow suit. He returned home to Knoxville and with the help of community leaders and music teachers, opened the Joy of Music School one year later. Today, the Joy of Music School seeks to provide students with musical instruments, special music opportunities through lessons and enrichment classes, and support so that the kids may develop their artistic potential.

Kristen Thames is a 16-year-old violinist who moved to Knoxville from Asheville, North Carolina a few years ago. She comes from a very musical family where four out of the six children (three violinists and one saxophonist) currently study with the Joy of Music School.

“My lessons at the Joy of Music School are one of the highlights of my week, and probably one of my favorite things about moving to Knoxville,” Kristen says. “I’ve always had an interest in music and [the school] has given me the opportunity to act on that interest and expand my musical abilities beyond the piano to the violin.”

One of the great things about this school is the variety of classes and programs they offer for different age groups. From a general music class for kids under 8 to hip-hop and bluegrass summer camp, The Joy of Music School covers a lot of ground. Their music theory class even integrates computer programs to engage kids and prepare them for studying an instrument. There’s also an outreach program where teachers visit other locations on a regular basis and provide general music classes.

“My current teacher, Mrs. Christy Graffeo, is always friendly and ready to teach. I consider it quite a privilege to have someone who is an accomplished artist as well as an excellent teacher. Her attention to detail as well as her encouragement has helped me make significant progress in my short time with her,” says Kristen.

“I think the Joy of Music School is a great environment for youth, and by providing lessons and instruments, they are giving back to our community in one of the most admirable ways possible.”