Scruffy Little City

                

The Joy of Music School is a school “providing a quality music education for financially disadvantaged, at risk youth” in the Knoxville area. They strive to “Broaden lives through music for all financially disadvantaged children and teens.” The Joy of Music School also seeks to provide structure in life through inspiration and example. They set high standards for students in order to help them grow and develop skills needed. James Dick was the founder of the Joy of Music School in 1997. James was inspired to create the music school after visiting something similar in Nashville; he decided to bring the idea back to Knoxville. He gathered fellow leaders in Knoxville in order to help get it up and running in 1998. He began by offering these lessons to local Boys and Girls Clubs. Originally the music school was located in a small 900 sq. ft. space at the Moses Center on Euclid Avenue. In 2005, the school moved into a more spacious and inviting building on the same street. In 2011, James passed away leaving an extraordinary legacy behind. The Joy of Music School has been featured on the news multiple times for the impact they are making and the many talented artists teaching there. I think this is a very unique non-profit serving a very specific area of Knoxville. I am happy to know this is in existence to provide for those passionate about music. I hope this non-profit continues to inspire and change lives.