Since 1984, the W.O. Smith Music School has been transforming lives through music by making affordable, quality music instruction to children ages 7-18 from low-income families in the Metropolitan Nashville area.
Through hard work and perseverance, William Oscar Smith earned a PhD, was the professor of music at Tennessee State University, a member of the Nashville Symphony, and a noted jazz bassist. He played with the great jazz players of the time, including Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker. He had a dream that by offering musical instruction to low-income families that these children could change their lives also.
In 1984, his dream became a reality, when the W.O. Smith Music School opened its doors. Beyond the classroom, the school encourages participation in community cultural life through concert attendance and performance.
