OUR PROGRAMS
The Quest Center provides year-round music education & youth development programs for students grades 4-12 living in rural, lower-income communities, including at-risk youth and individuals living with disabilities.
We think we do a pretty good job. In fact, over 1,940 children participate in Quest Center programs annually, including over 425 enrolled in weekly music classes each year. Our 88% student retention rate, along with references and impact statements from parents and partners, support the success and impact of our programs. We help children develop positive self-esteem, self-confidence, focus, discipline, social skills, collaboration skills and creative thinking skills - essential skills that help improve their chances for success in school, prepare them to compete in the job market and become stronger contributors to their community.
Our focus areas:
Group music classes
Weekly group instrument classes, music theory & enrichment programs offered unconditionally to children grades 4-12 living in rural, lower-income communities, including children with special needs. Classes include guitar, keyboard, fiddle/violin, voice conditioning and banjo. Class offerings may be adjusted based on demand.
Extended education activities
We take students out of the classroom and connect them with the diversity of careers in music (technical, operational, business & creative), frequently with artists, producers, engineers and other industry professionals. Activities include music workshops, camps, live & radio performances, field trips and other music-related activities.
Enriching Lives Through Music
Weekly programs serving children & young adults living with disabilities, in partnership with the Arc Dickson County and Developmental Services of Dickson County.
summer and winter music camps
Our annual series of music camps for children and youth focus on teamwork & creative thinking: collaborating, creating, arranging, recording and performing original content, often with professional artists, producers and engineers.
Youth leadership pathway program
Our Pathway Student Teaching Assistant Program is a unique training & mentoring opportunity for Quest Center students to develop leadership, communication & engagement skills that allow them to progress from student to paid Teaching Assistant and Junior Instructor in a live classroom environment.
Community support activities
Including student support for charitable, school & community events.
The Quest Center is a unique community resource that unconditionally serves children & youth living in rural, lower-income communities. Our operating model helps ensure that our programs are accessible for all children, with minimal overhead expenses:
we unconditionally serve children grades 4-12, including individuals living with disabilities, with no pre-requisites. We serve all children.
we conduct classes at locations throughout the community where children live and attend school, with a focus on Title 1 elementary schools, reducing transportation issues.
we teach music, music theory AND we leverage our relationships to expose students to the diversity of careers in music (creative, business, operational and technical).
we provide free use of instruments, both in-class and at home.
our classes and music education programs are conducted year-round, often at times when children need structured activities most.
Our Pathway Student Teaching Assistant Program is a unique training & mentoring opportunity for Quest Center students to develop leadership, communication & engagement skills that allow them to progress from student to paid Teaching Assistant and Junior Instructor in a live classroom environment.
our students are expected to ‘give back,’ supporting charitable, school, community events & fundraisers through musical performance.
NO CHILD IS TURNED AWAY FOR FINANCIAL REASONS, BUT EVERYONE IS EXPECTED TO CONTRIBUTE.