Located at Vanderbilt University in the heart of Nashville, the Blair School of Music focuses on expanding the human spirit through performance art. Though music knowledge and practice are heavy aspects of the curriculum, the school also encourages the study of other liberal arts subjects so that students can explore the relationship between music and society. The undergraduate program offers degrees in music composition, performance, arts and teacher education. Prospective students are encouraged to audition in person, but those living outside a 400 mile radius of the university can send in an audition DVD.
Situated 35 miles southeast of Nashville in Murfreesboro, the Middle Tennessee School of Music offers seven different undergraduate degrees and eight graduate concentrations. The school produces more than 180 concerts every year, including choral performances, operas and jazz shows. Scholarships are given to students who specialize in different instruments, like tuba, piano, flute and french horn. In-person auditions are required to receive any type of financial aid.
W.O. Smith Music School is funded by private and corporate donors to offer music lessons for kids from low-income households. Staffed by community volunteers, the group and private classes are provided at only 50 cents per session. Instruction is offered in piano, voice, strings, percussion and woodwind instruments. Prospective students must be at least 9 years of age and be experienced in music reading or must have taken the Basic Musicianship class at the school. The campus is located in Nashville.
As an independent Christian academy, Middle C Music Instruction offers classes to students of all ages and skill levels. Located 100 miles west of Knoxville, the school has four instructors that teach music lessons coupled with Christian values like honesty, professionalism and patience. Piano, guitar, drum and mandolin lessons are offered at various rates. Recitals take place several times a year for students to showcase their work.