August 7, 2026
By Maggie Meier
There’s something special happening at W.O. Smith Music School, and we were lucky enough to see it firsthand.
During our visit, we met Dr. Valerie Cordero, Executive Director, Anna Arata, Director of Donor & Media Relations, and had the pleasure of meeting Ronnie Greer, who has been involved with the school since its founding.
Founded in 1984 by William Oscar Smith, W.O. Smith Music School provides affordable, high-quality music education to children ages 8–18 from low-income families throughout the Metropolitan Nashville area. Students who meet USDA Free and Reduced Lunch Program income guidelines receive music lessons and classes for just 50 cents each, along with an instrument, instructional materials, and guidance from dedicated volunteer teaching artists. Through its mission to make quality music instruction accessible to every child, W.O. Smith Music School is transforming lives by fostering creativity, confidence, and opportunity through the power of music.
The Nashville Predators Foundation was proud to award W.O. Smith Music School a $2,500 grant to support a technology upgrade project. This investment will enhance classroom engagement and improve learning outcomes by providing updated technology that supports teacher assessments, student surveys, and access to online music resources. These tools will create more interactive and inclusive learning experiences, giving teachers new ways to engage students while supporting a variety of learning styles.
We can't wait to continue watching W.O. Smith Music School impact the lives of youth and families across Middle Tennessee.
