MISSION
YEAH! further empowers youth voices from all backgrounds through music education.
PURPOSE
1. To develop an appreciation and use of music to strengthen self and build community.
2. To make the world a better place by listening and learning from youth voices.
3. To further empower Middle Tennessee youth voices through music and a community culture that assists in their development and expression of self.
4. To create a better place through listening and learning through music.
VISION
To creatively connect young people through music by providing an inclusive community and developing young people's leadership skills.
VALUES
By adhering to these values, we aim to create a lasting and positive impact on the lives of young people, fostering a sense of unity, resilience, and joy through the universal language of music. Together, we strive to build a harmonious world where every youth can reach their full potential.
1. Empowerment: We are dedicated to empowering youth through music education, providing them with the tools and knowledge to express themselves, cultivate their potential, and contribute positively to society.
2. Inclusivity: We believe in the strength of diversity, embracing and celebrating the unique talents and perspectives of every young person in our community.
3. Collaboration: We foster a collaborative environment, encouraging teamwork, mentorship, and the exchange of ideas among our youth members, instructors, and community partners.
4. Access: We are committed to removing barriers to music education, ensuring that every young person, regardless of socioeconomic status, identity, or background, has equal access to high-quality instruction and resources.
OVERVIEW (Overview Video)
YEAH! is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable arts organization in Nashville, Tennessee, founded to further empower young people of all backgrounds, ages 6-17, through music education.
Our programs emphasize collaboration over competition. We prioritize diversity among students, teachers, volunteers, staff, and board, encouraging broad participation so that YEAH! reflects the strength and creativity of our community. Participants not only gain musical proficiency but also develop self-esteem, social responsibility, and leadership skills by working together, taking creative risks, and showcasing their work.
YEAH! maintains strong partnerships with Title 1 Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), with additional support from the Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA), and collaborates with community organizations that serve diverse and historically underrepresented groups (e.g., Conexión Américas, Advocates for Women’s and Kids’ Equality (AWAKE), etc.)
Over the past four years, YEAH! programs have engaged a steadily growing number of participants across camps and after-school programs. In FY22, 31 young people participated, with 55% identifying as female, 3% as LGBTQ+, and 68% as BIPOC. That year, 71% received scholarships. Participation grew significantly in FY23 to 84 youth, with 54% female, 18% LGBTQ+, and 45% BIPOC, and 55% receiving scholarships. By FY24, we reached 85 youth, with 49% female, 9% LGBTQ+, and 68% BIPOC, and 80% receiving scholarships. In FY25, 90 youth participated, with 43% female, 7% LGBTQ+, and 53% BIPOC, while 53% received scholarships. These numbers highlight YEAH!’s consistent reach across diverse communities, and our commitment to accessibility through scholarships and accommodations.
More broadly, participants take risks, create art that reflects both similarities and differences, and build entrepreneurial and life skills that prepare them for success in all fields.
HISTORY
YEAH! traces its roots to 2003, when Middle Tennessee State University student Kelley Anderson organized the first Southern Girls Rock Camp, the world’s second all-female rock camp.. It was a joint project of the Women for Women student organization and the June Anderson Women’s Center. Inspired by her experience volunteering at a girls’ rock camp in Portland, Oregon, Anderson envisioned a more egalitarian music community in Tennessee.
YEAH! was founded in 2006 by Anderson, Anna Fitzgerald, Courtney Vickers, Andrew Jacks, Ryan York, and Nicole Tekulve. Since then, YEAH! has enabled self-expression for youth of all communities through year-round programming. In 2022, YEAH! Rocks Music Camp replaced the Southern Girls Rock & Roll Camp and Tennessee Teens Rock Camp, reflecting our commitment to gender inclusivity and equity while continuing our mission to further empower youth and strengthen community through music.
YEAH! connects participants who have limited access to music and provides fair wages for local teaching artists. Scholarships are available to all camp applicants, ensuring financial barriers don’t prevent youth from participating. A limited number of scholarships are also available for Rock Block applicants. Additionally, Rock Block MNPS is offered at no cost to schools or students, supported through grants from the Tennessee Arts Commission.
PROGRAMS
YEAH! builds on partnerships with government and community organizations to support youth, striving to engage 150 participants in FY26 in instrument instruction and related disciplines. Programs include afterschool, weekend and summer camp sessions in Metro Nashville. All programs emphasize exploration, expression, collaboration and the historical role of music on social change and are led by local teaching artists.
YEAH! Rocks - A one-week summer day camp for youth ages 6 - 17 of all musical abilities. This immersive experience offers hands-on instruction in bass, drums, guitar, keys, and vocals, while empowering participants to form bands, write original songs and collaborate creatively. Campers also take part in workshops and panels led by local community organizations and music industry professionals, exploring topics like songwriting, music technology, promotion, mental health, media literacy, and arts activism. These sessions expose youth to career paths beyond performance and help them discover new ways to enjoy and engage with music. Throughout the week, guest artists offer live performances and interactive Q&As, deepening campers’ connection to Nashville’s cultural landscape. The camp culminates in a high-energy showcase at a historic Nashville venue, where each band performs their original song, celebrating their growth as musicians, collaborators, and confident young artists.
Community Music Camp - A three-day weekend camp for adults of all skill levels, emphasizing creativity, community, and performance.
Rock Block - A 9-week band-based program on Saturday afternoons for middle and high school youth. Each two-hour session emphasizes collaboration, songwriting, and performance. Participants form youth-led bands, write original music, and perform live at an end of program showcase..
Rock Block MNPS - A one hour, 10-week, after-school enrichment program at Title 1 middle and high schools and community centers. Sessions focus on vocals, songwriting, guitar, ukulele or percussion, with an emphasis on group performance, culminating in a showcase.
Rock Block NPL - A one hour, 10-week afterschool and Saturday afternoon program at Nashville Public Library branches for youth ages 11 and up, introducing ukulele, songwriting, guitar in a smaller group collaboration setting.
Local Legends Tour - Alumni perform at festivals, museums, and cultural events, gaining stage experience, community engagement, and connection to Tennessee’s musical heritage.
Scholarships - Need-based scholarships are available for all camp participants, with a limited availability for Rock Block, ensuring access for all.
YEAH! Lending library - Free loaner instruments are available for participants to use during the programs and at home, eliminating barriers to access.
| (917) 922-2894 | |
| director@yeahrocks.org | |
| Mariela Moscoso | |
| Executive Director | |
| https://www.yeahrocks.org/ |
