ABOUT CENTER STAGE BUILD ACADEMY, INC.
Every Young Person Deserves a Chance to Be Heard.
Center Stage Build Academy, Inc. is a nonprofit organization built around a simple belief: talent is everywhere, but opportunity isn't.
There are young people writing songs in notebooks, singing in their bedrooms, learning instruments from online videos, making beats on phones, and dreaming about creating music — but many will never have access to the instruments, instruction, mentorship, studio time, or professional opportunities needed to take the next step.
That's where Center Stage comes in.
We work to identify underserved and overlooked young creatives and connect them with the tools and people that can help turn their passion into possibility.
WHY WE EXIST
For a young person interested in music, the first barrier is often financial.
An instrument can cost hundreds of dollars. Private lessons, recording sessions, equipment, software, transportation, and performance opportunities can quickly make music inaccessible to families already balancing everyday expenses.
We believe a family's financial situation should never determine whether a young person gets the opportunity to discover their potential.
Center Stage Build Academy, Inc. exists to help remove those barriers.
WHAT WE DO
Our programs are built around access, mentorship, creativity, and opportunity.
We work with schools, community organizations, musicians, studios, businesses, volunteers, and donors to provide young creatives with resources such as:
Musical instruments and instrument repairs
Music lessons and professional instruction
Songwriting and production workshops
Recording studio experiences
Vocal and performance development
Creative software and technology
Mentorship from musicians and industry professionals
Live performance opportunities
Educational and career exposure
Community events and creative programs
But giving someone an instrument is only the beginning.
We want to put an instrument in their hands — and then put people around them who believe in what they can become.
WHO WE SERVE
Our primary focus is young people ages 11–22 who demonstrate an interest in music and creativity but have limited access to the resources necessary to pursue it.
We intentionally look beyond grades, awards, social media followers, or previous professional experience.
Character matters. Passion matters. Showing up matters.
We want to reach the young person who may be the first in their family to own an instrument, take a professional lesson, enter a recording studio, perform on a stage, or consider music and the creative industries as a real future.
MORE THAN MUSIC
Music may be the vehicle, but the impact can reach much further.
Learning an instrument requires discipline.
Writing a song creates a voice.
Performing develops confidence.
Working with others builds communication.
Mentorship creates relationships.
Finishing something you once thought was impossible changes how you see yourself.
That's why Center Stage isn't simply about developing better musicians.
It's about helping develop confident, creative young people who believe their future can be bigger than their circumstances.
OUR VISION
We envision communities where young people have access to safe creative spaces, instruments, studios, mentors, education, and opportunities to express themselves regardless of their financial circumstances.
As Center Stage grows, our vision is to build a network of musicians, educators, recording studios, businesses, community organizations, donors, and volunteers working together to open doors for the next generation.
Ultimately, we want Center Stage programs and creative spaces to become places where a young person can walk through the door with nothing more than curiosity and passion — and walk out with skills, confidence, relationships, and a reason to dream bigger.
THIS IS THEIR STAGE.
There are incredibly talented young people waiting for someone to notice.
Waiting for an instrument.
Waiting for a mentor.
Waiting for their first lesson.
Waiting for someone to say:
"We believe in you. Let's see what you can do."
Center Stage Build Academy, Inc. exists to be that opportunity.
FIND THE PASSION.
REMOVE THE BARRIERS.
CREATE THE OPPORTUNITY.
TAKE CENTER STAGE.
Nonprofit information
Center Stage Build Academy, Inc. is a Nashville, Tennessee 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 39-2903672.
Our mailing address is 1818 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37203. Visits are by appointment.
For information about how contributions support our programs and operations, visit our donation and use-of-funds page. Questions about organizational records, program availability or financial information can be sent to cj@centerstagefoundation.info or discussed by calling 615-779-3799.