Taos Youth Music School originated and meets at St James. This program provides free after-school music training in a welcoming, safe, creating space provided by St James for classes, performances, and instrument storage.
For many of these children, TYMS changed the direction of their lives: completing high school or GED programs; college majors in music education; creation of their own vocal or instrumental groups; skills in song-writing, composing, arranging – skills that last a lifetime. With 60 children attending after-school classes each week, these kids require no prior musical training.
All are welcome from public, private and home-schools.
For many of these children, TYMS changed the direction of their lives: completing high school or GED programs; college majors in music education; creation of their own vocal or instrumental groups; skills in song-writing, composing, arranging – skills that last a lifetime. With 60 children attending after-school classes each week, these kids require no prior musical training.
All are welcome from public, private and home-schools.
FUN FACTS
100 % of students who stay involved in TYMS graduate from high school.
All TYMS classes are taught by working musicians in Taos: Rachel Penn, Tara Somerville, Sarah Martinez, Ryan Beckwith, Harlan Kesson, Jenna Poulden and Mark Jackson. Michelle Chandler, Executive Director - tymsDirector@gmail.com
100 % of students who stay involved in TYMS graduate from high school.
- There are 12 very popular weekly classes.
- The 2 youngest classes (K-1, 2nd-3rd) are consistently full.
- Our violin class expanded into 2 classes due to the demand.
- The guitar class expanded into 3 classes with a waiting list.
- There are 2 singing classes and a popular garage band.
- Over 80 students participated in the fall of '18.
- St James provides space at no charge and contributes $4,200 annually.
All TYMS classes are taught by working musicians in Taos: Rachel Penn, Tara Somerville, Sarah Martinez, Ryan Beckwith, Harlan Kesson, Jenna Poulden and Mark Jackson. Michelle Chandler, Executive Director - tymsDirector@gmail.com