schools
W.O. Smith Music School's Camp Backbeat gives affordable music education
By Forrest Sanders at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate)
· June 26, 2026
· 3 min read
For some students hoping to break into music, a weeklong camp offered a pretty stunning experience. It's a true whirlwind for those who appreciate the opportunity.For a band photoshoot, you've gotta get the right look. A group of teen students rummaged through boxes of props and costumes."It is P...
Key takeaway "It is Phantom of the Opera," one student said, throwing on a cape.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The W.O. Smith Music School's Camp Backbeat is a testament to Nashville 's commitment to making music education accessible to all, regardless of income level. By providing lessons and ensemble participation for just 50 cents per activity, the school is helping to foster a new generation of musicians from diverse backgrounds. The fact that students like Jaida Hayes, whose family has a long history with the school, are able to participate in programs like Camp Backbeat and even record at legendary studios like Columbia Studio A on Music Row, speaks to the school's success in providing opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. As the city continues to grow and evolve, initiatives like Camp Backbeat will be crucial in ensuring that Nashville's thriving music scene remains inclusive and representative of its diverse community. The upcoming live performances at EXIT/IN will be a chance for the community to come out and support these talented young musicians.
About this story
Original reporting by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) ·
Reading time: 3 min
Get more The Nashville stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering schools and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? For some students hoping to break into music, a weeklong camp offered a pretty stunning experience. It's a true whirlwind for those who appreciate the opportunity.For a band photoshoot, you've gotta get the right look. A group of teen students rummaged through boxes of props and costumes."It is P...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Forrest Sanders at NewsChannel 5 WTVF (CBS affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More schools →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter