Our Mission
The mission of the Music Resource Center–Cincinnati is to inspire teenagers in a culturally diverse and musically focused setting to elevate lifetime and academic achievement.
We will accomplish our mission by utilizing music education and performance experiences, both of which create opportunities to teach important life skills, while simultaneously providing a safe alternative to the streets.
Monday-Friday
2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
(Summer hours
Noon – 6 p.m.)
3032 Woodburn Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45206
513-834-8304
The Music Resource Center – Cincinnati is a multifaceted teen center that uses recording and performing arts, as well as life skills mentoring, to create a sense of empowerment and accomplishment in the urban community.
We will accomplish our mission by utilizing music education and performance experiences, both of which create opportunities to teach important life skills, while simultaneously providing a safe alternative to the streets.
Our Belief
Our belief is that music is unique in that it has the power to unite diverse groups of people and is a disciplined and immediate gateway to emotional awareness. Teens who participate regularly in music not only hone their abilities to focus, think, organize, and work with others but begin to master their own, often challenging, emotional lives. Many underserved teens are on the path to causing harm to themselves and those around them through drug abuse, violence or wrongful conduct. They can avoid that path by taking a constructive opportunity to deal with their emotions and direct their desire for expression. Music provides both. Music Resource Center makes it accessible.
Our community promise – Underserved teenagers across economically challenged Greater Cincinnati neighborhoods will have the opportunity to be inspired through music education, ultimately being an example for others and fueling a cycle of achievement in their own neighborhood.
History
In 2007 the Music Resource Center – Cincinnati was officially created and earned its 501(c)3 status. The first year was spent conducting focus groups with teens, establishing connections with local non-profits, educators and funders. The feedback generated from the over 200 local teens surveyed indicated both the need and excitement for MRC’s programming. MRC began conducting outreach programming to local schools and recreation centers before opening its doors in 2009.
The Music Resource Center derives its model from the Music Resource Center in Charlottesville, VA which opened in 1995.
Staff
Claire Miller
Executive Director of Community Services
cmiller@myy.org
Nick Burke
Operations Director
nburke@myy.org
Chris Watt
Programs Director
cwatt@myy.org
Wally Hart
Rap Coach and Marketing and Connections Coordinator
whart@myy.org
Volunteers & Board
The Youth Champions Board of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati provides advisory council and leadership to the Music Resource Center. If interested in learning more about the Youth Champions Board, please contact Claire Miller, Executive Director of Community Services cmiller@myy.org.