Our History

Our History

How a spark in Over-the-Rhine grew into a creative home for Cincinnati teens.

Conception: The Spark

While stopping at an art store in Over-the-Rhine, local artist Karen D’Agostino noticed that the streets were full of kids hanging out with no place to go. She told friends and family there was a real need for after-school programs for inner-city youth.

“If kids don’t have something fun to do that keeps them busy, they’re likely to get into trouble,” she said.

Karen remembered that in 2003, the Dave Matthews Band held a charity concert in Central Park and donated proceeds to an organization in their hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia — the Music Resource Center, founded in 1995. Curious, she contacted Executive Director Sibley Johns and learned more about the program.

Building the Vision: 2007–2008

In 2007, the Music Resource Center – Cincinnati officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

That first year was spent:

  • Conducting focus groups with local teens

  • Partnering with nonprofits, educators, and funders

  • Gathering feedback from more than 200 teens across the city

The response showed strong excitement and need for MRC’s programming.

While a permanent space was still being secured, MRC began outreach programs in local schools and recreation centers to bring music directly to teens.

Pilot Outreach Programming

The first outreach programs launched in 2008 with support from the Fine Arts Fund (now ArtsWave), The Mayerson Foundation, and The Duke Energy Foundation.

Mac computers and recording equipment were purchased to offer workshops where teens could make their own recorded music to keep on CD.

With help from the staff at MRC Charlottesville, Karen led four trial “Intro to Digital Recording” workshops at local schools. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

To expand programming, MRC hired its first Program Manager, Josh Elstro, a CCM Electronic Media graduate.

Finding a Home: The Facility

After researching multiple locations, MRC found its home in East Walnut Hills, at the border of the Evanston and Walnut Hills communities. The location was central, accessible by bus, and surrounded by local schools and neighborhoods.

A 22-member committee organized the “Party Like a Rock Star!!” fundraiser at The 20th Century Theater in Oakley, raising more than $24,000.

This success allowed MRC-Cinci to sign a lease for 3,341 square feet at 3032 Woodburn Avenue in early 2009. Renovations began that spring and were completed by the end of summer.

MRC-Cinci held its Grand Opening on August 7, 2009, followed by a Community Open House a week later.

In the first six months:

  • Over 100 unique teens visited the studios

  • Teens recorded more than 1,000 visits total

The studios have been full of local teens creating music and learning instruments ever since.

History of the Original MRC: Charlottesville, VA

In 1992, John Hornsby — brother of Grammy-winning musician Bruce Hornsby — and other Charlottesville-area artists began exploring ways to give teens meaningful, creative after-school opportunities. They believed that providing a safe place for students to make music could help reduce the number of kids getting into trouble after school.

By 1993, Hornsby conducted focus groups with local middle- and high-school students to test the idea. The response was overwhelming:

  • 92% of the 400 students surveyed wanted the facility created.

  • On average, students said they’d use it two to three times per week.

Their enthusiasm led to the founding of the Music Resource Center – Charlottesville (MRC-C’Ville), which officially opened on June 17, 1995.

Local musicians immediately stepped up, donating instruments, recording equipment, and countless hours of mentorship. Within months, the Center was filled with students learning to record, write songs, and perform.

That same year, MRC released its first CD, “Urban Phlavors,” featuring original songs created and engineered by teen members.

A Unique Partnership with Dave Matthews Band

The original MRC was housed in the former recording studio of the Dave Matthews Band. When the band began touring nationally in 1994–1995, they vacated the space and donated their instruments, recording gear, and studio setup to help launch MRC.

Every member of the Dave Matthews Band joined MRC’s Advisory Board and continues to support the organization today. They’ve visited students at the center, spoken about their involvement on the Today Show (2004), and were featured in a 2005 Entertainment Weekly cover story highlighting their ongoing commitment to the program.

Growth and a Permanent Home

In 2004, MRC Charlottesville moved into its current home — a historic church transformed into a modern recording studio complex.

The building features:

  • A full professional recording studio

  • Five project rooms

  • Two rehearsal rooms

  • A dance room

  • A performance hall (the former sanctuary) that now hosts talent shows, “Battle of the Bands,” and the annual student CD release party

This space became a national model for how music education, mentorship, and community engagement can empower young people.

Since opening, MRC-C’Ville has inspired countless youth to pursue music, college, and creative careers — and it directly inspired the founding of MRC Cincinnati, the organization’s first sister site.

Learn more about the original MRC: www.musicresourcecenter.org

Continuing the Legacy

Today, Music Resource Center – Cincinnati continues that same mission — giving young people a safe, creative space to find their voice, learn new skills, and build confidence through music.

“If kids don’t have something fun to do that keeps them busy, they’re likely to get into trouble.”
— Karen D’Agostino, MRC Founder

Learn more, volunteer, or donate: mrccinci.org/get-involved

Music Resource Center