Keen School of Music 2024 Year in Review: A Year of Music, Community, and Growth

As our one year anniversary approaches, we wanted to reflect on what an incredible year it’s been for Keen School of Music. Opening our doors on February 5th, 2024, we started with a vision to create a vibrant space for learning, performing, and connecting through the power of music. In one year, we’ve welcomed roughly 133 students into our school, with an average of 55 hours of private lessons every week.
2024 KEEN SCHOOL OF MUSIC STATISTICS
LESSONS TAUGHT: 3,428
ENROLLMENT: 133 students
SHOWS: 15
PUBLIC EVENTS: 32
HOURS OF INDIVIDUAL LESSONS TAUGHT: 1,854
ROCK-READY REHEARSALS: 106
CLASSES: 20
MOST POPULAR INSTRUMENTS RANKED
1. GUITAR
2. PIANO
3. DRUMS
This year has been a whirlwind of milestones, community involvement, and memorable performances. From our first blues class to our ribbon cutting, Easter egg hunt, and Rock-Ready show, we’ve embraced every opportunity to share our passion for music. We’ve been part of local events like Square Fest, Gallatin’s Farmer’s Market, and the Christmas Parade, and we introduced fun, hands-on experiences like our Musical Petting Zoo.
Beyond the events, it’s the relationships we’ve built that make this year so meaningful. Watching our students grow in confidence, skill, and creativity has been an honor, and the support from our families and the Gallatin community has been overwhelming. Whether it was cheering on our students at a recital, stopping by our booth at a festival, or simply spreading the word about Keen School of Music, our clients have helped make this year extraordinary.
As we close out 2024, we’re filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s to come in 2025. We’ve got big plans on the horizon and would love to hear your ideas as we continue to grow. Thank you for being part of this amazing journey. Now, let’s look back at all the moments that made 2024 unforgettable!
Month-by-Month Recap
February: A Grand Opening

February was a month to remember at Keen School of Music, marking the official grand opening of our new space at 424 E Main Street, Gallatin TN, on February 5th! We were so excited to share this milestone with friends, family, and the Gallatin community. We also joined the Gallatin Chamber of Commerce, connecting with local businesses and furthering our commitment to being an active part of the Gallatin community.
In addition to the grand opening, February saw the launch of our highly anticipated Blues class and the start of our private lessons.
Our community involvement continued with Aaron and KK attending the Shalom Zone Sneaker Ball, where they had the opportunity to connect with other community members and support an amazing cause. It was a perfect way to give back and celebrate the spirit of togetherness that makes Gallatin so special.
March: Building Momentum

March was filled with excitement and new beginnings at Keen School of Music! Kassie and KK kicked off the month by participating in the Shamrock Run, showing their support for local events while staying active and involved in the community. We also saw the start of our first Rock-Ready band rehearsals with South Tunnel!
March 28th was a special day as we hosted our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, officially marking the opening of our doors to the Gallatin community. It was a wonderful occasion, and we were thrilled to share it with all who came to celebrate with us.
Keen School of Music had the honor of being featured on the front page of the Gallatin Newspaper. Check out the article HERE
The month wrapped up with a fun-filled Open House on March 30th. Families enjoyed a small recital, an Easter egg hunt, and a lively band performance, making for a memorable day that showcased the talent and joy of our students. It was a perfect way to officially celebrate our opening!
April: Community Events Take Off

April was a month of exciting milestones at Keen School of Music! We kicked things off with the launch of our second blues class, which filled up quickly with a full roster of eager students ready to dive deeper into the rich history and sounds of blues music.
On April 13th, we took Keen School of Music had for our first booth event at the Lakeside Craft Fair in Westmoreland. It was a great opportunity to connect with new faces and share our passion for music education with the wider community.

We also had a blast participating in Square Fest on April 27th in Gallatin, TN. The event was a wonderful chance to interact with locals, showcase the talent of our teachers, and celebrate the arts in our community. It was a perfect way to end the month on a high note!
May: Farmer’s Market Performances Begin

May was a fantastic month for Keen School of Music as we kicked off our attendance at the Gallatin Farmer’s Market, a tradition that will continue through the spring and summer months. It’s been a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their talents in a lively, community-centered environment. Watching them perform and share their love of music with local shoppers has been a joy!
June: A Summer of Firsts
June marked an exciting start to the summer at Keen School of Music! We kicked things off with the launch of our homeschool ukulele classes, offering students a fun and interactive way to learn and connect with music during the summer months.

One of the biggest highlights of June was our School’s Out Bash on June 1st, our first major public concert held at the beautiful Historic Rose Mont. It was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of the school year, featuring performances by our talented students and marking a new chapter in our school’s history.
We also began our summer semester of Rock-Ready, with seven student bands coming
together to rehearse and prepare for our Rock-Ready Show!

June 21st saw our first-ever Musical Petting Zoo with the Gallatin Public Library, where children of all ages got to explore different musical instruments and try their hands at making music. It was an engaging experience for families and a great way to introduce younger kids to the joy of music.
Finally, we wrapped up the month by participating in the Gallatin Art Crawl on June 22nd, where we had the chance to showcase Shalom Zone's artistic talents and immerse ourselves in the local arts scene. It was a perfect way to celebrate the creativity and spirit of the Gallatin community!
July: Music and Summer Fun

July was a month filled with music, excitement, and community fun at Keen School of Music. We continued our monthly performances at the Gallatin Farmer’s Market, where our students got to perform!

One of the standout events of July was our one-week “Song-a-Day” camp, which culminated in a fantastic final performance from the 12 & Under band, "The Radical Bones", at Prince Street Pizza on July 20th (Also, their teacher, Aaron's birthday!) The kids learned a new song each day in preparation for the show! It was inspiring to see them come together for a memorable live performance, showcasing their growth and hard work.

On July 26th, we hosted the Heat Advisory concert at Historic Rose Mont! It was a fun and lively event with a movie at the end and food trucks!

The following day, July 27th, saw us return with another Musical Petting Zoo, this time at The Station in Gallatin. It was a great opportunity for families to explore different instruments and engage with music in a hands-on way.
Despite having to be rescheduled to a different day and different venue due to weather, our rescheduled Rock-Ready Show at the Palace Theater was a resounding success! Our students delivered an incredible performance, bringing the energy and excitement that everyone had been eagerly awaiting.
August: Back to School, Back to Music
August brought a refreshing return to music and learning at Keen School of Music as we eased into the back-to-school season. We kicked off the month with a Musical Petting Zoo at the Gallatin and Hendersonville Goddard Schools, where we introduced younger students to the joys of exploring different instruments in a fun and interactive way.

Our involvement continued with running sound for the “Songs & Stories” event at the Sumner County Museum, where we helped set the stage for a wonderful evening of music and storytelling.

To top off the month, we featured performances by our talented students at the Gallatin Farmer’s Market, giving them a chance to shine while contributing to the lively, community-focused atmosphere. August was the perfect blend of learning, performance, and community connection, setting the tone for a great year ahead.
September: A Rockin’ Fall Semester
September kicked off our Fall Rock-Ready semester with a bang as we launched five student bands ready to dive into the world of rock music.
Our students also took the stage once again at the Gallatin Farmer’s Market, continuing our tradition of showcasing their talents and engaging with the community. In addition to our performances, we provided sound for the Gallatin Chamber’s Farm to Table event, helping to create a vibrant atmosphere for this wonderful community gathering. September was a month of growth, collaboration, and music, setting the stage for an unforgettable fall semester.
October: Fall Festivals and Performances

October was hands down Keen School of Music’s busiest month yet, filled with incredible moments, performances, and community engagement that showcased the heart of our school. We participated in the Gallatin’s Main Street Fest for the first time, where we connected with local families and made new friends!

On October 12th, we set up a booth at STOL, an aviation event where we not only celebrated the thrill of flying but also brought our music to new audiences, expanding our presence and showcasing the talent of our students! We even had a student perform the National Anthem!

Our Musical Petting Zoo booth at Goddard Schools Fall Fest was another highlight, as children had the chance to explore a wide variety of instruments, sparking their curiosity and excitement for music. It was truly heartwarming to see so many kids light up with joy while discovering new sounds.
KK also attended the Harmony for Hope event, a wonderful fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis that allowed us to support a meaningful cause while connecting with others in the community who share our passion for making a difference.

As the Farmers Market season wrapped up, our students delivered some unforgettable performances, bringing energy, enthusiasm, and music to the heart of Gallatin every month. The performances were a perfect reflection of the hard work and dedication our students put into their music throughout the season.

We then capped off the month with TWO concerts! First was our Jolly Ollies concert, featuring incredible performances from our two adult bands who rocked the stage and kept the crowd energized. Following the Jolly Ollie's concert, we had our three other Rock-Ready groups perform at the Halloween Rock-Ready Show at Historic Rose Mont!
October was a whirlwind of performances, outreach, and community spirit, truly marking a high point in our year. With each event, we not only celebrated the growth and achievements of our students but also brought the joy of music to even more people in our community. It was a month we’ll never forget!
November: Preparing for the Holidays
November at Keen School of Music was a month filled with gratitude and musical growth. We focused on our Holiday Rock-Ready semester, with two bands rehearsing for upcoming holiday performances that added a festive touch to our curriculum.
Thanksgiving is the time to reflect on what you are thankful for- and we have so much to be thankful for- we are deeply thankful for the incredible progress our students have made, the dedication of our teachers, and the ongoing support of our community.
November also marked continued growth in private lessons, with more students signing up to develop their musical talents and pursue new interests. It was a month of reflection, growth, and excitement as we prepared for the holidays ahead.
December: Wrapping Up with Holiday Cheer
December at Keen School of Music was nothing short of magical, as we closed out the year with unforgettable performances and joyful celebrations. From spreading holiday cheer in the community to showcasing our students’ talents in our biggest recital of the year, it was a month to remember!
We began the month with a performance by Aaron Keen at the Gallatin Library’s Christmas Open House. Aaron’s renditions of holiday classics filled the space with warmth and holidiay cheer, creating a festive ambiance for library visitors.

The holiday spirit continued as our students and staff participated in the Gallatin Christmas Parade. Decked out in festive attire, the Keen team, along with several students rode in the back of a 1990 VMY M923A2 5-Ton Militar Troop Carrier that served in Desert Storm along the parade route. Seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces as we represented Keen School of Music with pride was an incredible experience, and we are so grateful for Dillan and Kelli Davis for volunteering their vehicle for Keen School of Music.


December 15th was the grand finale of the month—and the year—with our Massive Christmas Recital, a full day of music, celebration, and holiday joy! Families and friends gathered to support their musicians in a packed schedule of performances that showcased the incredible progress our students made throughout the year. 31 individual students performed at our Christmas Reictal, and our recital concluded with a Rock Ready Holiday Show featuring our two incredible student bands.
The recital wasn’t just a celebration of music—it was a celebration of our community. Seeing students of all ages and skill levels come together to share their talents was a reminder of why we do what we do at Keen School of Music.
As we celebrate our 1st year, we want to take a moment to thank every student, parent, and community member who made our first year at Keen School of Music so special. This year has been filled with amazing performances, hard work, and unforgettable moments, and it’s all because of YOU- our students, clients, and supporters. Your support, enthusiasm, and love for music have truly made this year one to remember.
We’re incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share our passion for music with this wonderful community. Whether you joined us for lessons, cheered us on at events, or simply stopped by to say hello, you’ve played a part in making Keen School of Music what it is today.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited to continue growing, inspiring, and creating music together. We’ve got big plans for the year ahead, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store for all of our talented students.
Stay Connected with Us:📍
Location: Keen School of Music
📧 Email: keenschoolofmusic@gmail.com
📞 Phone: 615 682 4939
🌐 Website: www.keenschoolofmusic.com
Here’s to another year of making music, sharing joy, and rocking out together! Thank you for being part of our journey—we can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish in 2025.
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