Music Resource Center

Founded in 1995, the Music Resource Center (MRC) was born from the vision of John Hornsby and other local musicians who believed in the transformative power of music for young people.

They recognized that teenagers thrive when engaged in productive and creative activities such as writing and performing music. The center was created to meet the need for a collaborative space where like-minded peers could come together to explore self-expression.

Initially housed above Trax, a popular local music venue and former practice space for the Dave Matthews Band, the MRC quickly became a haven for teens seeking an outlet for their creativity. In 2004, with support from the Dave Matthews Band and other benefactors, the MRC relocated to its current home in the historic Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 105 Ridge St. in downtown Charlottesville.

MRC supports teens of all musical abilities, particularly those from low-income households who might not otherwise have access to high-quality musical equipment and instruction. Staffed by professionals trained in music education, audio engineering, production, and dance, the MRC offers unlimited opportunities for creative growth.

We foster the youth of Charlottesville through music. The Music Resource Center is a safe, diverse, and creative community where teens learn, grow, and make music together. MRC is affordable to all.

As a nonprofit after-school program, the Music Resource Center provides unlimited voice, instrument, and dance lessons, practice space, mentorship, access to instruments and equipment, performance opportunities, summer camps, and recording studio time to 6th – 12th grade students.

Participation in after-school programming of any kind helps keep adolescents out of trouble in the evenings, and often boosts grades and test scores while providing structure and fun. Arts programs also benefit young people, particularly teenagers, by engaging their creative tendencies, helping them to achieve goals, boosting confidence, and teaching them productive ways to express themselves. The Music Resource Center brings all these benefits together under one roof, and serves 300-400 members per year.