The Launch of the Center Street Music Academy
Written By, Robin Gerard
Center Street Music Academy Founder and Teacher
Recently, I attended my first manager meeting for the nonprofit GOD International. From what I could gather, I was one of two new volunteers present. The meeting was facilitated by Chief Operational Officer Dr. Jason Webb, who called on me to share updates about my work on campus. My adrenaline was high, and I made several light-hearted jokes about needing a beta blocker. I was thrilled to announce the launch of a new ministry, having just navigated the busy highways of Nashville, TN, to purchase a Yamaha P22 teaching piano. Given my usual reluctance to drive, making this trip alone felt like a significant personal achievement. The new piano represented a meaningful “win-win” for the ministry and for me.
While I shared my updates, my phone kept buzzing—a constant reminder of my ongoing responsibilities at home. I’ve been managing the challenging care of my elderly parents, both of whom are battling forms of dementia—one with late-stage dementia and the other with Alzheimer’s. For the past two years, I have felt the Lord prompting me to intervene. As their health and financial situations worsened, my husband, other family members, friends, and I made the difficult decision to move my parents from Michigan to Tennessee to ensure they received the care they needed.
During the meeting, I spoke candidly about the new piano and the mix of emotions I was experiencing. I also shared about my parents’ declining health and my reflections on aging and death. Despite the overwhelming demands of caregiving, I declared my commitment to the new ministry, trusting that this was the Lord’s direction for my “senior” years. I felt a renewed sense of purpose, using my skills and God-given gifts to serve others.
About a year earlier, I had learned of the need for private music teachers and dedicated space for music instruction on campus. Initially, I ignored the opportunity due to my busy schedule caring for my parents. However, God’s persistent prompting eventually convinced me to take action. I wanted my volunteer work to have a lasting impact, and I realized that sharing my skills could empower students to bless others in turn. Despite my parents’ deteriorating health and financial challenges, I envisioned this new ministry as a “win-win” chapter. The idea of passing on my privileges to the next generation gave me new life, especially with the encouragement of my parents, who had invested in years of my music lessons.
Standing in that nonprofit meeting, I spoke about my struggles and the vision for the new launch. Despite the difficulties, I felt a sense of security, knowing that God was present and cared deeply about the next generation. I trusted that He would give me the strength to move forward with this new task.
It is with great honor that I announce the launch of the Center Street Music Academy:
Mission Statement The Center Street Music Academy (CSMA) is dedicated to providing comprehensive musical instruction through diverse teaching methods, including vocal training, instrumental instruction, music theory, and movement. Our program offers students of all ages the opportunity to explore and develop their creativity, fostering both their musical and intellectual growth.
Currently, CSMA offers two areas of study: Piano and Percussion. In the coming months, we hope to expand our offerings to include guitar, voice, and violin.
We believe this ministry will inspire and equip students to use their talents to serve others, glorify God, and make a positive impact in their communities. We look forward to growing together as we pursue this mission.