The Firehouse Community Arts Center LLC

Currently The Firehouse teaches 91 young people (ages 5-18) one on one music lessons in guitar, bass guitar, piano, and drums. During 2023, 28 young people received scholarships and learned at a reduced cost, and twelve learned at no cost. In 2023, The Firehouse provided 3,127 total music lessons. Of those, 630 lessons were provided either at no charge or at a reduced cost to The client. The value of scholarships given was approximately $27,000 in 2023. The lesson program is central to The Firehouse's mission and accounts for more than 60% of The organization's income and expenses.

The Firehouse partnered with knowledge, rhythm, and understanding (kru), a nonprofit hip hop education program to host more than 25 after-school pizza parties. During each session, The Firehouse and kru welcomed young people and families from avondale and surrounding areas to learn The core elements of hip hop: rapping and lyric-writing, beat-making, and break dancing. Additionally, participants had access to learn and explore guitar, bass, and drums under The guidance of Firehouse teaching artists. Post office pies provided pizza, and buffalo rock bottling co provided The drinks. This program was supported in part by The Alabama state council on The Arts.

As an approved strategic partner of The birmingham city schools and The avondale elementary pta, The Firehouse offered intersession music education programs and an after-school music club for 4th and 5th grade students at avondale elementary. Using an interest-based approach, Firehouse teaching artists taught groups of up to twenty students guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. Participants chose and performed songs as a group at three school assemblies. The program aims to promote confidence, to create positive behaviors, to improve student success, and to increase awareness of The Firehouse's programs and scholarships.