KNOXVILLE, Tenn (WVLT) -- The Joy of Music School has more kids than ever enrolled in free music lessons.

But there are more than 80 children on the waiting list and they need more volunteer instructors.

The school also needs more instruments, specifically the 3/4 size guitar.

Underprivileged kids get a 1/2 hour private music lesson a week.

17 year old Kristen Thames has been taking violin lessons for two years, along with her 13 year old brother Weston.

Kristen tells us aside from playing music, students also learn responsibility, like importance of being on time, remembering to bring the instrument to the lesson every week, and practicing on their own time. They also get incentives for this.

The incentives are games and electronic toys the school keeps in a treasure chest of sorts the kids get to choose from.

There is a benefit for the Joy of Music School this weekend called the Pick and Grin, comedy and music together at Latitude 35 on Market Square form 2-5pm.

THE PICK AND GRIN SHOW

Featuring
The Joy of Music Students
Singer Song Writer Heather Maples
Comedian Mia Jackson (BET, Oxygen Network)
Singer Song Writer Kimber Cleveland
The Official Roast of Stephen A. Burroughs

Tickets at Latitude 35 or by calling toll free 855-SMOMOtv EXT 400

$12 per ticket OR
10 for $100