Mission and History

The Musical Corner, Montessori Music & Arts was founded by Kimberly Cook, a professional bassoonist from South Carolina.  It was 1995 and her love for music was growing quickly.  Kimberly was a member of the youth choir at her family church, family gatherings were filled with music and laughter, and OutKast was letting everyone know that "the South got something to say".  Creative expressions were all around!

One of Kimberly's uncles is a self-taught guitarist (bass, acoustic, and electric), though he loves to explore all instruments.  He is also the first person that Kimberly ever viewed playing instruments.  They would spend countless hours discussing music, playing matching games with his guitar strings, and discovering new sounds while creating music together.  

On one promising day, as Kimberly flipped through the channels of her Grandmother's television, her ears were captivated by the sound of roaring applause.  There sat a symphony orchestra....the conductor slowly raised his baton.....and as the sounds of Igor Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" began to fill the air, Kimberly knew that she was destined to be a musician.  The musicians were talking to each other without words.   It was the most beautiful conversation that she had ever heard!  When Kimberly saw the instrument that was playing the beautiful opening solo, she said "I will not play that thing. It's bigger than me!".  Two years after that wonderful day, at age 10, Kimberly began her journey with her first instrument..... "that thing" ....the bassoon. 

From opening the instrument case to hearing the echo of her first note, Kimberly was hooked on the bassoon.  Her love for performing was undeniable.  After her youngest brother was diagnosed with Autism at age 3, Kimberly vowed to create a school for families to grow together through the arts, enhance their talents, and build connections that last a lifetime.   

In 2014, Kimberly moved to Georgia to further her mission toward her haven for the arts.  She has been connected with families, schools, and communities by providing in-home lessons and music classes and furthering her skills as a music educator ever since her arrival.  Spending several years growing as a Montessori music educator completed the vision for the safe haven that Kimberly had dreamed about since her youth.  In 2020, the formation of The Musical Corner, LLC became official.

Since its formation, The Musical Corner has been enriching Atlanta by bringing the joy of music and learning to countless families.  Our Montessori guides are trained professional musicians/artists and award-winning producers who love connecting with students through the arts!  

Following the Montessori philosophy, our student-centered curriculum encourages interactive and creative private lessons and group classes for all ages.  Our students are trained in the arts of classical, baroque, jazz, and contemporary performance.  All TMC classes and lessons are uniquely designed to promote student knowledge in their area(s) of study and fun while learning!  TMC strives to promote education through the arts for our students, families, and educators with continuous support and resources to achieve our mission and vision. 

We are ecstatic for the artists that our students will grow to be and for all of their accomplishments along their journey!