Clients at Q&A Associates have been enjoying the opportunity to expand their creativity by attending weekly music lessons led by Appalachian Music & Trade Co. Every client at Cabin Mountain Living Center, Applewood Transitions for Young Women, and The Journey for Young Men has the opportunity to attend weekly music lessons with Daniel and Jaime Kittle, the owners of Appalachian Music.

The pair have an in-depth knowledge of music and have been providing music lessons for over ten years. Clients at Q&A can take lessons in singing, guitar, violin, piano, and ukulele to name a few. In addition to the music lessons, clients can showcase what they have learned and practiced at a local open mic night held once a month.

Patrick McKay, director of The Journey for Young Men plays in a band called The Sodapop Gypsies with the Kittles and spearheads the drumming program at Q&A where clients not only learn traditional drumming but also can build their own jimbe drum. McKay often assists with the music lessons and helps facilitate the monthly open mic performances.

"It's awesome to see our clients performing for a live crowd," said McKay; "They work hard to overcome their fears and insecurities and shine during the performances."

"Daniel and Jaime understand our clients and do a wonderful job of teaching them the ins and outs of music while helping them build their confidence," said Angie Shockley, Founder and CEO of Q&A Associates. "Music allows a person to express themselves in ways they wouldn't normally feel comfortable doing," Shockley continued. "It's a blessing to be able to give our Q&A clients these opportunities and to see their skills and confidence growing month by month."

About Q&A Associates

Q&A Associates works with young adults ages 18 and up, providing opportunities for each of them to develop independent, functional, and happy lives with a high level of quality. Our clients have struggled to reach independence for a variety of reasons such as the inability to develop and/or implement the life skills needed to be successful, or struggling to obtain consistent employment. Our goal is to help these individuals find meaning and an authentic purpose for their lives and a practical path to achieve their goals.