A New Chapter Begins
Skylark Is Officially
An exciting new chapter for music education, artist development, and community programming in the Quad Cities.
We’re excited to share a major milestone in Skylark’s journey: Skylark is officially a nonprofit!
This new chapter strengthens Skylark’s commitment to accessible music education, creative development, performance opportunities, and community-centered programming. Becoming a nonprofit gives us more tools to build sustainable partnerships, pursue grants, and create meaningful opportunities for musicians and young people throughout the Quad Cities.
Meet Skylark Founder &
Executive Director
Justin Farley
Skylark was founded by Justin Farley, whose vision has been to create a welcoming space where musicians can rehearse, record, perform, learn, and build community.
Justin’s dedication to the local music community has shaped Skylark into a space where both emerging and established artists can develop their craft. As Skylark moves forward as a nonprofit organization, his vision continues to guide the mission and long-term goals.
Justin Farley has been involved in music since childhood and is a multi-instrumentalist with experience in piano, saxophone, guitar, bass, and drums. From 2006 to 2020, he worked professionally in live sound at the Redstone Room, RIBCO, and Rascal’s Live Music Club. He founded Skylark Recording Studio in 2007 and has dedicated his career to supporting local artists, young musicians, schools, and community organizations throughout the Quad Cities.
Board of Directors
Skylark’s Board of Directors helps guide the organization’s mission, financial stewardship, community partnerships, and future growth.
Justin Farley
Founder and Executive Director
Dr. Thomas Searles
Secretary
Vanessa Newkirk
Treasurer
We are grateful for the knowledge, experience, and commitment each board member brings to Skylark.
Dr. Thomas Searles, Secretary
Vanessa Newkirk, Treasurer
Programming and Community Collaborations
Siri Hirth and C.J. Parker support Skylark’s program development, music education initiatives, and community partnerships.
Together, they bring experience in grant writing, live performance, recording, ensemble musicianship, mentorship, and music education. Their backgrounds span soul, R&B, funk, jazz, rock, orchestral music, hip-hop, choir, and marching band.
Their work will create opportunities for participants to learn, collaborate, build confidence onstage, and explore the creative process in both the rehearsal room and recording studio.
Upcoming initiatives include youth mentorship, performance and songwriting development, ensemble programs, recording experiences, artist workshops, and community showcases.
C.J. Parker
Siri Hirth
Spanish-Speaking Volunteer Needed
Skylark is seeking a Spanish-speaking volunteer who can assist with translation and communication during selected events and community programs.
This volunteer will help us create a more welcoming and accessible experience for Spanish-speaking participants, families, and community members. Assistance may include conversational interpretation during events, helping guests understand schedules or program information, and translating short announcements or printed materials.
Interested volunteers can contact us at
SkylarkQC@gmail.com
with the subject line “Spanish Translation Volunteer.”
Seeking Teaching Artists
As Skylark expands its educational programming, we are building a network of professional musicians, mentors, and teaching artists.
We are especially interested in educators who have:
- Experience teaching or mentoring children and teenagers
- Knowledge of multiple musical genres and cultural traditions
- Live stage and performance experience
- Experience with bands, ensembles, or recording sessions
- A collaborative and encouraging teaching style
- A commitment to inclusive, community-centered music education
- Bilingual educators are welcome and encouraged to reach out
We welcome educators from a wide range of musical backgrounds, including soul, R&B, jazz, funk, hip-hop, blues, gospel, rock, pop, classical, folk, Latin music, electronic music, and other global traditions.
Opportunities may include workshops, performance coaching, mentorship, ensemble direction, and ongoing programming support.
To express interest, email
SkylarkQC@gmail.com
with a short introduction, your teaching or performance background, the instruments or subjects you teach, and your general availability.
Help Skylark Build What Comes Next
Nonprofit status is an exciting beginning, and community support is what will allow Skylark’s mission to grow.
Every contribution—whether financial, material, or volunteer-based—helps Skylark continue creating space for music, education, performance, mentorship, and meaningful community connection.
Donations help support:
- Youth scholarships and reduced-cost programming
- Teaching artist and guest facilitator compensation
- Recording and rehearsal opportunities
- Community concerts and showcases
- Accessibility and translation services
- Facility improvements
- General operating expenses
Ways to Donate
To inquire about general volunteer opportunities or to offer creative services, please email
SkylarkQC@gmail.com
with the subject line “General Volunteer.”
Thank you for helping us build a place where artists and young musicians can learn, experiment, perform, and grow.