A little more than a year ago, Jay B. Hess, a life-long music enthusiast, and Ian Welsch, a former elementary school teacher, came together to offer both academic and musical programs to needy or at-risk children in South Florida.

The result was The Motivational Edge, a nonprofit organization that offers academic and music programs to children who are either struggling with grades at school, or whose families can't afford to pay for tutoring.

``This is my absolute passion, to give back to the community,'' said Welsch, who was an elementary school teacher for four years, until he decided to start his own tutoring center.

``We are accomplishing a life-long dream to offer education to those less fortunate. We want them to be able to afford quality education.''

Welsch graduated from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut with a masters of science degree in education, and moved in 2005 to Miami, where he started teaching at Melrose Elementary School. His venture as a solo tutor did not last long.

``I realized they couldn't afford what I had to offer, so I decided to revamp the whole thing and follow my heart.''

He then partnered with Hess, and together they formed The Motivational Edge, which is funded by donations, grants and fundraising.

The organization offers programs such as after-school tutoring to help children with their homework, and to prepare them for the FCAT, SAT and the High School Placement Test.

Hess, currently the chief operating officer, is a member of the National Music Teachers Association, Florida State Music Teachers Association board of directors, and the Miami Civic Music Association at the University of Miami, among other groups.

He is also the board chairman of the Youth for the Arts Forum, and the director of the Hess Conservatory of Music, an organization founded in 1959 by Carolyn Hess, his mother, thatoffers music and instrument classes.

``We believe that pairing the education qualities of the both of us provides a synthesis upon which we will improve the education levels among the less privileged,'' Hess said.

The organization offers both individual and in-group tutoring. Music programs include history education and instrument instruction for piano, guitar, bass and flute, among others.

Voice lessons are also available.

``We want to offer music to children. Music can help you academically and emotionally,'' Welsch said.

The classes are full or reduced priced, or free to students, depending on their ability to pay, and take place either at the students' homes or at the center's location, 555 NE 15th St. in downtown Miami.

Motivational Edge tutors also can work with students at neighborhood schools, such as Melrose Elementary School in Miami, and Coral Bay Charter Academy in Coral Springs.

During the center's first Benefit and Community Awareness Event on Nov. 4 at the center's location, about 50 guests learned about the programs that the Motivational Edge offers.

Coral Gables resident Carolina Velasquez and her partner, Alex Ramos, attended the event. Ramos heard about the organization from a friend, and Velasquez wanted to learn more about the programs for her 6-year-old son Michael.

``He's already advanced, but it never hurts to step it up more,'' she said.

Ramos said he saw how the programs help children learn fast, and said he wants the same for Michael, who is in first grade but takes second-grade courses at Shenandoah Elementary School in Miami.

``I want him to keep being advanced so he doesn't fall back,'' he said.

The organization is also planning to offer services for children with autism.

``We want to use music as a therapeutic tool,'' Welsch said.

For information, call 305-350-3950, or go to www.themotivationaledge.com

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