About Us
Forty years ago in Chicago, I founded my first community after-school program, the Niambi School of Music, named after my daughter. This initiative was created with the goal of reaching young people in underserved communities, specifically in the Robert Taylor Homes, to offer an alternative to the pressures of gang life. Through music education, we provided a safe space for youth to express themselves creatively and stay engaged in positive, constructive activities.
As part of our efforts, we also created a professional, award-winning Niambi Big Band, which became a cornerstone of our program. This ensemble provided students with the opportunity to perform and hone their musical skills at a high level, while also sharing the joy and power of jazz music with the wider community.




NSA Academy of the Arts
NSA Academy of the Arts
Founded over 20 years ago, the NSA Academy of the Arts was established with the mission to support at-risk youth through after-school programs, while fostering creativity and artistic expression. We have partnered with charter schools to develop and implement music programs that give students the opportunity to explore their musical talents and skills.
Currently, we are collaborating with Dr. Kelmar Elizabeth Muhammad at The Basics Early Education. With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Muhammad has been a pivotal leader in early childhood education. Together, we developed a program called Wee Jazz, designed specifically for preschoolers. This program introduces young children to the joys of jazz music, laying a foundation for creativity, rhythm, and early musical education.
Over the past two decades, we have served over 3,000 young music students, empowering them to pursue their passions and build a brighter future through the arts.
Meet The Team
Our Clients




