Afro American Music Institute

The mission of the Afro-American Music Institute is to provide a systematic specialized instrumental and vocal training program in all styles of the African-American music. The Institute conveys the heritage of African-Americans through the medium of music so others will continue to appreciate the Black contributions of world culture.

Since 1982 AAMI has cultivated our community in the spirit of musical expression. AAMI has a program (both classes and private lessons) for all ages including their Boys Choir, Youth Jazz Lab, Senior voice and instrumental lessons, Youth Choir, and a Summer Music Intensive. AAMI strives for a positive community-based alternative, enabling its members to experience the richness and excitement of creative expression.

Consistent with its mission, the Afro-American Music Institute will continue to provide programs of excellence under the guidance and tutelage of its committed, professional staff and board members. It will continue to seek out those persons, especially youth for enrollment and completion of programs and courses offered at AAMI. Our experience indicates that youth who participate in AAMI programs gain a better sense of self-confidence, self-esteem, creativity and problem solving skills.

The academic piece of this dream was realized via a doctoral dissertation in ethnomusicology entitled "Enculturation in a Formal Setting: A Study of Problems and Prospects in Afro-American Music Education". Unlike Langston Hughes' " A Dream Deferred", this dream is alive and well as evidenced via a curriculum that provides specialized instrumental and vocal training in all styles of African-American music, (i.e. gospel, Negro spirituals, jazz, etc.).