Stax Music Academy

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A huge congratulations to these five exceptionally talented SMA students, awarded
Concord Stax Records Scholarships for the 2024-2025 program year!

Julia Johnson, first-year vocalist at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of the
prolific songwriter and artist, Stax Records Isaac Hayes.

Zakiya Tyson, brilliant vocal student at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of
Lady A, Stax Records mother figure and co-founder, Estelle Axton.

Casey Malone, talented saxophonist at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of
former Director of Publicity & Artist Relations for Stax Records and founding President & CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, Deanie Parker.

Brandon Wooten, gifted trumpeter and pianist at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in
honor of the prolific songwriter and talented Stax Records artist, David Porter.

Desmond Coppin, long-time pianist at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of
serial entrepreneur and founder of Wood Creek Capital Management, which purchased Concord Music Group in 2013, Brett D. Hellerman.

Help us wish congratulations to all of these students in the comments!

OUT NOW! Stream Better As Friends by SMA alum Noah Israel, produced by fellow SMA alumni and former intern, Xavier Henry. Recorded in the heart of Soulsville U.S.A. at Stax Music Academy. Stream it today with the link - https://tr.ee/LJCW-JdkMY

Big thanks to Martin Music for their generous donation of four STUNNING Taylor Guitars to Stax Music Academy! Our students are beyond excited and can’t wait to make some amazing music with them. Your support helps inspire the next generation of musicians!

Big thanks to TONE Scott and Goldmine: The Music Collector's Marketplace for the amazing feature! Check out the story with the link - https://www.goldminemag.com/columns/goldmine-experiences-the-stax-music-legacy-face-to-face =ci02e94a3ee00025d1&pid=stax-museum-1

PLUS, don’t miss Goldmine’s limited Fall 2024 Collector’s Edition—featuring a cover with James Alexander of The Bar-Kays and SMA student Gavin Sanders! 🎤✨ It also includes an exclusive 8"x10” print of the iconic Stax marquee, hand-signed by the legendary Booker T Jones. 🖋️ To purchase, click this link - https://www.goldminemag.com/news/goldmine-celebrates-stax-legacy-with-collectors-edition-that-includes-booker-t-signed-photo

Goldmine experiences the STAX music legacy face to face Enjoy this online addendum to our extensive visit to Soulsville USA, where we travel through the STAX music legacy, past and present, in our new Fall 2024 print edition of Goldmine Magazine

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A huge congratulations to these five exceptionally talented SMA students awarded
Concord Stax Scholarships for the 2024-2025 program year!

Courtney Brunson, first-year saxophonist at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of solo female artist signed to Stax Records, Dr. Mable John.

Olivia Rule-Stewart, talented first-year vocal student at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of Mississippi Delta bluesman, Stax Records artist Little Milton.

Mekhi Turner, talented instrumentalist at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of southern Soul artist behind “What a Man,” Stax Records artist Linda Lyndell.

Dontae Currie, gifted vocalist at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of the Philosopher of Soul, Stax Records artist, Johnnie Taylor.

Zipporah Israel, long-time vocalist and songwriting student at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of founder of Stax Records, Jim Stewart.

Help us wish a congratulations to all of these students in the comments!

Big thanks to Mempho Music Festival giving our SMA production students a behind-the-scenes experience during festival prep and setup—it was an unforgettable opportunity! 🙌

What an amazing weekend for Memphis! 🎶 Once again, delivered an incredible showcase of talent, bringing music lovers from near and far together in the Bluff City. A special shout-out to Mempho and Leaving A Positive Legacy for their charity auction, with proceeds supporting both the Stax Music Academy and our friends at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. We’re so grateful to be part of it all! 💙

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We are excited to introduce the incredibly talented recipients of the Gibson Gives Scholarship for the 2024-2025 program year at Stax Music Academy: Zariya Scullark, Jack Ward, & Isabella Deranian!

These exceptional guitarists continue mastering their sound at SMA, and we're proud to celebrate their achievements. Help us congratulate these outstanding students in the comments!

Last weekend was packed with excitement at Soulsville! From the inspiring James Fauntleroy’s Beat Garden event to the incredible Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductions, the celebrations kept rolling.

Jazze Pha, James Alexander, James Fauntleroy, Ant Clemons �, Mickell Lowery

If you haven’t heard the The Bar-Kays show at the Overton Park Shell has been moved to Oct. 18.

As much as we want to watch you slip and slide down to the Shell, no one’s getting all shook up on our watch 🌧️ 🛝🤕

Tonight’s show ft. The Bar-Kays has been postponed to October 18th due to unfavorable lawn conditions.

Same time.
Same place.
Pass the news along 🔊

We look forward to seeing you then!

Also, to whoever is rain dancing, we got it—and we’re good for the rest of the season 🚫🕺🏻

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A huge congratulations to these five exceptionally talented SMA students, awarded Concord Stax Records Scholarships for the 2024-2025 program year!

John Smith, exceptional percussionist at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of the first male solo artist signed to Stax Records, William Bell.

Lauren Sanders, talented vocal student at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of the first artist (along with his band members in ‘The Rance Allen Group’) signed to Stax Records’ Gospel Truth label, Rance Allen.

Joshua Gray, longtime pianist at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of ‘The Funkiest Man Alive’, Stax Records artist Rufus Thomas.

Teiona Echols, incredible vocalist at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of iconic Stax Records group, The Staple Singers.

Johnathan Cole, gifted vocalist and songwriting student at SMA, was awarded a scholarship in honor of the undeniably iconic Stax Records artist, Otis Redding.

Help us wish a congratulations to all of these students in the comments!

An unforgettable weekend for our SMA Street Corner Harmonies Ensemble! They had the once-in-a-lifetime honor of performing with the legendary band Foreigner during their Memphis show at Live at the Garden. A huge thank you to Foreigner and The Recording Academy / GRAMMYs Foundation for championing the mission of Stax Music Academy and supporting the next generation of musicians.

Read more in the link below!

STAX choir performs with legendary rockers Foreigner Kids from the Street Corner Harmonies choir at STAX Music Academy joined Foreigner on stage for their mega-hit “I Want To Know What Love Is.”

Last week, our community, staff, and students came together for SMA’s 7th annual Beat Battle, and what an unforgettable night it was! Huge congratulations to our grand prize winner, Brandon Rodgers!

To all the incredible beat makers who participated, thank you for sharing your creativity and passion with us. Keep pushing the boundaries of your art—we can't wait to hear what you create next!

As we celebrate Production Month, don't miss out on our next big event happening THIS SATURDAY! In collaboration with Grammy-winning James Fauntleroy and Roland, this exclusive experience will give young creators the chance to dive deep into the intersection of music and cutting-edge technology.
Spots are limited—register now with the link!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/james-fauntleroy-presents-beat-garden-tickets-1003179866987?aff=oddtdtcreator

🎶 TONIGHT! Don’t miss an incredible benefit concert by SMA alum Christien Dukes' Arts Over Odds Foundation🎶

Tonight at Playhouse on the Square experience the Arts For All Benefit Concert, supporting both St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Arts Over Odds Foundation —an unforgettable evening of music, food, and community.

This event is more than a concert; it’s an immersive experience featuring performances by Black Cream, Dottie, and Christien Dukes & Friends. Your ticket includes food, drinks, and a chance to mix and mingle before the show.

🎟️ Ticket Prices:�$50 Adult General Admission�$25 Youth General Admission
📅 Doors open at 6:00 PM for mingling with food and drinks. The show starts at 7:00 PM.

Support an amazing cause and enjoy a night of fantastic music! Click the link for tickets and details.

Arts For All Benefit Concert Supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital & Arts Over Odds Foundation

Was it? Could it be? Well, almost! The cast of "Michael Jackson, The Musical" stopped by the Stax Museum of American Soul Music this week for a tour and a Q/A with some of our students. The stars of the show were so generous with their time, taking questions from our rising SMA stars about what a career in touring performances looks like and tips for success in the industry. We had a blast! Thank you to our friends at The Orpheum Theatre-Memphis for making this all happen.

Happy Thursday! Due to the weather conditions from Storm Francine, Stax Music Academy's after-school programming is canceled for today, Thursday, September 12th. Stay safe, and we’ll see you soon!