Memphis music

Memphis is music. It’s a city inseparable from the creatives and musicians who have shaped its culture, changed its politics, and built and rebuilt communities across Shelby County, from Frayser to Soulsville and beyond. Memphis’ list of music bona fides is a mile long, and while we may not be the biggest city, our musical […]

As the new school year kicks off this week, it’s hard not to feel that familiar sense of transition. But this is not a normal year. Since the pandemic hit we’ve all been collectively transitioning away from outdated modes of thinking. We’ve been asked to examine our habits, need for interaction and compassion, and place […]

Welcome to MMI’s Fellow Spotlight series featuring our amazing teaching artists. Not only do MMI Fellows lend their talents to supporting and engaging Memphis youth all over the city, but they also help build and sustain our arts ecosystem through their independent projects. Today, meet percussionist and music educator David Bassa! David has been with […]

Welcome to MMI’s Fellow Spotlight series featuring our amazing teaching artists. Not only do MMI Fellows lend their talents to supporting and engaging Memphis youth all over the city, but they also help build and sustain our arts ecosystem through their independent projects. Today, meet violinist Yennifer Correia! Yennifer has been with MMI since 2015, […]

Welcome to MMI’s Fellow Spotlight series featuring our amazing teaching artists. Not only do MMI Fellows lend their talents to supporting and engaging Memphis youth all over the city, but they also help build and sustain our arts ecosystem through their independent projects.  Today, meet jazz pianist extraordinaire, Steve Lee! Steve works with Memphis students […]

Welcome to MMI’s Fellow Spotlight series featuring our amazing teaching artists. Not only do MMI Fellows lend their talents to supporting and engaging Memphis youth all over the city, but they also help build and sustain our arts ecosystem through their independent projects.  Today, meet Opera Memphis singer Shannon Lowe Redburn! Shannon works with choir […]

“Each year at Memphis Music Initiative, we have the honor of working with over 4,000 young people across Memphis, with a focus on improving black and brown students’ equitable access to high quality music engagement. In 2019, we continued to grow as a direct service provider, and as a funder, and as advocates for our […]

MMI is back in the news. This morning, our Executive Director Amber Hamilton appeared on Channel 24’s Local Memphis morning show via Skype. She spoke with anchor Kelsie Cairns about how COVID-19 is impacting Memphis artists, musicians, and young people, and how MMI is responding to the challenge. Click here to watch the full interview! […]