News

Behind the Music: Inside SMA’s 2026 Summer Music Experience

Summer Music Experience may culminate in an unforgettable performance, but the weeks leading up to the Finale Showcase are where the real story unfolds. This summer, Stax Music Academy welcomed 118 students – the largest SME class in program history. More than 50 campers were new to the Academy, joining returning students and alumni mentors […]
Read More

2026-2027 Registration Open

Ready to join Stax Music Academy? Registration is now open for the 2026-2027 school year at Stax Music Academy! Youth in grades 5-12 are invited to join our award-winning after-school music program, where they receive professional instruction and explore every aspect of the music industry, including: Instrumental & Vocal Performance Music Business Composition & Songwriting […]
Read More

Young Artists – Join us this June for the 2026 Summer Music Experience!

UPDATE: Auditions CLOSED for the  2026 Summer Music Experience. Calling all 5th–12th graders with a passion for music! Looking for a FUN, music-filled summer? Join Stax Music Academy this June for an unforgettable Summer Music Experience. This summer experience for young artists is filled with collaborative music opportunities, live performances, music business and history classes, […]
Read More

Performances

James Fauntleroy’s Beat Garden: Live Music, Songwriting Showcase + More

James Fauntleroy & Stax Music Academy Present: Beat Garden + Mic Drop Songwriting Showcase Learn music production with GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter and producer James Fauntleroy, Stax Music Academy, and special guests – plus live performances from the top 10 finalists of SMA’s Mic Drop Songwriting Contest. SATURDAY, SEPT. 26, 2026 – Free to attend • […]
Read More

WHAT IS SOUL? Mic Drop Songwriting Contest

SUBMIT YOUR ORIGINAL SONG Deadline to submit is Thursday, Sept. 24 Finalists will perform at Beat Garden on Saturday, Sept.26 What Does Soul Mean to You? Stax Music Academy invites artists, songwriters, and producers from the Memphis area to participate in an exciting songwriting competition celebrating the heart, history, and spirit of Soul music. Participants […]
Read More

Songwriting Master Class with Felly the Voice

Join us at the SMA Band Suite for a free, hands-on Songwriting Master Class led by award-winning songwriter, producer and artist Felly the Voice. With experience working with artists including GLORILLA, K. Michelle, Kash Doll and Eric Benét, Felly brings professional experience and creative insight directly to the classroom. In this interactive session, participants will explore […]
Read More