Preserving Memphis’ music legacy and nurturing future musicians.
Stax Music Academy (SMA), located in Memphis’ Soulsville neighborhood, is celebrating 25 years of empowering young musicians while preserving the legacy of Stax Records.
Founded in 2000, SMA offers after-school and summer programs for students in grades 6-12, providing them with music education and personal development opportunities. Situated on the historic site of Stax Records—home to legendary artists like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes—the academy serves as a bridge between Memphis’ rich musical history and its future.
SMA is more than a program—it’s a platform for character-building and life skills. Students learn about music theory, composition, storytelling, and the business of music, and they develop leadership and teamwork skills as well as discipline for their craft.
Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation that oversees SMA, said the organization focuses on developing well-rounded individuals for success in music and life.
Memphis’ identity is deeply tied to music, and SMA plays a critical role in keeping that tradition alive. “Music is everywhere in Memphis,” Worley said. SMA ensures that the Memphis sound—a blend of soul, gospel, and rhythm and blues—continues to influence future generations.
Memphis’ identity is deeply tied to music, and Stax Music Academy plays a critical role in keeping that tradition alive. It serves as a bridge between Memphis’ rich musical history and its future.
Since its founding, SMA has graduated over 4,000 students. Every high school senior since 2008 has been accepted to college, many of them earning full scholarships. Alumni work in various areas of the music industry, from performance to production, while others have used the skills they gained to succeed in fields like government and education.
Notable alumni include Kirby, a songwriter who gained attention from Jay-Z’s record label and has written songs with artists like Beyoncé and Paul McCartney. Other graduates, like GRAMMY-winning producer Derek Renfroe and gifted trombonist, singer, and DJ Kameron Whalum of Bruno Mars’ band, have achieved success on major stages. SMA also produces behind-the-scenes professionals, such as music directors and technicians.
SMA’s approach to education includes a focus on mental wellness, recognizing the challenges teenagers face. Since 2018, the academy has incorporated coping skills and emotional intelligence into its curriculum.
In addition to performance training, students gain certifications in industry-standard audiovisual platforms, which are critical for technical roles in music production. They also learn songwriting, intellectual property management, and the business of music. “Our students are learning how to make money in music and protect their intellectual property,” Worley said.
SMA is deeply connected to the Memphis community, offering workshops, panels, and performances that highlight the city’s musical heritage.
Volunteers play an important role in supporting the academy’s events, such as concerts at Overton Park Shell and Handy Park.
After 25 years, SMA’s mission remains clear: to preserve Memphis’ musical legacy while preparing the next generation of artists, educators, and leaders—ensuring that the soul of Memphis lives on.
