Executive Director Vy Higginsen and Gospel for Teens Choir in performance at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Harlem, New York City, 2006. Photo credit: G.N. Miller.

The School of Gospel, Jazz and R&B Arts trains talented singers, musicians and arrangers. We help develop singers' vocal power and stage presence as well as teach a substantial musical repertoire. Participants have the opportunity to develop the habits and attitudes that create success in any endeavor.

Whether you desire to sing professionally, express yourself in a worship service, or sing in the shower, singing provides an emotional and spiritual release. The School for Gospel, Jazz and R&B Arts supports the beginner, seasoned singer, and those who sing for joy or those who want to professionally fine-tune their vocal instrument.

		Get into the swing of jazz in Harlem! Learn the nuances of the jazz form. Sing in chorus, and perhaps, if you feel like it, step out as a solo voice. This class is for beginners, but fun for anyone. Whether you think you can sing, or think you can't, your voice is welcome at Wednesday Sings! Wednesday Sings Jazz and Blues! is designed for adults. Join us on Wednesdays at The Mama Foundation for the Arts for a Harlem jazz experience! Register now! Call or WEDNESDAYS SESSION 1 May 22 May 29 June 5 June 12 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
	Timothy Riley will be our Wednesday Sings Jazz & Blues! instructor in the forthcoming series. Timothy is a world renowned vocal instructor and choir director. REGISTER FOR SESSION 1 $80 Mama Foundation for the Arts Vy Higginsen's School of Gospel, Jazz and R&B Arts 149 West 126th Street New York, NY 10027 MAP MTA TRIP PLANNER 212-280-1045

Everyone has music inside. Drawing from the traditions of jazz, and blues, we will help everyone discover their authentic voice. Photo credit: KE Photography Harlem.

This renovated five story brownstone on a residential block on West 126th Street between Lenox Avenue and Adam Clayton Pwell Jr. Blvd. in Manhattan has been the home of the Mama Foundation for the Arts since its inception in 1998. It includes the business and production offices as well as a classroom and rehearsal space. Photo credit: KE Photography Harlem.

The Mama Foundation for the Arts is in the core of Central Harlem's most thriving cultural and business community, surrounded by the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, The Apollo Theater, and the Lenox Avenue "Restaurant Row" featuring Sylvia's, Red Rooster, Corner Social and Chez Lucienne. The Foundation's warm, comforting environment was enhanced in early 2012 with a renovation of the second and third floors which included new furniture courtesy of The Nate Berkus Show. It is the location of the Wednesday Sings! classes, private vocal instruction, and rehearsals for the Mama Foundation’s plays and performances by Gospel for Teens.

Program Director and Music Master Ahmaya Knoelle Higginson as Doris Troy in Mama, I Want to Sing, circa 2004. Photo credit: G.N. Miller.

• Improve vocal range

• Expand vocal dynamics

• Develop confidence

• Sing without damage to vocal chords

• Refine interpretation and style

• Step out of the choir or group and sing solo

• Preparation for auditions and performances

• Call the Mama Foundation's office at 212-280-1045.

• You will choose an instructor and an appointment after consultation.

• All classes must be paid for a week in advance. Payment can be made by cash, Paypal or by telephone with a credit card.

• Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance will be re-scheduled according to students' and instructors' schedule.

• Less than 24-hour cancellations—the payment is forfeited.

Private vocal instruction consists of weekly hour long lessons: $65 per session. If you sign up for four consecutive classes, you pay only $225 (a savings of $35).

			Private Instruction VOCAL COACH $65 FOR 1 HOUR
	Ahmaya Knoelle Higginson is one of our talented instructors.

Ahmaya Knoelle Higginson has toured all over the world with Mama, I Want to Sing, and performed the leading role in Bermuda, Japan, and New York. She has worked consistently in New York theater and is a recent graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and Manhattan School of Music. She also serves as an Program Director and Music Master for the Foundation's Gospel for Teens art education program. Find more information on Ahmaya Knoelle on her personal site.

AHMAYA KNOELLE HIGGINSON'S WEBSITE

			Private Instruction VOCAL COACH $65 FOR 1 HOUR
	Gregory M. Kelly is one of our talented instructors. Photo credit: KE Photography Harlem

Gregory M. Kelly is a producer, Grammy award-winning songwriter and accomplished musician. He is both writer and musician for Hezekiah Walker's Love Fellowship Choir, Musical Director for Vy Higginsen's sensational gospel musical, Mama, I Want To Sing; Music Master for Vy Higginsen's Gospel for Teens Program; and co-founder, musical producer and director for the world-acclaimed European touring company, The Very Best of Black Gospel.

MORE ABOUT GREGORY M. KELLY

			Private Instruction VOCAL COACH $65 FOR 1 HOUR
	Timothy Riley is one of our talented instructors.

Timothy Riley majored in Vocal Performance and Music Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. In New York City he worked with the Boys Choir of Harlem and performed with The Love Fellowship Crusade Choir under the direction of Hezekiah Walker. Timothy also performs and teaches in Europe. In 2003 he performed in Let Me Off in Harlem with The Mama Foundation for the Arts.

MORE ABOUT TIMOTHY RILEY