Base Academy of Music

Base Academy of Music We teach the foundations of music to urban youth to help them see their inherent potential and succeed in school and beyond

It is a simple idea: if you teach children music, you can help them see their God-given potential. When students see what they are capable of musically, they begin to expect more of themselves at school and beyond. Music education is an essential component of a complete education.
∙ Music engages the totality of the brain in a way no other discipline does.
∙ Music education builds grit and perseve

rance, character traits demonstrated to be reliable predictors of student success. Music education is scarce for urban youth.
∙ Urban Kansas City suffers from a severe shortage of music education opportunities, particularly between I-435 and Troost Ave.
∙ Widespread poverty results in additional financial and social barriers to music education for urban youth.
∙ Student participation in KCMO schools’ music programs is low, and music education is not a priority. Music education gives students a reason and means to succeed.
∙ As students develop musical skill, small successes build both their desire and belief that they can do more than they previously imagined possible.
∙ “To become a fully functioning adult, one moves developmentally from being dependent to being independent to being interdependent.” (Ruby Payne) The progression from dependence to independence to interdependence is an inherent progression in musical development.
∙ Music impacts people deeply in multiple ways (intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, physically, relationally). Music teachers can be powerful, positive mentors for their students. We seek to be a starting point and ongoing support for music education in Kansas City by
∙ serving students by supporting local schools through music education programs,
∙ removing barriers to music education by making lessons and instruments available,
∙ providing a place for students to grow through lessons, classes, and small ensembles,
∙ focusing on the foundations of music - not just one particular style - and
∙ setting, requiring, and maintaining high academic and ethical standards for students. We will teach children music and help them see their God-given potential, resulting in musicians who
∙ hold themselves accountable for their work and choices,
∙ know that creativity is to be nurtured and used,
∙ recognize beauty and dedicate themselves to create beautiful music, and
∙ see the value of living in community: that in working with and serving others, we achieve our greatest works. It is a simple idea that will positively impact our schools and our city for generations to come.

03/10/2026

Join us for Teen Open Mic Night Friday, March 13th, from 6pm - 8pm at the Zhou B. Art Center.

03/09/2026

Thank you so mush councilwoman Melissa Patterson Hazley for your recognition of BAM’s work in the 3rd district with this Heart of the District Spotlight!

We appreciate leaders like you who continue to highlight and support our youth and organizations that serve them!

03/04/2026

Students working hard at BAM

01/21/2026

Our Winter Recital was a beautiful celebration of our students’ hard work and growth. Watching students take the stage, support one another, and share music with their families and community never gets old.

Next Recital is April 19th

We are still buzzing with excitement after an unforgettable night at the Midland Theater!Tuesday, Dec 9th, our students ...
12/12/2025

We are still buzzing with excitement after an unforgettable night at the Midland Theater!
Tuesday, Dec 9th, our students stepped onto one of Kansas City’s most storied stages to open for Lauren Daigle — and they absolutely rose to the occasion.

Moments after the performance, Lauren Daigle herself came out on stage to meet the students, ask about the work of Base Academy of Music, and share why she believes in the power of music in children’s lives.

Lauren’s gift will help us continue expanding access to high-quality music education, opening doors for even more young musicians across Kansas City. But more than that, last night gave our kids confidence, joy, and memories they will carry for a lifetime.



12/12/2025

Students of BAM getting to open for the incredible

12.9.2025

Thank you for such an unforgettable night!

12/06/2025

The BAM Ensemble getting in some extra rehearsal for their performance Dec. 9th with !!!

Our students are beyond excited for this incredible opportunity to represent BAM and Kansas City. Thank you Lauren, we can’t wait for Next Tuesday!

25 for 25 - Build Confidence, One Note at a TimeJoin us in celebrating the incredible music we’ve made and the confidenc...
12/02/2025

25 for 25 - Build Confidence, One Note at a Time

Join us in celebrating the incredible music we’ve made and the confidence it has created in our community. As we approach the end of 2025, we’re launching our “25 for 25” campaign to ensure the transformative power of music in Kansas City continues for years to come.

The Idea is Simple: The Impact Resonates.
We’re inviting our community to give 25.

Give $25 to provide a student’s lesson
Give $250 to fund small group ensembles
Give $2,500 to cover the cost of a recital venue

Every 25 adds up to a symphony of support.

https://bamkc.networkforgood.com/projects/262019-end-of-year-giving-2025

11/18/2025

BAM's 25 for 25 Campagin is LIVE! Make a gift and support music for youth in KC today.

"Whether it's Ed Sheeran or it's someone who gives us $25, it's that moment of saying, 'Hey, what you're doing is really...
11/18/2025

"Whether it's Ed Sheeran or it's someone who gives us $25, it's that moment of saying, 'Hey, what you're doing is really important, I think those kids are really special.' And I'm not alone in that," Velazquez said.

Check out our story on KSHB Channel 41!

Musical talent can manifest early in young children, yet many families within the Kansas City metro lack access to pursue their child's gifts. In 2012, Clint Velazquez sought to change that.

Fall Break this week! No Lessons Oct 27-30
10/28/2025

Fall Break this week!

No Lessons Oct 27-30

Celebrate Fall with us this Friday at the Zhou B. Art Center’s First Fridays.5 pm - 8 pmBAM will have instruments out fo...
10/01/2025

Celebrate Fall with us this Friday at the Zhou B. Art Center’s First Fridays.

5 pm - 8 pm

BAM will have instruments out for attendees to play and a special performance at 6:30 from a BAM student’s band, What’s on the Table.

See you then!

Address

2501 Paseo Boulevard
Kansas City, MO
64108

Opening Hours

Monday 4pm - 8pm
Tuesday 4pm - 8pm
Wednesday 3pm - 8pm
Thursday 3pm - 8pm

Telephone

+18165335018

Website

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It is a simple idea: if you teach children music, you can help them see potential. When students see what they are capable of musically, they begin to expect more of themselves at school and beyond. Music education is an essential component of a complete education. ∙ Music engages the totality of the brain in a way no other discipline does. ∙ Music education builds grit and perseverance, character traits demonstrated to be reliable predictors of student success. Music education is scarce for urban youth. ∙ Urban Kansas City suffers from a severe shortage of music education opportunities, particularly between I-435 and Troost Ave. ∙ Widespread poverty results in additional financial and social barriers to music education for urban youth. ∙ Student participation in KCMO schools’ music programs is low, and music education is not a priority. Music education gives students a reason and means to succeed. ∙ As students develop musical skill, small successes build both their desire and belief that they can do more than they previously imagined possible. ∙ “To become a fully functioning adult, one moves developmentally from being dependent to being independent to being interdependent.” (Ruby Payne) The progression from dependence to independence to interdependence is an inherent progression in musical development. ∙ Music impacts people deeply in multiple ways (intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, physically, relationally). Music teachers can be powerful, positive mentors for their students. We seek to be a starting point and ongoing support for music education in Kansas City by ∙ serving students by supporting local schools through music education programs, ∙ removing barriers to music education by making lessons and instruments available, ∙ providing a place for students to grow through lessons, classes, and small ensembles, ∙ focusing on the foundations of music - not just one particular style - and ∙ setting, requiring, and maintaining high academic and ethical standards for students. We will teach children music and help them see their God-given potential, resulting in musicians who ∙ hold themselves accountable for their work and choices, ∙ know that creativity is to be nurtured and used, ∙ recognize beauty and dedicate themselves to create beautiful music, and ∙ see the value of living in community: that in working with and serving others, we achieve our greatest works. It is a simple idea that will positively impact our schools and our city for generations to come.