Memphis Music Initiative

05/07/2026

Access changes everything.

MMI Works makes sure more young creatives in Memphis are in the room and resourced to learn, create, and lead.

Here’s how you can back it:

• $50 – Provides industry access
• $250 – Provides a meal during weekly sessions
• $500 – Sponsors a scholarship for a graduating senior
• $750 – Provides a field trip
• $2,500 – Sponsors one intern for the MMI Works summer program

$5,000 funds the MMI Works retreat, bringing the full cohort together to connect and grow.

If you want to see more of this in Memphis, here’s one way to make it happen:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/memphismusicinitiative

05/05/2026

Every visual starts as an idea—what matters is how you bring it to life.

This summer, Taylor Bee is bringing that process into MMI Works.

A Memphis-born creative working across animation, film, and photography, Taylor helps artists turn their ideas into fully realized visuals. Her work blends imagination with technical skill, shaping stories that move across formats and platforms. Check out her work on Youtube: https://buff.ly/ZHjOrld

At MMI, she’s working with interns as they take projects from concept to final cut—building their skills in production, storytelling, and visual direction along the way.

This is where ideas become something you can see.

05/01/2026

Paid internships.
Real industry experience.
Built right here in Memphis.

MMI Works connects young creatives to the spaces, tools, and people that make this work real.

You can support a specific part of that experience:

• $50 – Industry access
• $250 – Meals during weekly sessions
• $500 – Scholarships for graduating seniors
• $750 – Field trips
• $2,500 – Sponsor an intern

And at $5,000, you can fund the MMI Works retreat for the full cohort.

This is how access turns into opportunity, and YOU can make it happen.

Give here: https://buff.ly/kbi6eqa

04/30/2026

Visual storytelling starts with paying attention—what’s happening, who’s in the frame, and what needs to be seen.

This summer, Brandon McCoy is bringing that approach into MMI Works.

Born and raised in South Memphis, Brandon is a videographer and creative director focused on capturing moments that connect people to culture and community. His work centers lived experience, using visual media to tell stories that stay with you.

At MMI, he’s working with interns as they build their skills behind the camera—learning how to shoot, edit, and shape stories with intention.

He’s also currently working on Soil2Souls, a documentary project exploring community and connection through a visual lens. Watch The Soul Table Episode 1: "Grandma's Hands" on YouTube: https://buff.ly/9ZyWH5F. Follow the project on Instagram

Follow Brandon:

04/28/2026

Another great summer camp opportunity from our friends at Memphis Youth Arts Initiative!

🥁🔥 EVERYBODY HAS RHYTHM! 🔥🥁

This summer, let’s build rhythm, confidence, and creativity! Join Memphis Youth Arts for an exciting week of percussion, bucket drumming, and hands-on rhythm fun at North Branch Library!

Whether you already play drums or just love music and movement—THIS CAMP IS FOR YOU! 🎶✨

FREEEEEEEE

📅 Monday, June 1 – Friday, June 5, 2026⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM📍 North Branch Library1192 Vollintine Ave.Memphis, TN 38107

Featuring:🥁 Percussion🪣 Bucket Drumming🎵 Drums🎺 Possible Horn Instrumental Days

Open to beginning & intermediate youth!

Registration is required and spots are limited—sign up today through the Memphis Public Libraries website!

🌐 www.memphisyoutharts.org📲

04/28/2026

Production is about how people experience the work—what they see, what they feel, and what stays with them after.

This summer, Kennedy Hall is bringing that perspective into MMI Works as our Lead Creative Coach.

A Memphis-born producer working across television, film, and live events, Kennedy approaches each project with intention and attention to detail. Her work focuses on creating thoughtful, high-quality experiences, with a particular focus on crafting spaces that resonate with the Black community.

At MMI, she’s working with interns as they develop ideas, shape creative direction, and carry projects from concept through execution—pushing them to think deeper and build work with meaning.

This is what it looks like to translate vision into experience.

04/23/2026

Mark your calendars for May 7!

Get excited! It is almost time for our 2026 spring concert. Join us in celebrating the amazing talent and dedication of our angels.

04/23/2026

We’re halfway through In the Lab sync workshop series.

This cohort is deep in it now—breaking down briefs, building ideas, and starting to shape original tracks for film and TV.

Next session, we move into the studio.
Time to put it down.

And if you’re in high school, we’ve got something for you too—
In the Lab: Making the Show is up next this Saturday. If you're a high school creative—or know someone who might be a good fit—sign up at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScNpqrE8yh66XFNApwWy0fNQ92lPH3RYAR27qYwgozBDZx9XA/viewform

04/21/2026

Creative work is built through projects, collaboration, and decision-making in motion.

This summer, Jeff “Jkidd” Williams is bringing that perspective into MMI Works.

As a music executive, producer, and founder of Grind City Records, Jkidd works at the intersection of music, branding, and community impact. From managing Memphis artist Brezay to producing records and landing TV placements on shows like The Rookie, Platonic, and Beauty in Black, his work reflects how music moves across industries.

At MMI, he’ll be working directly with interns as they develop their sound, creative identity, and understanding of the business behind the music.

This is what it looks like to learn the industry from someone actively shaping it.