The Afro-American Music Institute (AAMI) began in 1982 as a proprietary venture of founders Dr. James Johnson and his wife, Pamela. Classes were held at St. James AME Church’s Sumpter Hall in the East Liberty section of Pittsburgh.  Within six years, program growth necessitated a move to the Alma Illery Annex, located at 7227 Tioga Street, Homewood.  As the reputation of the Institute grew, residents of varied social and economic backgrounds sought enrollment at AAMI for the opportunity to learn music from an African-American perspective.  Again, increased demand for services mandated increased professional teaching and administrative staff and larger accommodations.

On August 15, 2003, AAMI closed the doors at its location at 7227 Tioga Street and moved into its newly purchased building at 7131 Hamilton Avenue in Homewood.  The facility provides a more inviting location with larger rooms and a more professional appearance and atmosphere as its student enrollment and general public interest increases.  Presently, AAMI’s board and its Executive Director are considering a Phase Two plan for constructing an auditorium in the new building that will serve as a performance hall.  In 2004, several funding agencies including Eden Hall and the Pittsburgh Foundation, were approached for funding to assist in making Phase Two Plan a reality.  The Pittsburgh Foundation contributed to this endeavor.  This facility will serve as a rehearsal and performance hall for the Boy’s Choir as well as for the AAMI instrumental and vocal ensembles.

Consistent with its mission, the Afro-American Music Institute will continue to provide programs of excellence under the guidance and tutelage of its committed, professional staff and board members.  It will continue to seek out those persons, especially youth for enrollment and completion of programs and courses offered at AAMI.  Our experience indicates that youth who participate in AAMI programs gain a better sense of self-confidence, self-esteem, creativity and problem solving skills.

The academic piece of this dream was realized via a doctoral dissertation in ethnomusicology entitled “Enculturation in a Formal Setting: A Study of Problems and Prospects in Afro-American Music Education”.  Unlike Langston Hughes’ “ A Dream Deferred”, this dream is alive and well as evidenced via a curriculum that provides specialized instrumental and vocal training in all styles of African-American music, (i.e. gospel, Negro spirituals, jazz, etc.). 

Current programs at AAMI are divided into four categories:

• Curriculum
• “Come Sunday” Public Performance Series
• Performance Groups
• Instrumental and vocal ensembles that perform under its Performance Arts Component (PAC)
• Summer Youth Intensive Camp

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