Jaquay Smith is the creator and founder of the educational initiative Music Matters with JAQ. Initially launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, Music Matters with JAQ focuses on music education for children with the mission to bring access to those who would otherwise receive lesser education. Learners can access free videos spotlighting BIPOC children and private lessons for homeschooled children on the platform—all in the hopes of filling the need for supplemental music lessons due to the decline of the arts in schools and an increase in e-learning.

As Smith explains, “A lot of children have not seen or touched instruments. For many, musicians and orchestras seem out of reach, musicals are played on TV, choirs are only heard in church, and a career as a musician or a composer is unheard of. But I want to show children that it is possible to love and make music.”

Follow Jaquay Smith’s work:

Website: www.musicmatterswithjaq.com