Our story
There are no wrong notes in humanity
Jazz Hands For Autism began with one musician, one behavior support specialist, and a moment she couldn't unsee.
2014 · How it began
It started with Ruben
Before there was an academy, a concert series, or a recording studio, there was a teenager named Ruben, a gifted autistic musician, and a behavior support specialist named Ifunanya Nweke who noticed something the rest of the room almost missed.
"Ruben played a song, and his classmates followed him. They accompanied him. I couldn't unsee that."
In that moment, as she tells it, "Ruben the teenage boy with autism took the back seat, and what emerged was Ruben the leader." Jazz Hands For Autism grew out of that moment.
From our founder
"When Ruben and I met, an explosion of creativity happened, and that's how JHFA was born."
— Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Founder & Executive DirectorDr. Nweke set out to replicate that experience for other musicians like Ruben. In 2014, Jazz Hands For Autism began modestly, with a single concert and three musicians. Today our concerts feature about twenty performers, and our programs have served more than 200 musicians.
What we believe
Expression. Education. Employment.
A place to be heard
Every neurodivergent musician deserves a stage, an audience, and the dignity of being seen for their talent first.
Real instruction
Rigorous, strengths-based and individualized music education that meets each musician where they are.
Talent into livelihoods
Paid gigs, teaching, studio work and sync placement, turning training into real careers and income.
Our journey
A decade of reaching higher
Our annual reports have the full picture: programs, finances, and each year's milestones.
Meet the team
The people behind the music
Every one of our educators is a trained professional with a deep passion for education, many with specialized training in music, art, and theater.
Board of Directors
Advisory Council
Academy staff, instructors & coaches
Want to work with us? Get involved →
Meet the musicians
The artists at the heart of it all
Exceptional sounds by exceptional people. These are the performers, composers, and teachers of the Jazz Hands Musicians Academy.
Current and former Jazz Hands students
Be part of the next chapter
Support our musicians, hire our talent, or join the academy, every path makes the music possible.