FAME’s mission is to give every young musician the best opportunity to succeed in life by providing music training and academic support.

FAME offices are closed to the public due to COVID-19; however, Our work to educate our youth continues!
Please lend your support today—make a gift. 

FAME 101 — is a Harmony of Music and Education

WE PREPARE YOUTH FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER THROUGH A FOUR-PRONGED APPROACH


  • Music Instruction
    Middle and High school students receive college-level music instruction from college faculty and professional musicians to build the next generation of musicians and increase their confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
  • Academic Support
    Students receive weekly instruction in STEM subjects, while also improving language skills. FAME’s music and educational components meet national standards and help students to excel in school and achieve advanced academic placement.
  • College Preparation
    Students prepare for college education through academic tutoring, study skills development, SAT preparation, identifying college majors and requirements, and learning about the admissions and financial aid processes.
  • Career Readiness
    Students develop technical skills for music industry-related occupations as well as soft skills such as organization, time management, goal setting, and networking necessary for employment in any industry.

FAME Programs


  • fame jazz band
    More than just a band, the FAME Jazz Band Program (FJBP) was established in 2015 as a community-based, year-round initiative that improves students’ musicianship and appreciation for Jazz, and provides opportunities for them to showcase their talents, improve their academic skills, and prepare for college and career success.
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  • summer music
    This unique and fun-filled summer program is designed for students, grades 7 through 12, who are interested in careers or learning more about music composition, recording or production, and singing. The program is conducted at the state-of-the-art and friendly atmosphere of the University of Maryland College Park School of Music.
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  • Music is Central
    Supports school-based and after-school music programs by providing supplemental music instruction, materials, supplies, instruments and opportunities to share a performance stage with the Fame Jazz Band and professional musicians.
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  • Career Readiness
    Students develop technical skills for music industry-related occupations as well as soft skills such as organization, time management, goal setting, and networking necessary for employment in any industry.
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FAME Upcoming Events


  • FEBRUARY 12, 2021: AUDITIONS Open FAME Jazz Band
    The FAME Jazz Band Program (FJBP) brings together middle & high school students from Prince George’s County Maryland who are fearless and eager to grow in their artistic expression, as well as maintain high academic standards in the classroom. Students must live and/or attend school in Prince George’s County, this is a tuition free program.
  • MAY 2021 TBA: Race for FAME
    A fun scavenger hunt with lots of prizes, Race 4 FAME is a family-friendly and exciting “Scavenger Hunt”, it was created in 2016 by United Parcel Service (UPS) management and employees in the DC Region to provide a family-friendly and exciting “Scavenger Hunt” while helping local nonprofit FAME – Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education provides academic and cultural programs for youth in the Greater Washington Region.
  • FAME Jazz Ensemble
    A small group of four to nine experienced young musicians who represent FAME through performances of jazz standards and R&B with an emphasis on solo performance and improvisation. Musicians are selected based on their past experience with jazz maturity, and the instrumentation required for the ensemble. They have demanding practice and performance schedules and travel to events.
  • Career Readiness
    Students develop technical skills for music industry-related occupations as well as soft skills such as organization, time management, goal setting, and networking necessary for employment in any industry.

Support FAME

Instrument Donation

Donated musical instruments are welcomed. Your generous donation of an instrument will provide learning opportunities and joy for many years.

Buy the FAME Jazz Band CD

Yesterday is Today! — Get Your Copy Today! Cruisin’, Embraceable You, Strasbourg/St. Denis*  Fortunate*, Mr. Magic, In A Sentimental Mood, Never Too Much*, Katy, Sugar*, Uptown Funk *Performed by the FAME Jazz Ensemble

Make a Financial Donation

FAME relies on private support to fund and maintain its music and education programs. There are several options for you to help us keep the music playing in the hearts of our youth.

Workplace Giving

Workplace giving is an easy, efficient way employees can make tax-deductible donations to charities they care about through payroll contributions at work.

Have FAME Jazz Band or Ensemble to play at your next amazing event!

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