Jazz Hands For Autism

Jazz Hands For Autism offers Junior Academy for ages 8–17 and Musicians Academy & Conservatory for ages 18+. Junior Academy is described as early music education, and Musicians Academy & Conservatory offers 1:1 and small-group instruction with more than 600 hours per musician each year.

Programs

• Musicians Academy & Conservatory — 18+ · Rigorous, individualized, strengths-based music education for neurodivergent musicians. 1:1 and small-group instruction; over 600 hours per musician per year.
• Junior Academy — Ages 8–17 · Early music education that builds confidence, expression, and joy for young learners.

At a glance

• Ages: 8–18 years old
• General schedule: Year-round. The site also states biannual concerts, quarterly Couch Recitals, and community events.
• Facility hours: Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm

About the provider

Jazz Hands For Autism was founded in 2014. Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Ed.D, is listed as Founder & Executive Director. The site says it serves more than 200 musicians and reaches artists across six continents. It has been featured in NPR, the Los Angeles Times, KTLA, Billboard, and The Recording Academy, and it also mentions the City of Culver City 2026 City in Harmony Award.

• Educator Training (JHET) — Neurodiversity-affirming teaching model for educators.
• Jazz Hands Jobs — Paid performance, teaching, and studio work; real careers built on real talent.
• Concert Series — Biannual concerts on professional stages.
• The Studio — A full-service recording studio where musicians complete projects without external cost.
• Music Library — Sync library composed entirely by neurodivergent artists.
• Calendar — Concerts, quarterly Couch Recitals, and community events.

Based in Culver City, California. The site states that all bookings are paid opportunities for autistic artists. Contact hours are Monday–Saturday, 9am–5pm.

What families say

“Ruben played a song, and his classmates followed him. In that moment, Ruben the teenage boy with autism took the back seat, and what emerged was Ruben the leader.” — Dr. Ifunanya Nweke, Founder & Executive Director

Last updated October 8, 2026.