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This article was written on special assignment for the Art Beat blog through the TeenTix Press Corps, a teen arts journalism program run by TeenTix, a youth empowerment and arts access nonprofit organization. Read their other Art Beat articles here.

By TeenTix Newsroom Writer Thien-Nhi Nguyen

The Jackson Street Music Program (JSMP), based at the historic King Street Station, offers dynamic, experience-based learning opportunities for Seattle’s youth. Through initiatives like the Youth Air radio show and the Jazz In The City Concert Series, JSMP provides aspiring young artists with a platform to explore and develop their musical talents. Furthermore, the Jackson Street Music Program also allows for students to interact with professionals in whatever area that they are interested in. The organization is committed to fostering creativity and building connections in the community, allowing participants to engage in real-world experiences that go beyond traditional classroom learning. As JSMP looks ahead to new events and projects, it continues to be a vibrant hub for nurturing Seattle’s next generation of musicians and cultural leaders.

Dr. James Gore, who founded the program two decades ago, continues to serve as the program’s director. Under his guidance, the program has flourished, building a legacy of success and community impact. In addition to his role as director, Dr. Gore is also the current CEO of Ariel Media, a dynamic organization that has partnered with the program to enhance its outreach and capabilities. This partnership with Ariel Media has brought new opportunities for growth, allowing the program to expand its initiatives, increase its visibility, and continue making a positive difference in the community. In a recent interview TeenTix conducted, Dr. James Gore goes more into depth on the JSMP, its history, and what its future could look like.

TeenTix: What inspired the creation of programs like JSMP?

Dr. Gore: When I was studying at Seattle University, I attended a program similar to JSMP that allowed me to explore the different roles in business and marketing. In this program, we all roleplayed in some different roles: there was the government, the businesses, the investors, and the people. At first, no one wanted to represent the people, but as the program went on, we came to realize that the people were what mattered the most. Without the people, we wouldn’t have support, and it emphasized the importance of public support. I learned that the importance of the people goes beyond just having an audience or participants. It’s about creating a program that genuinely serves their needs, reflects their voices, and grows with their contributions. This is the philosophy that I brought into JSMP, where we always strive to put people—our young artists, their families, and the broader Seattle community—at the center of everything we do.

TeenTix: Has the vibrant cultural scene around King Street Station shaped any recent programs?

Dr. Gore: At King Street, there are many opportunities to explore various career fields. Right down the street, there’s various exhibitions that give our students the ability to explore them. Although JSMP is in partnership with Ariel Media which works a lot with jazz music, we give our students the freedom to explore whatever industry they want. If they want to explore art, like painting—we’ll have opportunities for them to meet professionals and see art showcases. If they want to pursue business, we’ll have workshops set out for them. If they want to pursue music, we’ll allow them to explore performances, and meet with professionals in that music industry.

TeenTix: What kind of impact have you seen these programs have on participants over the years?

Dr. Gore: The Jackson Street Music Project (JSMP) offers the students opportunities to delve into their musical interests and expand their future prospects. Students have been able to explore different sides of the music industry. For instance, some alumni have pursued further studies in music and the performing arts, like we have an alumni who is studying at USC in the performing arts/music field. JSMP also helps connect students with industry professionals. Students really get to see the workings and the behind the scenes of things. If we’re going to a performance, we have the opportunity to have the students sit backstage and talk to the professionals—get to know how it really works. What makes JSMP really special though, is that we’re not just limited to just music, or the arts—if a student is interested in marketing, finance, law, or medicine—we’re flexible and will have resources ready for them to explore those interests. 

TeenTix: How do you envision the future of the Jackson Street Music Project in the next few years?

Dr. Gore: In envisioning the future of the Jackson Street Music Project (JSMP), there is a strong interest in evolving the program to better serve its participants as they transition into higher education and early careers. One key idea is to expand JSMP to include a college-level component, bringing back alumni who have gone on to pursue music or related fields. By doing so, the program can harness the experience and insights of its former participants, allowing them to mentor the next generation and create a stronger, intergenerational community of artists.

This shift would also mean tailoring the program to cater more towards college-aged individuals rather than younger participants, such as 12-year-olds. At this stage, students tend to be more focused on their career paths and are likely seeking opportunities to hone their skills, network with industry professionals, and gain hands-on experience that can support their academic and professional goals. This strategic pivot could offer more advanced workshops, internships, and performance opportunities, helping students bridge the gap between education and the music industry. In this way, JSMP could become a launchpad for aspiring musicians, providing a pathway to higher-level training and professional success.

TeenTix: What upcoming events, programs, or partnerships are you most excited about?

Dr. Gore: We have an upcoming event where we are celebrating our 1 year anniversary here at our location at King Street. This program has been around for like 2 decades, but JSMP will be celebrating its one year anniversary for our Entertainment Management Academy Lab at King Street Station.

TeenTix: Any last words, advice to youth who wish to pursue the art industry, or any industry in general?

Dr. Gore: Don’t be afraid to dive into what excites you. Whether it’s painting, photography, music, or any other field, allow yourself to experiment and try different things. The beauty of exploring is that it helps you discover what truly resonates with you. Even if something feels outside of your comfort zone or seems unrelated to your current path, give it a shot. Networking is crucial, not just in the art industry but in any field. Building a strong network can help you find collaboration opportunities, gain advice, and learn about job openings or projects.

Find out more about JSMP. Or join them to celebrate their 1 year anniversary on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2 – 5 p.m. with an open house event. With music performance by pianist, Darrius Willrich.