Art Porter Music Education

Great legends never die, but instead are passed through generations to live and enrich the lives of others…such is the legacy of Art Porter Sr. and Art Porter Jr. Though, both Arts have transitioned to a higher realm of life, their spirit and legacy inspired family and friends to establish a vehicle by which their love of music can be continued. Thus the Art Porter Music Education, Inc. (APME), a 501(c)(3) corporation was born.

Our purpose is based on the personal beliefs of both ARTS, that, "the road to musical excellence is through experiencing, understanding and appreciating all music.

APME’s mission

• To provide scholarships to talented Arkansas music students in need of financial assistance to pursue higher education from an accredited college or university.
• To provide musical enhancement opportunities through workshops and seminars.

Art Porter Sr., a classical / jazz pianist, entertainer, educator and television producer, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended public schools in Little Rock and received a Bachelors degree in Music Education from University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He earned a Masters degree from Arkansas’ Henderson State University and studied further at the University of Illinois and the University of Texas.

At 8 years old, Art Sr. was playing at his family’s church and at 12, he performed his first classical recital. By age fourteen, he was a seasoned musician, performing for many community activities and had his own 30-minute classical radio program on KLRA in Little Rock. His successful musical career included becoming the first African American on staff at Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN). He produced “The Minor Key”, a production that allowed him to showcase the talents of gifted Arkansans. Dedicated to his church, Art performed as organist for 35 years. Art Sr. was the quintessential community artist.

Art Porter Jr. was born in Little Rock, Arkansas and graduated from Little Rock’s Parkview High School.  At 16, he studied at Berkeley College of Music in Boston, MA. He moved to Chicago at 18 to attend Northeastern Illinois University where he graduated in 1986. Art studied for his master’s degree at Roosevelt University in Chicago, IL and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Art Jr. was surrounded by music since childhood. His father’s undeniable influence prepared him for the bigger musical stage. As a result, he was signed by Polygram Records, with five recordings to his credit, traveled the world and garnered the respect of the jazz community nationwide. Known for his high-energy performances and a smile that would brighten any room, Art Jr.’s light still shines through the Art Porter Music Education Inc.

It’s been said that true talent is often like a treasured family heirloom. As it’s passed down, each recipient polishes it, refinishes it, and makes it his own. Through Art Porter Music Education Inc. talented Arkansas music students will have the opportunity to become treasured heirlooms. Their skills will be polished, refinished into their particular style and passed on to the next talented generation.