501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Transforming String Education Through Cognition

JSFSA bridges the national gap in string education by harnessing cognitive neuroscience-informed pedagogy to empower underserved students and the educators who serve them.

Our ProgramsSupport Our Mission

This creative approach was different from traditional classical training as it was more you have to think out of the box.

-- JSFSA Student
84.3%
Engagement
3x
Consistency
500+
Students
About JSFSA

From Texas Roots to a National Movement

Founded with the conviction that every student deserves access to transformative music education, Jazz Strings & Fiddle Society of America began as a regional initiative in Texas and has since grown into a nationally recognized force for educational equity.

JSFSA leverages a cognitive neuroscience-informed approach to string education, utilizing an innovative, patent-pending system licensed from its technology partner. Our mission is not to develop proprietary technology -- but to ensure that proven innovation reaches every classroom that needs it.

JSFSA provides Grants and Scholarships for educators to access the CLIME National Teacher Certification program, ensuring innovative pedagogy reaches underserved communities.

IFounded in Texas as a grassroots string education initiative serving underserved youth
IIAdopted the CLIME system through exclusive partnership with Dr. Kim's Cognitive Arts Venture LLC
IIIExpanded to multi-state operations with university research partnerships
IVLaunched National Teacher Certification and community clinic programs
Our Programs

Three Pillars of Impact

Each program is designed to scale proven pedagogy through the educators and communities that need it most.

TC

National Teacher Certification

A grant-funded training program enabling educators to earn certification in CLIME methodology. JSFSA covers tuition through scholarships, ensuring cost is never a barrier to innovative teaching.

CC

Community Clinics

Nationwide string education clinics for low-income students and gifted young musicians. Culturally responsive, hands-on workshops that break down barriers to quality arts education.

NE

National Ensemble & Performance

The JSFSA National Ensemble unites top student musicians from across the country for collaborative performances, demonstrating the transformative power of cognitive-informed music education.

Grant-Funded Training Model: JSFSA is the nonprofit gateway -- we fund educator access to the CLIME certification program through grants and scholarships. The proprietary educational technology is developed and maintained by our licensed partner.

Research & Impact

Measurable Outcomes, Rigorous Foundation

Our programs are informed by neuroscience and validated through data collected across partner school districts.

15+
Partner School Districts
92%
Teacher Satisfaction
40+
Certified Educators
5
States Reached

Grounded in Cognitive Neuroscience & Peer-Reviewed Research

Our pedagogical framework draws on brain-imaging research into musical improvisation and creative cognition. JSFSA leadership has presented research at the Jazz Education Network, ASTA National Conference, and the International Jazz Research Conference in Graz, Austria -- including a landmark comparative analysis of 116 NASM-accredited university programs.

Student Voices

What Our Students Say

There were barely any rules, and we could use our imagination to make songs and solos.

-- JSFSA Student

This approach helped me gain more confidence as an individual musician rather than playing as a group.

-- JSFSA Student

Everyone can connect through music and form their own. I don't believe it's unique to anyone or a special talent.

-- JSFSA Student

I stopped thinking about wanting to play correctly... I just started playing because I wanted to.

-- JSFSA Student
Leadership

Board of Directors

Guided by distinguished leaders across music, medicine, education, and the arts.

EK
Dr. Eugen Kim
Founder & Executive Director
CL
Dr. Charles Limb
Neuroscience Advisor
RD
Rich DeRosa
Advisor
MD
Matt Davis
Board Member
VH
Vincent Herring
Board Member
Support & Grants

Invest in the Future of Music Education

Your contribution directly funds teacher scholarships, community clinics, and student programs across the nation. Every dollar goes toward ensuring that innovative, research-backed music education reaches the students who need it most.

JSFSA is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible
Presentations, Clinics & Performances

See Our Work in Action

National and international conference showcases, clinics, and research presentations.

April 2026 -- Graz, Austria
15th International Jazz Research Conference
Research presentation at the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz on creative fluency through language acquisition-inspired string pedagogy.
January 2026 -- New Orleans, LA
Jazz Education Network (JEN) 2026
Clinic, research presentation, and Professional Showcase featuring Vincent Herring, Rich DeRosa, and college string students from Stanford, Berklee, and Munich.
March 2025 -- Atlanta, GA
ASTA National Conference
Clinic, student showcase, and poster session on jazz in string education. Research on 116 NASM-accredited universities also presented at JEN Atlanta.
January 2025 -- Atlanta, GA
Jazz Education Network (JEN) 2025
Main research presentation: comparative analysis of string vs. instrumental tracks across 116 universities. Co-presented clinic on creative practice for strings.
February 2025 -- San Antonio, TX
TMEA Convention -- National Expansion Debut
JSFSA national expansion debut showcase at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, directed by Dr. Eugen Kim.
Contact

Get in Touch

Whether you represent a school district, foundation, university, or community organization -- we welcome the opportunity to discuss how JSFSA can serve your students and educators.

@
Email
T
Phone
(940) 595-6858
L
Location
Frisco, Texas, USA