UNDERGROUND
MUSIC
ACADEMY
Underground Music Academy (UMA) is a Detroit based community music hub founded by Waajeed, dedicated to developing future leaders in electronic music through a unique educational curriculum and mentorship model rooted in Detroit’s rich and diverse musical legacy. Located in Detroit’s historic North End on the same street as Motown, UMA stands at the crossroads of history, culture, and innovation.
Our vision for electronic music is built on originality, quality, and growth. UMA’s goal is to provide high quality, accessible, and affordable education in music production, DJing, and entrepreneurship for Detroit residents and students around the world.
The Genesis
Born from years of informal mentorship, community building, and global touring as professional musician and multidisciplinary artist, Waajeed recognized the need for a permanent, local space in his birthplace of Detroit that could connect deeply with the global ecosystem. That vision became reality in 2015, when UMA and Underground Resistance acquired a historic building in Detroit’s North End that once served as the headquarters of the NAACP.
The Present
Today, UMA operates at the intersection of online education and in person workshops. Through our online courses, we have spent over three years teaching students both local and worldwide.
At the same time, our in person workshops, now numbering more than 70, have brought artists, educators, and leaders in culture together at our headquarters in Detroit’s North End. As UMA continues to grow, we remain committed to expanding access to culturally rooted music education through a balance of digital learning and hands on, in person experiences.
The Future
Looking ahead, UMA aims to expand both our online courses and in person workshops. We are also actively raising funds to renovate our historic headquarters in Detroit. This renovation will strengthen UMA’s role as a vibrant educational center, providing a welcoming, modern environment for local residents, visiting artists, and students from around the world.