While the New Amsterdam Musical Association has never defined itself as a Jazz-oriented organization, it has certainly been both a literal and figurative home for many jazz musicians.
[1] Located in Harlem, NAMA has served as a place for many musicians to gather after performances to socialize and to practice.
It was not uncommon for the likes of John Coltrane or Max Roach to rehearse on the ground floor of the brownstone.
It is no longer union or exclusively a members club, and now functions as a hub for Harlemites, and a testament to the history of African-American musicians in New York City.
[2] Currently, NAMA offers lessons to all vocalists and instrumentalists at all levels at low to no cost, depending on the circumstances of the student.