The Fertile Minds Jazz Academy was established by jazz pianist, educator, and author Khadijah Simon.

Khadijah, who holds Grade 5 practical piano certification from ABRSM, exhibited a profound love for music since early childhood. This enduring passion has allowed her the opportunity to perform in Antigua (her homeland), the USA, and the UK with musicians to include Larnell Lewis, Rich Brown, Vince McCoy, and Saadi Zain.

Her formal introduction to jazz is attributed to the late Bruce Skerritt, a pianist, educator, and composer from St. Kitts and Nevis. Under his mentorship, she learned various unique techniques that enhanced her abilities tenfold. She has also studied with Harry Likas, the technical editor for “The Jazz Piano Book,” a popular book for jazz pianists at all levels.

In 2024, Khadijah was sponsored by UNESCO to attend “Jazz Emprende” in Havana, Cuba, where she had the opportunity to learn and seek advice from prominent jazz musicians such as Robert Glasper, Aldo Mazza and Derrick Hodge.

Also in 2024, after 3 years of teaching, she founded The Fertile Minds Jazz Academy to honor her late mentor’s legacy and share his unique method of understanding music with the world.