About us
Overview
Founded in 2023, Fertile Minds Jazz Academy started as a platform for beginner to intermediate students to learn jazz piano using the teachings and methodology of Khadijah Simon and the late Bruce Skerritt.
Now, we are pleased to add courses for drums and bass, extending our offerings to the entire rhythm section!
Our approach is rooted in the philosophy that music is best taught holistically, equipped with the understanding that your mindset determines your progress.
Through interactive courses, engaging community sessions, and a wealth of curated content, Fertile Minds Jazz Academy empowers students to become confident, expressive, and versatile musicians.
Meet The Founder
Khadijah Simon
Khadijah Simon, who holds Grade 5 practical piano certification from ABRSM, is a pianist, educator, and author who has exhibited a profound love for music since her early childhood. This enduring passion has allowed her the opportunity to perform in Antigua, the USA, and the UK with musicians including 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 from 2019 to his passing in 2022, she learned many techniques that are now part of her playing and teaching style. 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 from prominent jazz musicians such as Robert Glasper, Aldo Mazza, and Derrick Hodge.
Khadijah’s dedication to music has also led her to win “Instrumentalist Of The Year” at Antigua’s first ever music awards held February 2025.
Meet Your Instructors
Khadijah Simon
FOUNDER/PIANO/THEORY
Born and raised in Antigua, Khadijah started her musical journey at 8, taking classical piano lessons.
At the age of 14, she delved into jazz piano, studying extensively with Bruce Skerritt until his death in 2022. She has also studied Harry Likas and Arturo Tappin.
Aside from jazz and classical music, Khadijah’s Jamaican heritage also influences her style, as well as Antiguan calypso, soca pop, and rock.
Although many genres exist, Khadijah believes in a quote from Duke Ellington that says, “There are simply two kinds of music, good and the other kind.”
Shaeil Mayers
DRUMS
Born in New York but raised in Antigua, Shaeil embodies versatility. His playing is steeped in the traditions of jazz, calypso, soca, reggae, and more, and has served as the desired backbeat behind many bands in Antigua and the USA.
During his enrollment at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, he studied with a selection of world-class drummers, to include Kim Plainfield, Ralph Peterson, and Larry Finn.
Shaeil brings a wealth of experience with him, and his love for music is infectious!
