Raleigh-based Jump Academy: Inspiring next generation of young musicians and producers

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Quest Allen is only 13 years old but has big dreams.

“Going very far and like I say making my own record label,” he said.   

Two years ago, his parents connected him with their friend Justin Pelham to learn and develop his craft as a future music producer. “It was exhilarating because it’s what I have always wanted to do,” he said.    

“I thought like it would be dope to take kind of what I’m doing with Quest and open it up to more kids in the community,” said Grammy Award-winning producer Justin Pelham.   

And that’s when his Raleigh-based nonprofit Jump Academy was born. It’s an acronym for Joyfully Uplifting Young Musicians and Producers.

He says this all came to life after his Grammy win for Best Contemporary Christian Song in 2024, when he developed the lyrics and melody for Lecrae and Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s song “Your Power.”

“It’s still surreal to this day, I think it’s validation of all the hard work and things we’ve put in,” said Pelham.   

For this pastor’s kid, who started playing instruments in the church, the inaugural Jump Academy two-week camp this summer sparked a vision to do more.

“I wanted to create something to give back to create a safe space in the community for kids who were creative like me,” said Pelham.   

Those kids who went through his camp say they gained a great deal of knowledge.

“When I was like 9 or 8 with my brother, we would rap all the time and make beats. Now we can make beats better,” said student Amaya Lee Adams.   

Even Pelham’s 7-year-old son says the music bug has hit him, too.

“He helps me make funk and music,” said Kai Pelham.   

Pelham continues to teach music production, teamwork, and building confidence, and so much more.  He hopes his students will see his Grammy win and say they, too, can dream big.

 “He makes it fun, but it’s also very hard work, and it’s something I want to do for the rest of my life,” said Allen.   

You can learn more about Jump Academy and make donations to help expand the program by going here.