The Artist, Musicians & Creatives Safe Haven
Meet The CEO/ Founder Of MUSIC SAVES- Akia Nevills, J. D.
Born and raised in New Orleans, La. Akia Nevills is a Grammy award winning background vocalist, powerhouse Gospel Recording Artist, CEO/ Founder of Music Saves, L3C, Lawyer, & live music performer. As a product of higher education, Akia received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/ Pre- Law with a music minor at Xavier University of Louisiana and earned her Juris Doctorate degree from Southern University Law Center, Baton Rouge, La. Growing up as a choir kid in the city of New Orleans, is where Akia was grounded in the sounds and nature of gospel music at its core. Presently, Akia is the praise and worship leader, adult choir director and youth choir director at Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Avondale, La. & The Children’s Choir Director at First Grace United Methodist Church in New Orleans, La. M. U. S. I. C. S. A. V. E. S. Kids is the youth branch of Music Saves, L3C. The goal is to create a space and place for the youth of the City of New Orleans and surrounding areas to grow within their respective fields of musical interest.
KIDS First
This development would be guided by expert creatives in the field of music, including but not limited to vocalist, instrumentalist and sound engineers. A week long interactive summer music workshop!
Expert Care
Our experienced team brings skill and passion to the forefront in music!
Fields of Interest
Intro to Vocals/Choir 101
Piano 101
Guitar 101
Horn 101
Drums/Percussion 101
Sound Engineering 101
La History/Culture 101
Artist Managment 101
Meet Regina M. Serafino
Activities Coordinator
Regina M. Serafino is a New Orleans-based multidisciplinary artist, entrepreneur, and dedicated cultural advocate with a deep passion for creative education and mentorship. Born and raised in San Francisco, Regina transitioned a successful corporate and regulatory career—including serving as a section chief for the State Bar of California—into building vibrant community and artistic ventures. Today, she is the founder of several local enterprises, including RedGs Rock n Tea, LLC, and Global History & Legacy (GFHL) LLC, and Krewe of Kaeru, a haiku and artshare collective. As a painter, muralist, ceramicist, and playwright with deep roots in the New Orleans creative community, Regina is deeply invested in supporting the next generation of musical talent and fostering spaces where young artists can thrive, collaborate, and carry forward the city's rich cultural legacy.
Music Saves Kids 2026
Meet Anna Helms
Horn Instructor
Anna Helms is a saxophone player in New Orleans, Louisiana. She performs in many genres including jazz, blues, soul, pop, hip hop, funk, country, gospel, and rock and specializes in R&B. She is a member of the popular local band The Next Level Band, and she also performs solo and with various local musical projects. She studied Studio Music and Jazz Saxophone Performance at the University of Tennessee under Greg Tardy before moving to New Orleans where she has been living and performing for the last 4 years.
Music Saves Kids 2026
Meet John Dunbar
Drum Instructor
John Dunbar is a professional drummer. Having reigned as the Drum Major of Riverdale High School, John continued his musical journey at Xavier University of Louisiana as a contributing founder to The “Black Magic Drum-line as the Bass Drummer, established in 2009 as “X- Factor”. John has since gained extensive experience performing at large and diverse conventions, festivals and venues within New Orleans, & across the country. John is also a percussionist with the Next Level Band and works regularly in multiple live music venues in New Orleans, La. He brings a skill and precision to the bass drum, congas, djembe and bongos that’s unmatched.
Music Saves Kids 2026
Meet Matt Schultz
Guitar Instructor
“Matt Schultz is a guitarist and composer based in New Orleans, LA.
Matt has performed with the likes of Chapel Hart, Waterseed, Zacardi Cortez, Jean-Michel Pilc, Christine Jensen, Loren Pickford, Chrishira Perrier, Faith Becnel and many other R&B, pop/rock and jazz artists across the Gulf South.
Before moving to music mecca New Orleans in 2018, Matt spent five years in Montreal, Canada. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Jazz Performance from the prestigious McGill University.”
Music Saves Kids 2026
Meet Kayla Jasmine
Special Guest Speaker / Instructor - Voice (solo)
Kayla Jasmine , born and raised in New Orleans, brings soul and the gift of love to every performance. Since 2011 she has contributed background vocals to many artists including Big Freedia, Galactic, PJ Morton and many more. Her contributions to Pj Morton’s Grammy award winning Gospel album landed her in the Grammys New members class of 2021.Her solo efforts include features with artist like Griz and HASIZZLE. Her ability to blend between genres allows freedom and adds color and depth to each live show. A dynamic performer that sure to capture your ear and heart.
Music Saves Kids 2026
