We had the good fortune of connecting with Melton Mustafa Jr. and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Melton, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As you know, balancing work, school, family, projects, social time, etc. can be be extremely stressful. I used to worry alot about work life balance, but now I try to look at it from a different perspective. Before I explain I’d like to share with you that I still think that there are not enough hours in the day, so because of this I decided to focus on what was important to me. I also decided that in order to get certain results I would need to sacrifice some things. My introduction to balance started as a kid, I was always in a lot of activities, so I learned about time management early. I went from school, to karate, to baseball, to religous services, to bowling practice, to band practice… well you get the point. I realized at an early age that I liked doing various activities and if I practiced more, or studied more I would have more confidence and would perform better. This was the start of my work ethic. I also realized that because some people were not willing to go that extra mile and that if I did I could have even better results. When I was younger I did everthing becaues balance did not matter, now I look at balance as something which changes as needed. For instance, When starting a business I may need to work more than usual so something else may get less attention, but then that may shift later based on needs or goals. Because I enjoy my work, I don’t find it stressful. I can literally work all day and night, but I know that missing quality time with my family is a non-negotiable and is needed to keep me grounded. I value family!!!!
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Melton Mustafa Jr. was born in Atlanta, Melton Mustafa Jr. comes from a family of great musicians. His dad Melton Mustafa Senior is an international jazz trumpeter, producer, composer and teacher , who has played with the American jazz giants like the Court Basie Orchestra and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Melton Mustafa grew up listening to his dad and uncle Jesse Jones, who is also great sax player too.
Melton Mustafa is known for his flair for entertaining and is an excellent educator. He has been teaching music to children for years as well as young adults at Florida Memorial University. Mustafa is quarter finalist for the Grammy`s Music Educator Award and is an accomplished music producer. In his journey as a musician, he has played in concert with famous artists like Lalah Hathaway, James Carter, Wycliffe Gordon, Melton Mustafa Orchestra and has opened for Kelly Rowland and many others. Mustafa has been featured at the Jazz in the Gardens Festival with great names like Rachel Ferrell, Boney James and LL Cool J. As an International artist Melton Mustafa has toured and performed with the Ray Charles Band and Melton Mustafa Orchestra. Mustafa’s most recent international tour was in Africa performing the show “Jazz Em Casa”.
Melton Mustafa Jr. is a three time Grammy Nominted Music Educator Quarterfinalist who was recently featured at The Jazz In The Gardens concert in Miami and is the son of International Jazz trumpeter and composer Melton S. Mustafa. Mustafa was born in Atlanta, GA. and raised in Miami, Fl. where he started playing music in high school under the direction of Mr. Frank Neal at Miami Carol City HS. Melton Mustafa received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Florida A&M University where he served as Section leader of the saxophone section and head of the Dance Routine committee for the Legendary Marching “100”. While at FAMU, Mustafa performed with the FAMU “Strikers” at the Apollo theatre and traveled the world with the Marching “100”. After undergraduate school, Mustafa received a Master’s Degree in Education from Florida International University and where he is working on his Doctoral Degree in Leadership. Melton Mustafa currently works as Professional Music Educator at Pioneer Middle School and is an Professor at Florida Memorial University. When he is not teaching he performing, directing and producing music.
As a director, Mustafa has conducted the “Star Spangled Banner” for the Junior Olympics, written and directed a show for the Super Bowl entitled “Global Rhythms Local Beat”, served as the Musical Director for the Show “From the Porch” featuring Danny Glover, directed the band and choreographed the featured Marching in Master “P” and Little Romeo’s music video, “Two Way”(which was featured on the BET TV Show – Access Granted). Founder and director of the Miami Dade Parks Community Band.
A couple of years ago, Melton Mustafa wrote and received a grant to start a community band at the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center. The grant was written to allow a venue for anyone in the community who plays jazz or classical music and wants to play and perform.
Melton has been featured on the following: More then Words – Mr. Sax “Butterfly” CD (poetry and sax), “St. Louis Blues” CD (Big Band), “Sea B Marrah”CD (Reggae), Betty Pageant CD (Blues sax), Ike and Val Woods Live at Tobacco Road CD (sax), Pieces of a Pisces CD, Jesus was a Capricorn CD, Guest Artist for the show “By Kids for Kids (channel 10), acted in The Language of Music -Tom Dowd (Film), Acted in “The Buddy Holly Story” Actor’s Play House”(off Broadway), danced at the Apollo Theater (Striker dance troupe).
As a producer, Melton Mustafa just released “Scenes from Miami” Vol. 1 “The Softer Side” CD and his latest production CD “The Traveling Man”which features his dad Melton Mustafa senior, the late Mulgrew Miller, Victor Lewis, Patrick Bartley and Essiet Essiet. Melton Mustafa is currently working on adapting his original music “Shalom Salaam Serene” into an audio book to be used in the public school system.
As a profession educator Mustafa has developed superior rated music programs in Miami-Dade County and Broward County and has served as guest clinician and mentor for new teachers. Mustafa is a professional adjudicator for the Florida Band Masters Association and evaluates school music programs at their Annual Music Performance Assessment. Mustafa has served a musical Director MIAMI-Dade, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Memphis, Tenessee and Las Vegas Honors Jazz Bands.
Melton Mustafa is the Executive Producer of the Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival and is also the President of the non-profit MSM Art United and Zaki Publishing, Inc.
Mustafa has been recognized for his contributions to the community by the National Association of Negro Musicians, Florida Band Masters Association, 40 under 40 Most Influential Leaders, South Florida’s Most Outstanding Educators, Gospel Truth Magazine, Family Care Magazine and many more.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you are visiting Miami I would like to recommend some incredible venues, festivals and restaurants. Here are some of my favorite historic venues: The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater, The Dunns-Josephine Hotel, The Hampton House, The Sandrell Rivers Theater, The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, Wynnwood and The Arsht Center. My favorite festivals are the Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival, Sankofa Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Gardens and the Coconut Grove Arts Festival. I’m foodie so I love when I find a hidden gem. You must checkout the LIL Green House Grill. The food is amazing!!! Of course I’d also like for you to visit South Beach and Bayside.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my dad Melton Mustafa Sr., my mom Zakiyyah Mustafa for alway supporting me and for providing me with a loving environment. I’d also like to thank my uncle Jesse Jones Jr. for being a tremendous role model and support system for me in regards to life and music. My dad was an international Jazz Trumpeter, educator, composer and recording artist, my mom was the manager, publicist and booking agent for the Melton Mustafa Orchestra and Jesse jones Jr. (Melton’s Older Brother) is an International Jazz Saxophone Recording Artist. In 1996 Miami native Melton Mustafa Sr. had a dream of starting the Melton Mustafa Jazz Festival. His goal was to bring the best jazz musicians in the world to South Florida. 26 years later this festival has become a staple in the community and continues to set the bar for entertainment! Real Jazz Is alive and well in South Florida!
I thank you for your dedication to the preservation of Jazz Music. This festival is a performance platform for local artists, international artists, students, educators, local businesses and the community. The MMJF26 welcomes all Jazz lovers regardless of their age, background, gender, social economic status, sexual preference, disability or education. This years jazz festival was dedicated to the all of the amazing Women Jazz Artist, the late Zakiyyah Mustafa and late Melton Mustafa Sr. Let’s Continue to Jazz together!!!
Some of our the MMJF featured Artists:
Melton Mustafa Sr., Jesse Jones Jr. Jon Faddis, Abraham Laboriel, Benny Golson,. Dr. David Baker, Nathan Davis, Grover Washington Jr., James Moody, Kirk Whalum, James Carter, Idris Muhammad, George Cables, Wallace Roney, Patrice Rushin, Geri Allen, Jimmy Owens, Billy Cobham, Herbie Mann, Billy Taylor, Clark Terry, Curtis Fuller, Kenny Drew Jr., Donald Byrd, Nestor Torres, Winard Harper, Najee, Randy Brecker, Wycliffe Gordon, Ray Drummond, Obed Calvaire, Billy Cobham, Donald Harrison Jr., Orrin Evans, Ralph McDonald, Troy Roberts, Patrick Bartley, Terri Lynn Carrington, Leon Foster Thomas, Richie Cole, Brianna Thomas, Willerm Delisfort, Curtis Lundy, Marquis Hill, Jason Marshall, Ira Sullivan, Shareef Clayton, Wendy Pedersen, Brian Lynch, Nicholas Payton, Jamison Ross, Wayne Escoffrey, Bobby Watson, Tamm E Hunt, Lynn Arriale, Rosario Giuliani, Askhat Sayfullin, Bobby Thomas Jr., New Vision Sax Ensemble, Marshall Davis Jr., Negroni Trio, Lynn Arriale’s, Anthony Pinciotti, Chuck Bergeron, Nicole Yarling, Kirk Whalum, Dr. Ed Calle, John Daversa, Nicole Henry, Victor Lewis, Marcus Strickland, Silvano Monasterios, Godwin Louis, Etienne Charles and many many more!
Website: www.meltonmustafajazzfestival.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mustafaonsax
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/meltonmustafajr
Twitter: www.twitter.com.mustafaonsax
Facebook: https://www.facebbook.com/Mustafaonsax
Youtube: https://youtu.be/R6bPgPpA_70
Other: Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/4RJx1xwNn0iM8i0LmLrF3s?si=wZn0KMcpRtWsy6lo_dGWlA Tik Tok https://vm.tiktok.com/ZM8hwERM/
Image Credits
Bob Lasky
