Dr. James Polk 

Dr. James Polk is a native of Corpus Christi, TX. He is a master musician who studied at Huston- Tillotson University, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Music Studies in 1995. He received his Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies in 2006 upon his retirement. He has been a legendary part of Austin’s Cultural Arts community with his real-life mentorship to its talented and successful members. The monumental inspiration received from Dr. James Polk is the cornerstone of the creation of the Dr. James Polk Academy founded by Edward Hardin.

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Mr. Hardin received personal and professional mentorship from Dr. Polk from childhood and even still today. Dr. Polk’s legendary foresight about what the arts could become is the pillar of the Dr. James Polk Academy of Arts and Technology and its aspirations. Helping young people to navigate the highs, lows, crescendos, and diminuendos that are experienced in the notes of life. DJPA is putting into action Dr. Polk’s message of “If you enjoy doing something, do a little bit of it every day”, with strong and supportive mentorship, team-building opportunities, encouraging musical exploration, and more.