The African American Arts Institute (AAAI) at Indiana University Bloomington has been a beacon of artistic and cultural excellence for over 50 years. As the first collegiate institute in the nation dedicated to the performance and preservation of Black music and culture through its ensembles like the IU Soul Revue, the African American Choral Ensemble and the African American Dance Company, students are given transformative experiences that prepare them for life beyond college and gain a deep understanding of Black musical traditions, cultivate professional skills and build a lifelong network of support.
The History and Mission of AAAI
Founded in 1974, the AAAI has been a cornerstone for the study, performance and preservation of Black music, dance and culture at IU. Through the Department of African American and African Diaspora Studies (AAADS), the AAAI ensembles are accredited academic courses that provide students with rigorous training and a deep understanding of Black artistic traditions. While AAADS oversees the academic coursework and faculty affairs, AAAI manages the performance aspects, offering students invaluable real-world experience in their craft.
Throughout its 50-year history, AAAI has remained committed to fostering an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds are encouraged to engage and excel. The institute has played a pivotal role in shaping generations of performers, scholars and educators who carry forward its mission of cultural advocacy and artistic excellence.
By bridging academic study with professional-level performance opportunities, AAAI continues to prepare students for success both within and beyond the arts, ensuring that its legacy of cultural preservation and artistic excellence endures for generations to come.
The Impact of IU Soul Revue
One of AAAI’s original ensembles, the IU Soul Revue, provides students training in popular music styles, including R&B, soul and funk. More than just a performance group, the Soul Revue serves as a space for artistic development, professional growth and cultural education.
Professor of Practice and director of the IU Soul Revue, James Strong Jr., 
emphasizes the ensemble’s impact on students, stating, "One of the most transformative aspects of the Soul Revue is the emphasis on community. It’s often said that the ensemble is like a family providing emotional support, building confidence and encouragement that can be transformative during their academic journey.” He believes the ensemble fosters an inclusive environment where students from diverse backgrounds come together to share their stories, talents and aspirations. This sense of belonging is essential for personal and artistic growth—students uplift and celebrate one another, forging lasting friendships that extend beyond their time at the university.
Strong also shares insights from his extensive career, providing context around the challenges and triumphs professionals face. Building on that knowledge, he creates opportunities for students to perform alongside him in professional environments, allowing them to gain firsthand experience and apply theoretical and practical skills. “By framing lessons with real examples, I ensure that students comprehend the relevance of what they’re learning and how it fits into the broader industry landscape,” Prof. Strong said.
Alongside real-world experiences, Strong and his team help students develop key professional skills. They provide access to industry experts at lectures, teach contemporary techniques for navigating the competitive landscape and highlight the importance of effective communication and relationship management. Additionally, they encourage personal growth by guiding students to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and emphasize the importance of community by supporting peers and fostering those relationships.
The Journey of Alex Goldblatt
From the opportunities provided through mentorship, lectures and community come numerous success stories of those who have graduated from IU to evolve into well-rounded, dedicated professionals. One of those success stories is that of Alex Goldblatt, a Grammy-nominated producer, guitarist and music director.
Goldblatt’s path to success was anything but conventional. Initially undeclared, he faced early rejection from multiple music programs, including IU’s jazz guitar department. Determined to find his place, he immersed himself in music classes, leading him to an unexpected opportunity in classical guitar under the mentorship of Daniel Duarte. Through dedication and rigorous preparation, he earned a spot in the Jacobs School of Music, beginning his evolution as a musician.
While classical guitar honed his technical skills, the IU Soul Revue became the cornerstone of his college experience. Encouraged to audition after an impromptu encounter with fellow musicians, Goldblatt quickly immersed himself in the ensemble, where he flourished under legendary mentors like Professor James Strong and Bobby Davis. “Soul Revue was, without a doubt in my mind, the highlight of my college experience,” he reflects. “If I could have majored in Soul Revue, I would have.”
Goldblatt was given opportunities in music ranging from directing the band to arranging songs, experiences which helped lay the foundation for his professional career. The discipline, attention to detail and deep respect for R&B and soul music instilled by Soul Revue are shown in his work today. “The level of detail Prof. Strong expected from us when learning songs was and still is essential to how I make music today,” he says. “That experience with music direction and composition is directly reflected in the work I do now.”
His transition into production came during the early months of the pandemic when he and fellow Soul Revue musician Tom Levesque began creating samples that caught the attention of major producers. Their work led them to Los Angeles, where they built connections that propelled their careers. Today, Goldblatt’s credits span artists such as Kehlani, JPEGMAFIA, 6lack and Cordae, and he continues to work with industry heavyweights like Lil Nas X, Charlie Puth and Camila Cabello.
Reflecting on the broader impact of AAAI and the Soul Revue, Goldblatt sees its influence beyond music. “You learn so much about team building, social skills, preparation, dependability and work ethic from being in an AAAI ensemble,” he explains. “I’ve seen so many of my peers go on to be great teachers, doctors, realtors and professionals in all kinds of fields.”
His advice is clear for students aspiring to follow a similar path:
“Go deep. Learn everything about what you want to do. Find your champions—the people who believe in you enough to open doors. And most importantly, make music you love. I forced myself into jazz for years because I thought it would somehow unlock the cosmic secrets of the musical universe and make me better. But my heart was always in R&B, hip-hop and rock. Once I embraced that, everything clicked.”
Goldblatt's journey from a determined IU student to a Grammy-nominated producer is a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience and staying true to one’s passions.
The African American Arts Institute continues to be a pillar of artistic excellence and student empowerment at Indiana University. By fostering an environment where students can grow personally and professionally, the institute ensures its graduates are well-equipped to make meaningful contributions to the world. As the IU Soul Revue and other AAAI ensembles move into the future, they remain committed to shaping the next generation of artists, leaders and cultural ambassadors.