Explore our Arts Academy
Enroll in Winter Classes
Our Fall classes for ages 8 to 22 are open for registration and are available as in-person classes in Washington, DC or as virtual courses online.
Innovative Hip-hop C
urriculum
Join our creative arts classes to propel your career as a DJ, fashion designer, music producer, radio broadcaster, artist, or poet.
Academy Spotlights
Jovanna Deluna
Multi-medium Visual Art
Hey there. My name is Jovanna Deluna, but you can call me Joy. I'm an unconventional abstract artist from New York City. I have A.A.S. and B.A. in Graphic Design. Art has been the sole motivator in my life, whether it was refurbishing furniture with my mom as a kid or slapping stickers throughout the city to leave a positive message. As a teaching artist at the Words Beats & Life Academy. I am looking forward to embracing my students’ creativity, all while teaching them different methods of expressing themselves with art.
Edgar Diaz
Beat Production
Edgar S. Diaz, a musical entrepreneur, has left a dynamic imprint in the industry. With over 25 years of experience as a Drummer, Percussionist, Songwriter, Engineer, Producer, Manager, and Educator. His journey has encompassed collaborations with diverse talents such as Vinx, Xavier Rudd, Dan LaVoie, Kipper Jones and many more. For the last 15 years, Edgar has honed his engineering and production skills, now focusing on nurturing emerging artists from studio to stage, inception to spotlight.
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Check out what we accomplished in 2024 with this rap-up video from Trus real.
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The Counterbalance Blog
The Power of Art in Advocacy and Social Change
Sasa Aakil is a force of nature. Previously part of our extensive Youth Poet Laureate program, we’ve been honored to work alongside Aakil as she navigates her career in poetry and advocacy. In addition to mentorship, performance opportunities and skill advancement, our YPLs advance their careers by becoming published authors.
Exclusive Interview with Patrick Washington: From OG of DC's Black Broadway to Director of Poetry at the Words Beats & Life Academy
Patrick Washington, director of poetry at the Words Beats & Life Academy, shares his journey as an independent artist and activist, exploring '90's hip-hop, go-go and his vision for youth poets to fight marginalization.
AI Bionix: Exploring the Impact of AI on Music
Art? Official? Intelligence? AI is here. What does it mean for human expression? Drake rapping Ice Spice’s “Munch.” Biggie rapping Nas’ “New York State of Mind.” Timbaland making a brand new song with the Notorious B.I.G. and these are just the most recent ones. You can’t put Pandora back in the box — we are in the era of AI!
