About NOMA
North Omaha Music and Arts (NOMA) represents a transformative vision for music education and cultural preservation in Omaha. Operating from the historic Love's Jazz and Arts Center building at 2510 N 24th Street NOMA occupies a space steeped in the rich jazz heritage of North Omaha's legendary 24th Street corridor where jazz greats once performed in venues like the Dreamland Ballroom in the Jewell Building.
Mission and Leadership
Founded and led by Executive Director Dana Murray a native Omahan and former drummer for Grammy-winning artists Norah Jones and Wynton Marsalis NOMA is dedicated to providing world-class musical instruction in a cultural context to youth and adults in Greater North Omaha and surrounding communities. The organization's mission focuses on stimulating growth and development through access to professional resources and perspectives that might otherwise be unavailable due to economic barriers.
Educational Programs
NOMA offers comprehensive curricula in music dance and music production with particular emphasis on jazz blues funk soul and improvisation. The academy features state-of-the-art facilities including dedicated labs for piano broadcasting bass percussion and other instruments. Classes are designed for both youth and master-level adult players with programs that deep dive into the technical and creative aspects of performance and composition.
The organization's educational philosophy emphasizes that while not every student will pursue music professionally the skills developed through musical training - discipline focus collaboration creative thinking - are transferable to any career path. As Murray notes the academy aims to develop not just great musicians but also future doctors lawyers businesspeople and community builders.
Performance Opportunities and Events
NOMA serves as both an educational institution and a performance venue hosting live jazz showcases jam sessions concerts and special events throughout the year. Monday nights feature jazz-heavy open jam sessions while Wednesdays spotlight Omaha's underground music scene. Both nights begin with live performances by accomplished musicians followed by free open jam sessions from 7-10 PM encouraging collaboration between experienced players and emerging talent.
The academy's signature event is NOMAFEST an annual jazz festival held at Turner Park that brings world-renowned artists to Omaha. The 2025 lineup featured Eric Gales Ghost-Note Lakecia Benjamin Heidi Martin and Dana Murray & Manifesto showcasing top-tier talent in blues funk and jazz genres. NOMAFEST celebrates the legacy of the jazz musicians who once made 24th Street a cultural epicenter while nurturing the next generation of artists.
Facilities and Future Vision
NOMA underwent significant expansion in 2025 adding new labs and facilities to support its growing programs. The long-term vision includes a 450-seat music venue and what would be the largest recording studio in Omaha - a $20 million project designed to create a comprehensive music and arts destination. These planned improvements will provide students and professional musicians alike with world-class resources for learning performing and recording.
Community Impact
Beyond music education NOMA plays a vital role in community development and cultural preservation. By revitalizing the former Love's Jazz building and honoring the area's musical heritage the organization helps catalyze economic entrepreneurial and entertainment opportunities in North Omaha. The academy has hosted master classes with legendary musicians including John JR Robinson the most recorded drummer in history demonstrating its commitment to bringing exceptional talent and learning opportunities to the community.
Philosophy and Values
NOMA operates on core principles including the belief that opportunity can change lives that education is a lifelong pursuit and that hard work and discipline unlock human potential. The organization emphasizes equitable access to quality music education regardless of economic circumstances while maintaining professional standards and cultural context in all programming. Through this approach NOMA enriches and empowers the community creating a destination venue that attracts world-class talent while developing local artists.