David I. Martin Music Guild of the National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.

       DIMMG is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission and purpose are to promote, preserve and support all genres of music created or performed by African-Americans. Professional and amateur musicians and patrons of the arts come together to share musical experiences through meetings and public performances.  Many genres and styles of music are represented in our activities.  We conduct an annual scholarship contest on the local level for students age 18 through 30. The first place local winner goes on to compete at the regional or national levels.  We conduct our activities in an atmosphere of warmth and fellowship.  We are glad to have your participation!

 

The History of David I. Martin Music Guild
      David Irwin Martin Sr. was a Jazz Pianist, Composer, Violinist and former U.S. Postal Service Mail Carrier.  In 1911, he was chosen as the first director of the Music School Settlement for Colored, under the leadership of  David Mannes of the New York Symphony.  Later in 1912, David I. Martin along with Helen Elsie Smith (pianist) established the Martin-Smith School.  Both schools held annual concerts in the Harlem community; which gave the public the opportunity to see some of the leading Black artists of the time.  The public also had the opportunity to hear the compositions of H.T. Burleigh, R. Nathaniel Dett, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and other artists.  Further, these concerts inspired other cities such as Chicago, Illinois to Music School Settlement and the Martin-Smith School became one combined institution.  The Martin-Smith School now became the “haven” for music teachers and concert artists alike.  Further, many of Harlem’s revered artists were trained at the School including David I. Martin’s three children: Eugene Mars Martin, Concert Violinist (1904-1926); David I. Martin, Jr., Concert Cellist (1907-1975); Gertrude Martin, Concert Violist (1910-1945).