The Comprehensive Arts Institute (CAI) is about Music Education for all. Founders James and Angela Ward, have a passion for educating in the area of music for the intention of changing lives. Their work as composers, performers, and educators has spanned more than three decades. They have facilitated Music Education workshops at Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts, The Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, at Satchel Paige Elementary School, in conjunction with the Thelonious Monk Institute.  By invitation of Ivory Global Entertainment, the Wards designed and conducted a music workshop for consecutive years in Nassau, Bahamas.

James and Angela studied and mastered music in all genres at Florida A&M University (FAMU).  Their performance history began in 1989, in the FAMU Jazz Ensemble. James formed the Smooth Jazz group, The JWB, in 1997.  The JWB has released two projects on CD:  "In Perspective" and "Groove Axis". Both charted nationally in the top 20 on the Smooth Jazz Music Charts. Their song writing and arranging has captured audiences of all ages all over the world. Their performance features an eclectic mix of jazz fusion compositions.

The Wards desire to increase the population of skilled musicians has inspired the birth of the Comprehensive Arts Institute. CAI partners with non-profit organizations and school districts in order to facilitate Instrumental music workshops.  CAI projects have been funded by grants from the Missouri Arts Council and National Endowment of the Arts.

In June 2012, the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center sponsored a Summer Jazz Camp, which launched the first performance by the CAI Youth at the Convoy of Hope Celebration at Swope Park in Kansas City, Missouri.  CAI's inaugural class performed for an audience of over  10,000 in attendance. Their performance consisted of compositions by artists such as George Benson and Herbie Hancock. The instrumentation included saxophone, guitar, clarinet, tuba, keyboards, drums, bass, and percussion. The students gave an exceptional performance and have been in demand to perform monthly around the Kansas City Metropolitan area.

The CAI continues to seek individuals who have a desire to learn music and develop their skill sets and appreciation of the arts.