JazzTree Education - "Don't lose the groove"
Discovering the JazzTree –ONE DAY WORKSHOP
Discovering the Jazz Tree is a one-day workshop, developed by esteemed Jazz musician Richard Howell, that teaches the history of Jazz through the active engagement of students in the creation of music and participation in improvisational activities.
In the Discovering the Jazz Tree workshop, Richard takes students on a journey through history,
Focusing on African and African American experience as related to music. The workshop is divided into three parts:
• An overview of the broad field of black music
• Development of black music in North America
• Focus on black music of the 20th century
I AM HAPPY TO BE OF SERVICE TO THE STUDENTS. WE ARE ALL CONNECTED.
Strategy
In his workshop Discovering the Jazz Tree, Richard provides students the opportunity to actively participate in the lesson being taught. He encourages students to improvise and create music on the spot, enabling them to learn concepts, apply information, and represent their knowledge in a variety of ways. All students participate—the shy, the cool, and the angry—everyone comes together and makes music. This essential component increases student engagement and makes the lesson a collaborative effort between students and the teacher.
Methods
As an educator, Richard creates a comfortable and relaxed learning atmosphere. There is space for humor and spontaneity but also for reflection and concern. Students feel confident and secure in this safe environment inspiring them to contribute to the activities that he offers: moving, singing, improvising in whatever way they feel comfortable.
