Jazz Listening Activities: Children's Literature and Authentic Music Samples

Abstract

M a yany teachers have a tremendous natural passion for jazz, which holds a respected place in any comprehensive general music curriculum. Active student listening experiences can involve authentic jazz sources that are accurately set within their historical and cultural contexts.1 When pursuing these music-teaching goals, teachers should consider important questions: Why is jazz exciting? Is it the unique combinations of musical sounds or the improvisations that are more intriguing? More importantly, what is the best way to share with students this excitement about a uniquely American musical genre? What teaching methodologies encourage them to learn more about the rich historical context and artistic milieu in which jazz has been and continues to be created by a diverse array of unique personalities? The following observations by a veteran general music teacher may sound familiar: children's literature