Announcing two free ways to learn about jazz this summer

The Institute is pleased to announce two free summer jazz programs to help students across the United States and around the world engage in new ways with jazz, its rich history and its legacy of diversity and innovation. Starting June 22 with Jazz in America, Institute Vice President for Education and Curriculum Development Dr. JB Dyas will explore the complex origins of jazz music, rooted in the African-American experience in the United States, with three 8-session mini-courses for students in grades 4-12. On June 25, Institute teaching artists will launch a 10-week BeBop to Hip-Hop Summer Program for aspiring high school producers, musicians and rappers to learn collaboratively from some of the most renowned names in hip-hop. Both programs are offered at no cost to participants.

The Institute’s virtual summer jazz programs are made possible through the generous support of AT&T.

Jazz in America Summer Sessions

What is jazz? Where did it come from? Take a journey through the history of America’s greatest musical gift to the world with this free 8-session webinar series taught by Dr. JB Dyas, the Institute’s Vice President of Education & Curriculum Development. Students will learn about basic musical concepts like melody, harmony and improvisation; discuss how jazz began as a uniquely American art form; become familiar with the key eras of jazz, including swing, bebop, modal jazz, fusion and more; and hear and see performances by important jazz innovators like Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Billie Holiday and Herbie Hancock.

Mini-courses are offered for students in grades 10-12 (June 22-July 8), grades 7-9 (July 13-29) and grades 4-6 (August 3-12). Advance registration is required. Learn more

BeBop to Hip-Hop summer jazz program

For more than 15 years, the Institute’s BeBop to Hip-Hop program has brought together jazz and hip-hop students under the direction of professional jazz musicians and hip-hop artists to create a new art form demonstrating the genius of both musical genres. Aspiring young artists study the musical dynamics of both jazz and hip-hop and learn about the historical influence of jazz on hip-hop.

The BeBop to Hip-Hop summer jazz program will allow promising emcees, rappers, lyricists, producers, turntablists, vocalists and musicians in grades 9-12 to learn directly from some of the industry’s most accomplished figures. Instructors including DJ Khalil, Mike and Keys, and Tariq Beats (with more to be announced) will guide students as they create original music over the course of 10 sessions. Applications are required and will be accepted through Tuesday, June 23.

Students will meet with instructors online each Thursday from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm PDT/7:00 pm – 8:30 pm EDT starting June 25th and running through August 27th. In between sessions, students will be given assignments by instructors to help them develop their original music and prepare for the culminating online performance. Learn More