Teaching children creativity through improvisation and introducing them to jazz can be important on so many levels. I have been developing a new class at the university preparatory music school this year. At the end of the year, I can see the benefits for young kids to be creative musically. This skill can transfer into so many other areas in life.
How do you introduce jazz to kids? How do you teach your students creativity and improvisation? This questions answered in a guest post introducing a wonderful new book for children.
Related reading: Suzuki Violin Practice Ideas and Teaching Tips
There are so many different kinds of music out in our world today, but nothing really compares to jazz. I might be a little biased in saying that, but I t
hink it’s true. I really believe that jazz has a certain style to it that makes you tap your feet and make you think about how it was in those times when that music was popular.
hink it’s true. I really believe that jazz has a certain style to it that makes you tap your feet and make you think about how it was in those times when that music was popular.
I know that jazz music has influenced even Hip Hop and some modern music that we know today. Since I learned about jazz as a kid (andyes, I guess I am “dating” myself here) the music just
spoke to me.
When I learned to play jazz in college, one of the first
things I had to learn was how to improvise. What this meant was for me to “make something up” while playing my instrument. I had no idea what to do
when the leader of “Jazz Lab 101” pointed his finger at me and asked me to play
something that wasn’t on the page of music in front of me. I had been so used to playing sheet music that was on the paper, trained to play the notes in rhythm on my instrument (flute). I never imagined about playing music that wasn’t there. It was exciting and different; I could actually create something out of nothing, out of thin air, coming from my own soul to communicate with whoever was listening to me play. As I learned more about jazz and using the chord structure to improvise the song or tune, I learned that you have a lot of leeway in the music itself as long as you did make sense with the music, and even if you goofed up with a wrong note (or two) that was still okay since it was “Jazz”.
things I had to learn was how to improvise. What this meant was for me to “make something up” while playing my instrument. I had no idea what to do
when the leader of “Jazz Lab 101” pointed his finger at me and asked me to play
something that wasn’t on the page of music in front of me. I had been so used to playing sheet music that was on the paper, trained to play the notes in rhythm on my instrument (flute). I never imagined about playing music that wasn’t there. It was exciting and different; I could actually create something out of nothing, out of thin air, coming from my own soul to communicate with whoever was listening to me play. As I learned more about jazz and using the chord structure to improvise the song or tune, I learned that you have a lot of leeway in the music itself as long as you did make sense with the music, and even if you goofed up with a wrong note (or two) that was still okay since it was “Jazz”.
I think Jazz can really help kids and even adults learn the
art of improvising! Sometimes life gives you curve balls that you have to learn how to improvise to get you that job you want or meet that man/woman of your dreams. You can make something up on the spot and just keep improvising to make sure that you get your point across.
art of improvising! Sometimes life gives you curve balls that you have to learn how to improvise to get you that job you want or meet that man/woman of your dreams. You can make something up on the spot and just keep improvising to make sure that you get your point across.
The main point of jazz improvising is that you have to learn the timing, how to scat or make silly words as you sing along to the song/tune (if you are a vocalist, this is really important). Knowing when to come in, when to listen to the other musicians around you, what they are playing and sometimes play off of what they are playing. This makes for not only a great tune, but it’s creating in its finest form.
I think music educators should use jazz music as a great lead into improvising and see what kids come up with. I know in Connecticut, there’s a class called “First Grade Jazz” who not only has a curriculum but teaches young kids about the art that jazz
created.
created.
One of the very best ways to introduce children to the jazz heritage is trough a book. Journey to Jazzland picture book can inspire kids to learn about the great music of jazz and maybe bring the idea of jazz back to the forefront of our minds so we don’t lose this really important piece of our American music history.In my picture book, the main character Windy Flute wants to know more about jazz when she starts playing some wrong notes in Orchestra one day. She meets so many new friends that are all musical instruments and together they learn a lot about music, jazz and how to work in a team. This is a great introduction to music as the book doesn’t have theory or harmonies; instead it has colorful new friends to get kids excited to learn more about the instrument
or about music!
or about music!
Gia Volterra De Saulnier was born and raised in Fairhaven, Massachusetts and attended University of
Lowell (now University of Massachusetts, Lowell). It was there she learned
to love jazz performing jazz and other kinds of music for over 20
years, throughout the New England area. She lives in North Reading, Massachusetts
with her husband Richard, and her son Charlie.
Lowell (now University of Massachusetts, Lowell). It was there she learned
to love jazz performing jazz and other kinds of music for over 20
years, throughout the New England area. She lives in North Reading, Massachusetts
with her husband Richard, and her son Charlie.
Gia’s book Journey to Jazzland can be found on Amazon and Barnes and Noble . You may also connect with the book’s Facebook page
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I agree that improvisation is a great skill for children to learn. With my children I've done it more through conversation and game playing but music, obviously, would be a wonderful addition to that. Great post.
Thank you for your comment! I agree, improvisation can be taught not only in music. I would love to hear how you teach improvisation through conversation, very valuable skill for children and you can learn so much about socializing through it.
I am hoping that my blog can bring ideas that start with music but can also be used in other areas to be helpful to all parents, so thank you so much for adding to that idea!
It sounds great and I love her name, "Windy Flute!!"
Yes:) great characters that make for a wonderful story in this children's book
Wow! Thank you so much for letting me guest post! I appreciate all the kind comments too! Feel free to find more about me or my book! 😀
Depending on the child's age, I can see how using reading to introduce something like music to them would be interesting. I know they also like playing and fun, too. Thanks for sharing this post with us, Maria, at Countdown in Style! Don't forget to stop by Friday to see if you are featured! xo
This looks like a wonderful way to introduce the idea of improvisation. I enjoyed reading about the author's first experience of being looked at for an improvisation and having no clue what to play! I had the very same experience! Thanks for sharing about this great book at Booknificent Thursday!
Tina
I need a little improvising in my life. I want to teach my son so much about music and need to remember that structure is not always necessary. Thanks for sharing and linking up with Countdown in Style! Don't forget to come back on Friday to see if you were featured!
~~April~~
100lbCountdown.com
Wow Gia, this sounds absolutely fantastic. I love Jazz, and want my little G to learn about it to. Improvising is so great to teach kids to think on their feet and find a way, so I just love that you have written a book that encompasses both. Congrats and thanks so much for joining us on the Kid lit Blog Hop
Children benefit so much from music and applaud your creative book. Thank you for sharing it on the Kid Lit Blog Hop.
This is so interesting!! My husband and I argue about this very topic all the time. He took piano lessons for years and years (as did I) and ended up in the music program in University and his very firm belief is that music has a time signature, notes, and it is intended to be played only one way. I, on the other hand, believe that you should be creative with music even when you are sitting in front of sheet music. My daughter loves experimenting with the piano and loves creating her own melodies. At least we both agree that's a good thing!! lol Thanks for linking into the Kid Lit Blog Hop and for hosting with us.
Improvisation is good for children to learn, whether in music or other parts of life! I love the idea of teaching kids that sort of creativity. Life throws all sorts of curveballs and challenges our way…having this skill will help our children immensely.
Hi
I featured this post on my March Music linkup //stairwellcarollers.blogspot.ca/2014/03/march-2014-link-up-now-on-choral-music.html Thanks for including it in the February collection — feel free to post again for March!
Wow, just reviewing all the comments now! I really appreciate everyone's support! Feel free to add me to your blog roll or contact me directly for any information about the book.
Thanks for sharing in the Kid Lit Blog Hop. My daughter had to part ways with her piano teacher because of this very issue. My daughter was dying to create and improvise and her teacher just didn't give her the freedom to experiment. She was "old school" (which, don't get me wrong, also has its place!)
I love the character Windy Flute as my daughter plays the flute in school. Music is such a wonderful tool that enhances so many other areas of your life. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your comments, Renee and Stacie. It is so wonderful that your children are involved in playing a musical instrument.
Renee I am sorry to hear about your previous piano teacher, but I do hope that your daughter has continued music lessons (perhaps under the guidance of a different teacher)