This Is Jazz: For Teachers
As music teachers, we have the privilege of introducing students to the power of music—a tool for expression, creativity, and connection. Among the genres we teach, jazz stands out as a unique art form. It’s worth celebrating, preserving, understanding, and—most importantly—sharing with our students. Jazz inspires, engages, and challenges students, while offering them new ways to express themselves.
But teaching jazz isn’t always easy.
The Challenges of Teaching Jazz and Improvisation
For many educators, incorporating jazz into their curriculum feels daunting.
- You may not have much (or any) experience with jazz, leaving you feeling unqualified to teach it.
- Improvisation, a core aspect of jazz, can feel overwhelming—for both teachers and students.
- Jazz often isn’t a central part of standard music education, leaving you without clear resources or support.
- Many existing teaching materials leave out improvisation altogether, or present concepts that feel too advanced or inaccessible.
At This Is Jazz, we understand these challenges. That’s why our mission is to help music teachers of all instruments and teaching models—whether you’re teaching private lessons or working within a classroom setting.
How This Is Jazz Supports Teachers
We believe every music educator should feel confident teaching jazz, no matter their level of prior experience. That’s why we’ve developed a range of resources specifically designed for teachers, making jazz education accessible, practical, and enjoyable.
Here’s how This Is Jazz can help you:
- Online Courses and Materials
Our resources are tailored to music teachers who want to bring jazz and improvisation into their lessons. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned educator, you’ll find valuable insights and strategies to inspire your teaching.- Explore our “How To Teach Jazz & Improvisation” E-Book and Course Bundle for a guide to introducing jazz to your students and developing with them! Learn more here.
- Workshops, Assemblies, and Masterclasses
This Is Jazz is more than an online resource—we’re here to work with you directly. We offer:- Masterclasses and Presentations: Perfect for Music Teacher Association meetings, our sessions provide practical advice on teaching jazz and improvisation. Contact us to book a session.
- In-School Support: We partner with schools to help educators develop their jazz teaching programs.
- School Assemblies: Our engaging, student-friendly assemblies bring jazz history and performance to life!
- Workshops at Arts Centers: We host hands-on workshops for teachers and students alike, fostering a love of jazz in your community.
- Collaborations with Jazz & Arts Foundations
This Is Jazz works alongside respected jazz and arts organizations to bring high-quality jazz education to schools and communities. These partnerships ensure teachers like you have the support and resources you need to succeed.
Why Jazz Matters in Education
Jazz is more than music. It’s a creative outlet, a reflection of history, and a language of human expression. When you teach jazz, you’re giving your students more than a new set of skills—you’re empowering them to think critically, collaborate, and express themselves fearlessly. Whether you’re looking for materials to enhance your lessons, guidance on introducing improvisation, or live workshops to inspire your students, we’re here to support you.
Together, we can make jazz education accessible to all students—ensuring the next generation of musicians carries on this rich and vital tradition.
Explore This Is Jazz resources and start your journey to teach jazz today!