Jazz Appreciation Federal Learning Resources

"As a former trombone player and longtime jazz lover, I can attest to the power of music. From education research we know that learning in and through the arts benefits students' achievement in literacy and math. Learning about jazz would enrich the education of every young American. I appreciate the contributions that jazz has made to America and to the world, and the contributions that the arts have made to teaching and learning.

"Jazz Appreciation Month is first and foremost about celebrating jazz. The history of jazz is our history. In our clubs, concert halls, churches and outdoor venues, jazz was born. Jazz is an American art form, one of our greatest contributions to world culture. We have proudly claimed the greatest jazz performers as our own, performers like Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughan, Joe Williams, Wynton Marsalis, Ahmad Jamal, Dave Brubeck and Nancy Wilson.

"And jazz is more than history; it is much more than that. Jazz is about freedom of expression, spontaneity, love of music and a sharing of emotion. It is passion, performance, and pride. It highlights the power of music on the education and experiences of all young people. And Jazz Appreciation Month provides teachers with added reason, opportunity and ideas for teaching their students about jazz, about the poetry that reflects and extends it, about American history and culture that nurtures it, and about a host of social variables that help to drive America's true art form.

"I'm glad that the Department of Education was among the list of organizations back in 2001 that joined the Smithsonian Institution to launch Jazz Appreciation Month. I urge everyone—especially teachers and students—to join in the celebration of April as Jazz Appreciation Month. I know in April I will be listening to jazz. I hope you will, too."

For more information on jazz and free on-line classes, visit www.SmithsonianJazz.org.

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