FAQs

The Jazz & Democracy Project® (J&D) uses jazz as a metaphor to cultivate a profound understanding of American democracy. J&D brings American democracy to life, enriches the study of U.S. History in elementary, middle, and high school, and inspires youth to become active, positive contributors to their community.

What is J&D?
J&D is a music integration curriculum linking the arts (music) and the humanities (history).
Who is J&D for?
  • 5th, 8th, & 11th grade classrooms studying U.S. History and Geography
  • Students 10 years and up in other grade levels, after school programs or at community centers
Where does J&D happen?
J&D comes to your classroom, school, or organization.
When does J&D happen?
  • You schedule J&D at times that work for you.
  • The standard curriculum is 12 one-hour sessions taught weekly during Social Studies time, or after school.
  • Customization (e.g., longer/shorter course sequences) and collaboration with classroom teachers are available.
Do students need to know how to play an instrument?
No. J&D does not require any musical experience.
Why should I bring J&D to my school or organization?
  • J&D uses literary, aural, and visual and kinesthetic activities to reach children of all learning modalities.
  • J&D promotes listening, critical thinking, cooperation, and peaceful negotiation.
  • J&D enriches the core curriculum while providing arts education.
  • J&D fosters an appreciation for jazz, America’s classical music.
  • J&D encourages civic engagement in one’s community.
How will studying jazz help students understand American democracy?
Jazz is democracy in sonic motion. It provides students a means to see, hear, and experience concepts fundamental to American democracy. For example, jazz and democracy reconcile personal freedoms (solos/free speech) within a group (the band/society) or structure (rhythm & chord changes/The Constitution & local laws). Once students comprehend this and other fundamental concepts of jazz through sight, sound, and kinesthetic activities, they are primed to recognize and articulate how these same concepts exist in U.S. government.
Who teaches J&D?
Wesley J. Watkins, IV, Ph.D., or “Dr. Wes,” as his students call him, spearheaded the organization and delivery of the first jazz and democracy collaboration at Thornhill Elementary in Oakland, California, during the 2007-2008 school year. Dr. Wes is an arts education advocate who served as an Arts Learning Anchor School Facilitator in the Oakland Unified School District, and as a District Arts Coach with the Alameda County Alliance for Arts Learning Leadership. He is an avid music lover—especially Jazz and Latin Jazz—who interviews top musicians and maintains a blog that educates the public about great live music in the Bay Area. After completing his Bachelor’s Degree at Stanford University, Dr. Wes earned his Ph.D. from the International Centre for Research in Music Education at the University of Reading, England.
* Pricing available upon request.