The Jazz & Democracy Project®

The Jazz & Democracy Project® (J&D) is music integrated education program that utilizes jazz as a metaphor to cultivate a profound understanding of democratic ideals. J&D brings democracy to life, enriches the study and teaching of history, government, civics and culture, and inspires youth to become active, positive contributors to their communities. J&D lessons provide paid gigs to local musicians and uniquely engaging learning experiences to students of all ages within a wide range of ability levels.

J&D now has an international, dual focus: (1) grow The Jazz & Democracy Project® Curriculum Think Tank (CTT) in the U.S., and (2) deliver in-person J&D workshops in Australia/New Zealand. The CTT is J&D’s teacher training as well as the network of educators utilizing J&D materials and pedagogy in learning spaces from elementary school to higher education. Thus, your donation will not only support J&D workshops and residencies in the Australia/New Zealand region (including certain travel costs), but everything from one-on-one coaching with teachers in the U.S. to the ongoing curriculum design and materials creation, both for in-person and on-line learning environments. What is more, now that J&D Founder, "Dr. Wes," is working in higher education, some funds will be allocated for producing J&D publications and related travel to promote J&D at academic conferences.

Curriculum Think Tank feedback:
"I thought this was a fabulous experience. Our [J&D] professional development provided me with a different and exciting lens through which to engage students." - Carol Lee Tolbert, McClymonds High School, Oakland, CA

"The primary research documents are presented in a very accessible way.  I can use the content to start building a classroom culture immediately." - Dr. Ajamu Stewart, Ile Omode (4th/5th Grade), Oakland, CA

"I definitely learned about the impact of Jazz, but in a way I didn’t expect.... I learned about how current jazz standards or skills can be used as a framework to create/understand what an equitable democracy would look and feel like to those involved. I think this is even better than what I expected because this is applying jazz to our current world rather than a movement of the past." - Audrey Arthur, Roosevelt Middle School, Oakland, CA