First Element:  exploring the history of Jazz - helping students understand and appreciate the richness of this art form, while emphasizing parallels between the diversity of jazz and the diversity of our society.

Second Element:  focusing on the process of music composition and comparing it to the skills students need to set and achieve life goals and a successful life plan.

Third Element:  conducting experiential activities for students by giving them personal experiences with musical performances and real opportunities to develop important life skills (particularly teamwork and collaboration).

The workshops consist of concerts, lectures, and story telling, where children at every grade level participate in the development of their own individual future plans. Children with special needs are encouraged to participate in the activities and to develop their future plans.  This diverse curriculum demonstrates that music finds the commonalties in all people regardless of language and learning abilities.

Jazz As A Motivational Tool will affect students in four ways. 

First, the program uses music, particularly jazz music, as a means for engaging students in learning and motivating them to explore life options.  

Second, the program helps students understand, develop, and practice important life skills and behaviors.  This includes goal-setting, cooperation/collaboration skills, and self-esteem development. 

Third, the program helps students understand and appreciate diversity in their classrooms and schools, in society, and in the music. 

Finally, the program helps students understand, experience, appreciate, and even perform jazz music.   At a time when education in the arts is too often seen as unnecessary, this program offers a means for focusing on the academic and social skills development while providing valuable exposure to the arts.

The four basic elements to Jazz music are Melody, Rhythm, Improvisation and Harmony. These elements are the basis of the Jazz As A Motivational Tool program.  For the interdisciplinary nature of music naturally incorporates the principles of math, science and social studies in its creation.  The following work flow displays the results of combing the elements of Jazz with the elements of education: