London Jazz Festival, in association with BBC Radio 3, Friday 11 to Sunday 20 November 2011

Our Learning & Participation work is integral to the Festival programme. Throughout the Festival, there are opportunities to get more involved in the music, through workshops, masterclasses, Big Sings, Way In To The Way Out (introduction to jazz history), and our free Hear Me Talkin' To Ya pre-concert talk series.

We're also bringing back our popular Jazz For Toddlers series, which this year sees award-winning trumpeter Abram Wilson lead jazz improvisation workshops for groups of little 'uns, aged 2-5. I can't see a better age for kids to start learning the tricks of the trade - can you?

And it's obviously not just me that thinks this. The series has proved so popular, that all three sessions (artsdepot, Kings Place and Discover) are completely sold out. But you'll be pleased to know that there are plenty of other ways for the whole family to get involved. Follow the links above to check these out. 

Sandra Nicholls-Marcy - a friend of ours, who contributes fairly regularly to the LJF blog - grabbed half an hour with Abram, to have a chat about jazz education, and to find out why he sees it as so important.

Where does your passion for jazz education come from?

"It comes primarily from having great teachers and some really great experiences playing from very young. My teacher made our three notes sound like a concerto. He taught us to use what we had to our full potential and he participated in the music making process with us. Music is at its best when it communicates. Every time a jazz musician plays it’s about educating the audience - that’s why it’s good to explain what the tune is about before you play it."

Does jazz education differ from other types of music education?

"It shouldn’t, but it does. Once the foundations are learned you can assemble them with improvisation, and you can make your own music. Kids need to have a creative aspect in their lives – it teaches you independence and creativity. It’s a good way of teaching people how to work together. I try to always touch on other subject matters like independent thinking, history, even maths are crucial to understanding music - it all helps."

What are the challenges introducing children to jazz?

"When kids get to their teens it’s almost like they can’t hear jazz because it’s competing with other types of media. And from 9 to around 17 or 18 years old, they have experiences which cause them to feel insecure. They don’t feel bold enough, they worry about what people are going to think. Before you’re 9 you don’t care, you just want to have fun. What I try and do is teach kids to conquer their fears. When you teach jazz music you’re teaching them to have courage. Jazz is a fun experience if you present it in the right way."

Tell us about the “Jazz for Toddlers” workshop at London Jazz Festival?

"It’s for 2 to 5 year olds and their parents. There’ll be dance, movement, storytelling, understanding the history, singing songs, doing the jazz walk. Some games where they’ll perform on different rhythmic instruments. Kids love to listen, play and dance and it’ll be their introduction to participating in the jazz world."

The Abram Wilson Quartet will be performing 'Life Paintings and Singing Pictures' as part of the Festival at Harrow Arts Centre on 18th November.

Have a listen to Abram in action:

Abram Wilson - J'espere by dunemusic