Jazz for Children and Families

Jazz can seem difficult to define because it means different things to different people. Some may disagree about whether any particular performer or piece of music should be categorized as jazz, but most listeners simply know music is jazz when they hear it—even if they can't say why.

But as aspiring jazz musicians, we believe that it is important that we teach about the fundamental aspects of jazz that make it unique from any other music: primarily it's swinging rhythms and deep blues feeling. And we aspire to demonstrate these things in a way that's fun and engaging to children because we want to build a passionate audience for the music we love so much. Therefore, the Ithaca College Jazz Ensemble regularly performs jazz concerts for children and families.