I spend a few hours each week teaching Jazz Language at the Middle School Jazz Academy out of Jazz @ Lincoln Center.  I work with the students on understanding the rhythm and swing of jazz, the power of the blues, and I lead them through history as we explore the lives and music of Jazz Masters like Louis Armstrong, Mary Lou Williams, Thelonius Monk, Tito Puente, Lester Young, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Charles Mingus, Art Blakey and Nina Simone (to name a few).

I also have two private drum students in the Academy.

I very much appreciate the opportunity to present the music and tradition that I love to young people.  It is beautiful to watch them discover themselves and their place in this music.

It is also a joy to work along side my dear friend and musical colleague Eli Yamin (www.eliyamin.com) who is the program founding Head of Instruction.

These are a few shots from their final concert/graduation day combined with one of my favorite Duke Ellington tunes, Rockin’ in Rhythm.

For more information about the Middle School Jazz Academy: http://www.jalc.org/jazzED/s_msja09.html