Grammy Award-winning musician and composer Esperanza Spalding is the star of a new generation of jazz musicians who are breaking down barriers and introducing new audiences to the world of jazz. Spalding credits her early jazz education with longtime teacher and mentor—trumpeter Thara Memory—with giving her a foundation in the music that has changed her life. His American Music Program continues to prepare young musicians for some of the top performing arts colleges in the country and gives them a deeper understanding of the art of jazz.
On Wednesday, May 29, PBS and OPB are teaming up to talk about the importance and the future of jazz education in our country.
• Where is the next generation of jazz musicians coming from?
• Why is jazz music education important to young musicians across the country?
• Are cuts in music education funding making it harder for students to rise to the highest levels?
Through an online social screening platform called OVEE (Online Video Engagement Experience), PBS is hosting a live online screening of the OPB special presentation, “Masters of Jazz,” followed by an online chat with jazz trumpeter Thara Memory, jazz Professor Ronald Carter and Jazz House Kids CEO Melissa Walker. Considered by the industry as jazz education experts, Thara, Ron and Melissa will answer questions and talk about how jazz has changed their lives and the lives of their students.
When: Wednesday, May 29, Noon-1 p.m. Pacific Time