JAM: December 2006/January 2007 Issue: Editor's Corner

by Roger Atkinson

I always figured that Jazz Education was essential for advancing and continuing the art form, for it would be a necessary (although hardly sufficient) avenue for developing new artists and hip
new audiences.

This is obviously close enough to the truth, but what has become clear are all of the other positive attributes of jazz education (and music education, generally):

it provides a healthy platform for competition
it is a way to learn teaming skills
the self-discipline it takes to learn an instrument is easily applied to learning about almost anything
it is an outlet, it even demands, personal expression

We are fortunate to live in area that has allowed jazz education to flourish. Educational opportunities are available across the entire region and for most any age group, and are taught by a long list of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals. It is one of the reasons why Kansas City is such a good city for the art form, and why we should expect that to continue.

We were only able to acknowledge a handful of the great educators in Kansas City. But here I thank you all.

See you at IAJE!