Beyond “Just Listen More”: Demystifying Jazz Listening for Music Educators

Music educators are often told that listening is the key to teaching and learning jazz—but what should we be listening for, and how can we apply it in the classroom? This session offers practical strategies for using jazz listening to deepen understanding of style, articulation, feel and groove, improvisation, and ensemble interaction. Participants will explore specific recordings, guided listening prompts, and classroom-ready activities that make jazz listening accessible and meaningful for all learners.

In addition to helping build a stronger aural foundation, this session emphasizes how intentional listening can foster cultural and historical awareness, creativity, and authentic engagement with America’s Black musical heritage. By the end of the session, educators will be able to (1) identify key elements from jazz recordings that inform student learning, (2) incorporate more listening-based activities into their existing teaching practice, and (3) design experiences that foster student curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking through listening.

Educators will leave with tools to help students connect what they hear to what they play, sing, or create—developing musicianship, empathy, and critical listening skills in the process. Updated and inclusive artist lists highlighting current jazz musicians—with special attention to female, LGBTQIA+, and Indigenous artists—will be provided. Whether directing a jazz ensemble or integrating jazz into general music, this session will help you and your students hear the music in a whole new way.

Stephen Grindel (he/him) is a PhD student in music education at the University of Washington. His research focuses on jazz pedagogy, improvisation, creativity, and music education advocacy. Previously, he directed instrumental music at Milwaukie High School and Milwaukie Academy of the Arts in Oregon and served as Jazz Director at the award-winning Osceola County School for the Arts in Florida. As an educator and trumpeter, Stephen specializes in teaching improvisation, jazz styles, and wind bands, and has performed with big bands, combos, pop/funk horn sections, pit orchestras, and free improvisation groups. He holds degrees from the University of Oregon (MM, Jazz Studies) and Northwestern University (BM, Music Education/Jazz Studies). More information is available at www.stephengrindel.com.

NAfME presents this live virtual event at no charge to all as a service to the music education profession. To register, you must enter your NAfME member information or create a nonmember account. After registering, check your email for instructions. A recording of this program will be available to all registrants for one week following the live event. Members can also view archived NAfME webinars in the NAfME Academy.

The views expressed are those of the presenter; they do not necessarily reflect the views of NAfME.