Get ready for "Kansas City Jazz Storytelling"
Jazz Storytelling is a free, family-friendly, interactive show taking place behind the museum, introducing young kids to the magic of jazz!
Aimed at toddlers to early elementary schoolers, Jazz Storytelling is led by vocalist Lisa Henry, storyteller Brother John, drummer Mike Warren, and bassist Tyrone Clark. Their master storytelling skills bring an innovative, engaged approach for you and the whole family to enjoy! Watch a recent month's episode below to see if this show is right for you and your little ones. We look forward to seeing you!
Who: Public
When: Cancelled through 2025
Where: American Jazz Museum Atrium
1616 East 18th Street Kansas City, MO 64108
This beginner-level combo is for students new to performing jazz. It focuses on basic ensemble playing, improvisation, and an introduction to jazz theory and history.
Directed by Aaron Linscheid
An intermediate-level combo for students with some experience in jazz. This class emphasizes group performance, improvisation, and a deeper understanding of jazz theory and repertoire.
Directed by MusicMan Thomas
For students with intermediate to advanced jazz experience, this combo focuses on ensemble performance, improvisation, and exploring more complex jazz theory concepts.
Directed by Max Levy
For students with intermediate to advanced jazz experience, this combo focuses on ensemble performance, improvisation, and exploring more complex jazz theory concepts.
Directed by Charles Williams
An advanced-level combo for experienced students. This class develops high-level skills in jazz performance, improvisation, and jazz theory, with a focus on more challenging repertoire.
Directed by Stan Kessler
For middle and high school students interested in learning vocal jazz techniques, this class explores jazz history, improvisation, and vocal performance. Students will focus on building musical skills and understanding jazz as an art form. Directed by Lisa Henry. Maximum enrollment: 10 students.
Designed for piano students at all levels, this class introduces the basics of jazz improvisation, theory, and ear training. Students will learn foundational skills to develop their creativity and confidence at the keyboard.
Maximum Enrollment: 4
Directed by Roger Wilder
1. One prepared piece of choice that may or may not include improvisation
2. Sight-reading
3. Improvisation over F or Bb blues changes (optional)
1. One prepared piece of choice that may or may not include improvisation
2. Sight-reading
3. Comping and improvisation over F or Bb blues changes
1. One prepared piece of choice that may or may not include improvisation
2. Sight-reading
3. Trading 4’s
4. Be required to play the following grooves - Swing, Funk/Rock, Latin
You may register and pay online, or if you prefer, register in the museum gift store, The Swing Shop, at the museum.
For more information about the academy, contact Clarence Smith, Manager of Kansas City Jazz Academy, at csmith@kcjazz.org.
