FROM MONK TO MOZART: BUILDING CONTEXT & MEANINGFUL LEARNING THROUGH IMPROVISATION & PLAY
Clinician(s): David Hart
In this dynamic session, participants will explore how improvisation—rooted in both jazz and classical traditions—can become a powerful tool for fostering deeper learning. Through hands-on activities and guided play, attendees will discover strategies to cultivate creativity, adaptability, and engagement in students. The session highlights how contextualizing skills through playful improvisation builds not only musical ability but also critical thinking and collaboration, drawing direct connections between historical practices and modern pedagogy.
This session is led by Dr. David Hart, a trumpet performer, educator, and leader whose work bridges performance, pedagogy, and creative development. As Director of Jazz at The Harker School in San Jose, CA, Dr. Hart leads multiple ensembles and is a faculty member of the Stanford Jazz Workshop. His extensive teaching and performance career spans the United States and Asia, including pioneering jazz education at Mahidol University in Thailand and performances at major international jazz festivals. Dr. Hart holds a DMA in Music Education from the Eastman School of Music, with advanced degrees in jazz studies and music education, and brings a wealth of experience to this interactive exploration of improvisation and learning.
Session Handouts