My friend Jerry, who for a white farmboy originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, bears quite a resemblance to Spike Lee, teaches music to high school kids in Nashville. Jerry is also a fantastic jazz drummer. Here’s his description of how improvisation begets learning…

You asked me to explain how teaching beginning jazz improvisation connects to teaching beginning spoken word improvisation.The above 8 measures are part of a 24 measure form or song I passed out the first day of class. Most of these kids had a good idea of how to play their respective instruments which to me means getting a full, round, in tune, sound. As I handed out this music I mentioned the “I” word (Improvisation). This sent shock waves throughout the room and you could feel it. I then explained all of the exits were locked and there was no way anyone could escape. (more…)