Throughout its history, Jazz musicians have borrowed melodies from pre-existing pop or folk songs, musicals, and movies they’ve loved and used them as Heads; the foundation of their improvisations. In this activity, students will listen to original pieces and their jazz reinterpretations, use musical language to describe the pieces, use thinking maps to compare and contrast the two, and explain their preference between the two.

On the tabs to the left, you will find the Compare & Contrast Playlist, introduction videos to some common Jazz instruments, and a set of playlists for further listening for various subgenres of Jazz.

Questions? Please contact education@azmusicfest.org