A South Seattle music nonprofit has created a new pathway for adults who missed out on music education as children, offering a weekly class that teaches wind instruments through jazz techniques. KNKX reported that Jazz Night School launched Beginning Instruments for Adults, and its first cohort graduated in August after a year of developing musical skills alongside joy, vulnerability and community.
Instructor Kelly Clingan, a trombonist and former band director at Washington Middle School, conceived the class after noticing how many parents wished they could participate in band class. KNKX reported that Clingan believes music is a fundamental human right that American culture has made inaccessible for many people. A 2019 National Arts Education Status Report Summary found that while 92% of K-12 students have access to music education, only 49% can participate due to costs and academic requirements.
Each quarter, students learn three songs by ear using jazz techniques like repetition and call and response, gaining basic technique while exploring song structure and improvisation. KNKX reported that Clingan found adults face a hurdle of perfectionism compared to younger students, but the class has created a space where adult learners feel free to make mistakes.
Following the success of the first cohort, Clingan is developing more courses for adult beginners, including a Street Band class focused on New Orleans second line music. New students can register for the next quarter until Sept. 24.
For more information, visit knkx.org.