Social Language of Jazz

Interactions among students can provide the basis for them to learn from each other, even when directors still maintain control of the ensemble rehearsals. In addition to teacher-directed instruction, mentoring can build strong social connections among students and elevate the performance level of the jazz ensemble. This chapter draws connections between historical jazz mentoring practices and how directors can incorporate them into the school jazz ensemble. The types of mentoring discussed are (a) adult mentoring, in which teachers receive mentoring from jazz musicians and jazz educators; (b) teachers providing mentoring to students; and (c) peer mentoring, in which teachers guide and instruct their students in how to mentor each other in the areas of teaching, learning, leadership, and social connections. This chapter includes directives for teachers regarding implementing and maintaining a peer mentoring system in the school jazz ensemble.