Hip-Hop Jazz Musicology offers a rich opportunity for participants to connect with and experience the musical genres that continue to influence today’s music in America. Participants develop a framework that connects musical traditions by exploring everything from the driving rhythms of African drumming, to the call-and-response that fueled Gospel and the Blues, to the creativity of Jazz improvisation. Great for all ages and audiences of all backgrounds, Hip-Hop Jazz Musicology creates an effective space where youth and adults can relate and appreciate musical experiences through staged reenactments, role play, and live performances.​​

This 45-90 minute workshop explores how the music genre of Hip-Hop, so beloved by today's students, relates to it's predecessors like Gospel, Jazz and Blues and how each of these musical genres can be a remarkable window into the history of the United States and the African-American experience. Contact ali.richardson47@gmail.com to bring Ali into your school!

Workshop Includes

1. Interactive activities including icebreakers and live performances
2. Discussion and role-play covering the various genres of music influencing Hip-Hop including Spirituals, Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues.
3. Discussion and analysis of the musical elements such as ring shouts, call and response, rhythm, and improvisation.
4. An explanation of the five elements of Hip-Hop culture.
5. An original Hip-hop Jazz Musicology music exercise drawing on the knowledge shared during the workshop.