Indiana Ave Jazz Masters Mural by Pamela Bliss

INDIANA JAZZ MASTERS IN THE SCHOOLS

Indiana Jazz Masters in the Schools is a classroom program for young people in Indiana and beyond, helping students develop respect for cultural heritage, creativity, imagination, musical knowledge, and identity since 2004.

Monika Herzig teaches a Jazz Masters class

This program is currently available in person or via Zoom as an interactive performance by a jazz group under the direction of musician and IU faculty member Monika Herzig. It combines videos, activities for up to 100 students, skits, and performance segments. Funding from the Musician’s Union, B’town Jazz, and private sponsors facilitate this learning opportunity for Indiana schools.

If you are interested in having the group visit your school, email Monika Herzig c/o info@btownjazz.org!

Please consider supporting a school visit with your donation!

$500 is required to fund one classroom visit, but all donations will be matched by the Musician’s Union and all levels of support are greatly appreciated.

Online donations are handled by PayPal (credit cards accepted). See the Donate page for info about mailing a check.

When prompted, please enter the amount and specify in the optional “note” that it should go to the Indiana Jazz Masters program.



Online Units

Indiana Jazz Masters in the Schools lessons are also now available online! Below are links to four fun and educational video units, accompanied by lesson plans (suitable for K-6), slide decks, and other resources for teachers.  Developed by experienced jazz musicians and teachers, the videos and lesson plans can be integrated into any classroom or homeschool setting.

Monika Herzig talks with teachers Lisa Zorn and Sarah Olivio about the online Jazz Masters units.

Thankyou letter

Thank you for participating in International Jazz Day 2021

Hoagy Carmichael
Unit 1 – Hoagy Carmichael, Bix Beiderbecke, and the Gennett Studios

Go back in time to learn who Hoagy Carmichael and  Bix Beiderbecke were and what improvisation is.

Monika and Hoagy
C-Jam Blues
Unit 2 – Indiana Avenue and C-Jam Blues

Explore the thriving entertainment scene and jazz jams that took place on Indiana Avenue in Indianapolis.

The Hampton family
Unit 3 – Meet the Instruments in the Jazz Combo

Learn about the instruments in a jazz combo, their sounds and roles.

Indiana - Jazz Crossroads of America
Unit 4 – Back Home Again in Indiana Sing-Along

Join in singing and dancing to “Back Home Again in Indiana.”

Lake Monroe

Other Resources

Click on a book to have it read to you!

Thank you

  • Performers: Janiece Jaffe (vocals), Tom Clark (saxophone), Monika Herzig (piano, program leader), Peter Kienle (bass), Chris Parker (drums)
  • Teaching Materials: Lisa Zorn, Sarah Maggie Olivo, Monika Herzig, Melody Leon
  • Videography/Recording: Chris Parker
  • Web design: Lisa Ensman
Made possible by a grant from     the Smithville Charitable Foundation