Jazz music is a broad style of music characterized by complex harmony, syncopated rhythms, and a heavy emphasis on improvisation. Black musicians in New Orleans, Louisiana developed the jazz style in the early twentieth century. Long considered one of the musical capitals of the United States, New Orleans fostered a robust ragtime and blues tradition.

Meet Carolina. She is in 8th grade, and she is a piano and guitar student at our affordable program in Tarzana. She first joined our school back in 2013 when she was only 5 years old and has taken lessons in piano, guitar, and drums throughout the years. Her parents say they decided to enroll Carolina in music lessons because her elementary school did not offer arts programming, and Carolina had shown an interest in music. They believe music is important, specifically her dad, who always wanted to learn to play a musical instrument but never got the chance to do so. They shared that music has benefitted Carolina in helping to improve her focus and concentration skills.

“Music is something that has always been a part of me. The thing I enjoy the most about learning music is the outcome because it usually sounds good” – Carolina