THE JAZZ COURSE (EDUX 9343)
The Orff Approach to Teaching Jazz to All Ages

With Doug Goodkin and Special Guests
June 21 – July 2, 2026

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The Jazz Course, now in its 40th year, is returning to the place where jazz was born—New Orleans! Inside the class, we will learn how to make jazz accessible to children of all ages via the Orff approach. Outside the class, we will take field trips to historic sites, visit jazz clubs, learn both history and music from NOLA jazz artists. This comprehensive experience combining social justice, jazz history, the unique culture of one of America’s most musical cities with the discovery that everyone can improvise, swing and play this great music makes this a not-to-miss offering! All material is geared toward elementary and middle school Orff classes, band classes at all levels, choirs and dance classes. No previous jazz or Orff experience required—all are welcome!

The course includes:

    • Games and roots music that give children the foundation for jazz style.
    • Speech, movement and body percussion activities.
    • Beginning jazz for Orff ensemble playable by elementary school children.
    • Select blues, jazz standards, jazz compositions, ragtime and Latin jazz arranged for upper elementary and middle school students.
    • Essential jazz theory and improvisation.
    • Beginning jazz history with a social justice perspective.

Required Materials:

    • Now’s the Time: Teaching Jazz to All Ages- Doug Goodkin (Pentatonic Press)
    • All Blues: Jazz for the Orff Ensemble- Doug Goodkin (Pentatonic Press)

Suggested Materials:

    • Jazz, Joy & Justice: The Stories Every American Should Know – Doug Goodkin
    • Step It Down: Bessie Jones & Bess Lomax Hawes
    • Boom Chick a Boom (CD): Doug Goodkin & ; the Pentatonics

Cost : $1,475.00 (no credit) or $1,695.00 (4 continuing education credits)

Housing:  The University of New Orleans offers affordable 2 and 4-room bedroom suites.  The 2 and 4-bedroom suites both have a common room with separate bedrooms and a bathroom (2 bathrooms in the 4-bedroom suites). Check-In will be on the afternoon of June 21st with check-out being the morning of July 2nd. Pontchartrain Hall boasts that all utilities are included in the room rate including: high speed wifi, unlimited laundry usage, use of large lounge and lobby space, billiard room, in hall convenience store, and courtyard/patio space (since we are their in the summer, some utilities may be limited).  The 2 and 4-bedroom housing options that we are offering will include linens (pillow, sheets, blanket, pillowcase, towel, wash cloth and hand towel) and no other amenities/personal items will be included (ie soap, shampoo, etc.).  You may also arrange your own housing (off-site) or commute.

  • Pontchartrain Hall – 2-Bedroom Suite ($670/$350 deposit)
  • Pontchartrain Hall – 4-Bedroom Suite ($585/$300 deposit)

To register, please click HERE.

For further info, contact Doug Goodkin at Goodkindg@aol.com