Educator Workshop

Educator Workshop with Brian Lawrence

The Seattle JazzED Educator Workshop is a professional development series focused on practical and engaging approaches to teaching jazz. Geared especially toward early-career teachers but open to educators at any stage, the workshop aims to build community, share resources, and provide useful tools for the classroom.

Bring your instrument and your band/orchestra besties and kick off your summer with this exciting professional development session!  

The inaugural workshop will be led by Brian Lawrence, an educator, composer/arranger, and performer specializing in jazz and commercial music. A native of the Seattle area, Brian earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in jazz studies from the University of North Texas, previously served as Interim Director of Jazz Studies at Central Washington University, and taught public school music in the Bellevue and Mercer Island school districts. 

Agenda

Session 1: Teaching and Playing by Ear
This session focuses on practical strategies for developing a student’s ability to learn, perform, and improvise by ear. Topics include introducing and developing aural learning, teaching common standards without notation, and connecting ear training to improvisation and ensemble playing. You are encouraged to bring an instrument and play along.

Session 2: Expanding the Jazz Canon Through Repertoire Selection
This session offers practical strategies for finding and programming high-quality jazz ensemble literature that reflects a broad and inclusive range of composers and styles, in both large ensemble and small-group contexts. You will be introduced to curated repertoire across grade levels, strategies for navigating publisher catalogs, and practical approaches to incorporating new or under-programmed works. The session emphasizes immediately usable repertoire and programming ideas that support both musical growth and student engagement.

Open Q&A
This session allows you to ask questions and engage in conversation with Brian about topics of your choosing. Discussion may include rehearsal strategies, career development, composition and arranging, or additional questions about jazz pedagogy.

Workshop Details

WHEN: June 30, 2026, 9 AM - 12 PM
COST: $30 (sliding scale available)

WORKSHOP LOCATION
Seattle JazzED South Lake Union site (380 Boren Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109)

CLOCK HOURS
Free for WMEA members or $2/clock hour for nonmembers

Professional development hours will be available through WMEA, and snacks will be provided.  

Questions?

If you have any questions about this workshop, or you need assistance with registration, please email programs@seattlejazzed.org and one of our program staff will be happy to help!