At a time when schools are struggling financially and test results keep indicating that American middle school students are behind countries such as Finland, Poland, Hong Kong, Japan, and Canada in math and science, it is no wonder that many people are calling for schools to eliminate their music programs and concentrate on the core subjects.

Michael Melinger and the Austin Jazz Workshop disagree. They are on a mission to encourage students to participate in bands, orchestras and choir programs. They believe that music should be just as important in school because music is such a positive influence in the development of children.

There have been many studies that have shown the correlation between academic performance and the listening and playing of music. Studies have shown that babies that are exposed to music early in their childhood have more developed neural pathways to the brain. These pathways help in analyzing spatial relationships that have long-term benefits.

While the studies show that exposing students to any kind of music causes improvements in spatial reasoning, the Austin Jazz Workshop has decided to use jazz music to teach students about the impact music can have on them because Jazz music, like classical music is more complex than rock, folk, or country.

The Austin Jazz Workshop, a non-profit corporation was formed on July 15th, 1994, and was granted preliminary 501(c)(3) status by the IRS on October 14th, 1994. Since that time, they have completed fifteen seasons in central Texas public schools. Some of their notable performances over the years included:

• Bright Moments with Rahsaan Roland Kirk
• The Sound of Richard Rodgers
• Jazz Royalty: Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn
• Fats Waller's Jumpin' Jive
• Over the Rainbow with Harold Arlen
• Bebop, the Pulse of Jazz
• The American Songbook: Cole Porter
• New Orleans and the Birth of Jazz
• Gershwin; The American Dream in Song
• Monk, Master of Modern Music
• Bosses of the Bossa Nova (focused on the Brazilian composers Antonio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfa,
• Trumpet Titans of Jazz (featuring the works of -Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, and Miles Davis

This year's season is dedicated to jazz pianist and composer Horace Silver, who synthesized the musical streams of the blues, gospel, soul, and bossa nova into a personal style instantly recognizable as his own.

The Austin Jazz Workshop's concerts and workshops are unique in that they allow  students to interact with the musicians. Children have an opportunity to ask questions and witness firsthand the joy and dedication a professional brings to jazz performance. They are also encouraged to become active participants in the process of music-making themselves through participation in school band, orchestra, or choir programs. Sometimes, they may even be asked to participate by helping to compose lyrics, doing clapping exercises, joining in a second line parade behind musicians staging a New Orleans jazz funeral, or even being drafted into an impromptu maraca chorus to accompany the bossa novas of Antonio Carlos Jobim.

Dr. Tom Ashbaugh of Brooke Elementary school stated, “The Austin Jazz Workshop, Inc. gives another dimension to music education–what we know, what we can learn, and what we could do and be. The workshop during the five years has demonstrated the different races and their ability to play together. This I think is a lesson in itself.”

Nancy Shugart, with Langford Elementary school stated, “ This program not only educated the students... but also helped to instill a sense of pride and joy in the students about their American musical heritage."

And as Lana Stone of Travis Heights Elementary said, " The caliber of the musicians was of the highest quality. The children were completely engrossed in the music and in the playfulness of jazz."

Michael Melinger (saxophone) has assembled a top-notch group of talented professional players who not only are the best players in town, but know hot to teach as well. The list of talented teachers has included well know Austin Jazz musicians Alex Coke (saxophone),  Freddie Mendoza (trombone), Tina Marsh (voice), Robert Kazenel (drums), Mady Kaye (voice),  Ernie Durawa (drums), Robert Alexius (tuba, bass), Marty Allen (piano), Dr. James Polk (piano) plus many others.

The musicians of the Austin Jazz workshop take their mission to mentor and perform seriously. They encourage students to embrace music, to learn to listen and to become active participants by learning to play an instrument. They welcome donations and encourage the community to visit them at any of their concerts.

To contact the Austin Jazz Workshop, email them at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it You may also mail them at:
Austin Jazz Workshop
P.O. Box 41052
Austin, TX 78704