Marsalis on Music -4pc- [VHS]

Just Wonderful!
Our kid'a love it! Mr Wynton Marsalis is the bomb! Our middle school just isn't teaching this, and as the only really original music from the USA I feel jazz is pretty important! You won't be sorry! In fact the whole family will enjoy this fine box set!

Marsalis On Music is an instant classic.
Marsalis on Music is the young people's series for our time, hosted by Wynton Marsalis, the most popular and acclaimed jazz musician of his generation and distinguished classical performer as well. Withhelp from his jazz band and students from the Tanglewood Music Center, led by Seiji Ozawa, Wynton puts a fresh spin on music appreciation. His inspired instruction, backed by superb performances and exciting animated graphics, not only teaches the fundamentals of music, but makes learning fun.

Marsalis on Music, from a music teacher's perspective
This video series is certainly not a substitute for a sound music education, and does not promote itself as such. It focuses on the elements of jazz and jazz theory, a component that is lacking or inadequate in most of the popular music curriculums for the elementary and junior high school. I like this particular series for several reasons. First, it is something I would leave a substitute teacher because the students can watch it and there is plenty of room for discussion and practice later on. Second,as a successful African-American musician, he is a good role model for young musicians. I work with at-risk students, and have found that it is important to present them with some positive, successful role models that are culturally diverse. Finally, the presentation is attention grabbing. Marsalis has a way of communicating clearly in this series. He explains musical concepts from the simplest to some that are fairly complex in a way that is direct. There is a lot of basic music theory embedded in this series. Plus, it's more fun than lecturing, and kids seem to enjoy it as a change of pace. It's not a substitute for good teaching, but it can supplement and round out a good music education program.