Soul Sessions guides students from rhythm and improvisation to writing and performing their own original music. By tracing the roots of African American music, from jazz and blues to hip hop, students connect a rich cultural legacy to their own voices, building confidence, collaboration, and storytelling. Practical work with rhythm, melody, and lyric leads to a live showcase of original student pieces.
Format: Multiple day residency, 3 sessions, 60 minutes each. Offered in two tiers, Middle School and High School, with themes and technique scaled to the group.
Learning goals: By the end of the residency, students will be able to (1) connect the history and genres of African American music to their own musical voice, (2) compose an original rhythm based or lyrical piece, and (3) perform their work and reflect on its cultural roots. Throughout, students build confidence, collaboration, and storytelling.
Session 1: Rhythm and Roots
5 mins: Welcome and listening warm up, students share favorite genres
15 mins: Roots of African American music, genres and key figures such as jazz, blues, and hip hop
25 mins: Rhythm lab with percussion and body percussion
10 mins: Group groove and share
5 mins: Closing reflection and surveys
Session 2: Melody, Lyric, and Story
5 mins: Warm up
15 mins: Songwriting basics, covering melody, hook, lyric, and story
30 mins: Small group composition, creating an original piece
5 mins: Share works in progress
5 mins: Closing reflection and surveys
Session 3: Performance and Showcase
5 mins: Warm up
20 mins: Rehearse and refine with feedback
25 mins: Showcase performances
5 mins: Reflection on process and cultural roots
5 mins: Surveys