How is jazz education from grade school through college affecting the state of jazz?

[xricci]

How is it affecting the state of jazz now and in the future?

[Jazzmoose]

Shoot, forget JAZZ education; what about MUSIC education in general? Okay, I know I'm an old fogey now; graduated from High School in '75, but I remember every child having the opportunity to have a shot at learning an instrument, get involved with the band, etc., and not just kids who could afford special schools. This was the norm! Now, of course, we don't have the money for such frivolous programs, and education in this country seems to be less effective each year. Maybe I'm nuts, but I think there's a connection. It's subjects like music and art that are able to keep that innate love of learning we're all born with alive. Without that, most of us are lost...

[Joel]

I never had the chance to experience jazz education (in specific) during grade school and high school.....and we werent really taking Music classes seriously:(

However, during the Holiday season, our community council here organized free concerts for 2 weeks and I witnessed a grade school band (all girls) blurting out classic jazz pieces in their repertoire.

...they needed more "soul" though but it made me say...Merry Christmas, Jazz is with these kids.