This book helps band directors teach and develop successful jazz programs in middle schools and high schools. Ronald E. Kearns provides a step-by-step approach to starting a jazz program, teaching jazz performance, and maintaining the program once it has been established. He addresses a variety of topics, including:

• the first steps that need to be taken
• introductory jazz pedagogical skills
• sample lesson plans
• suggested literature
• budget development
• recruiting
• retaining
• classroom management

Oftentimes, band directors—especially those who are classically trained—find themselves woefully unprepared to teach jazz since many colleges and universities only provide a cursory look at teaching or developing a jazz program. This book provides the practical tools to that will help directors overcome these challenges.