Interaction and Active Audience Engagement

Guidelines for Designing Jazz Concerts for Children

Abstract

The article provides a theoretical introduction to the topic of jazz concerts for children and offers practical guidelines for jazz musicians interested in performing for children. Drawing on the authors’ personal experiences as well as on relevant literature, it proposes six ‘thought clouds’ – aspects to consider when designing (jazz) concerts for children: interaction & active audience engagement, overarching themes, repertoire & mediation content, people involved, narrative arcs, and venues & atmosphere. The text explores, how these elements can be implemented in a jazz context, highlighting the improvisational and interactive potential of jazz. To illustrate, the authors provide insights into their thought processes during the development of two concert programs. The article concludes by advocating for the integration of music mediation practices into jazz study programs and for closer collaboration between Music Education and Jazz Departments, aiming to unlock new creative opportunities for both musicians and young audiences.