Educational Programs
The History/Culture of Jazz
I had the great, good fortune to be able to see Judy Carmichael interact with a jazz band class at Pacifica High School. She was a marvel! Easy to work with, down to earth, and completely focused on our students. Her presentation was excellent. She is a natural teacher. Of course, her piano skills are wonderful and very unique. I was most impressed with her ability to relate to our students. It is always difficult to get kids to open up and ask questions. She had no problem in getting very good questions from this group. Her answers were meaningful, resourceful, and encouraging. I wish all of our departments could have had exposure to this outstanding talent. Again, thank you for organizing and promoting this great program.
– Bernard M. Jones, Jr., Coordinator, Fine Arts, Garden Grove Unified School District
Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Judy Carmichael, considered one of the world's leading interpreters of stride, swing and boogie, has brought her experience and knowledge to students of all ages throughout the world. In her program, Ms. Carmichael performs a variety of pieces on the piano and shares illustrative anecdotes simultaneously introducing live jazz piano and the rich historic context from which it has evolved. This allows a greater understanding of this unique art form and how it inspired the popular music we listen to today.
In 1990 the National Endowment for the Arts rewarded Judy Carmichael's knowledge of jazz piano with a major grant to present early jazz greats on film and to discuss the history and development of jazz piano with students across the country. Ms. Carmichael continues to present this program (juxtaposed with her own piano playing) to students of all ages with films of Fats Waller, Count Basie, Benny Goodman, and others.
These programs can be presented with or without film and can be tailored for elementary school children through college age students, as well as performed for civic groups or in concert for all ages. A tuned piano in good working order is required. Residency programs available as well.
At high schools and universities, Judy presents master classes, public performances, and lectures. Possible lecture topics include jazz piano, radio production, jazz history, and music appreciation. For bookings: email info@judycarmichael.com.
For more information on Judy Carmichael, see biography.
For testimonials on Judy Carmichael's educational programs, see testimonials.
Read about Judy's Jazz: Listening for Life program.
Judy Carmichael is not only a versatile, exhilarating mainstream jazz pianist, she is also a student (and archivist) of pre-bop keyboard music. Carmichael certainly is among the finest interpreters of Harlem's World War I era two-handed, vamping, striding piano style. But, it is her expanding interest in other mainstream jazz piano styles that has made her a major figure in keyboard jazz performance.
– The San Francisco Examiner