General music across the life span: Thoughts and observations on working with lifelong learners

This column explores aspects of general music with adult learners through the work of Dr. Sam Reese, who teaches jazz to lifelong learners through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. The author describes a visit to a session of the class focused on an in-depth exploration of Keith Jarrett’s 1978 recording of “My Song.” The article also contains an interview with Dr. Reese and Jean Peters, a student in the class. The interview touched on the value of having the class members attend live jazz, reflections on working with lifelong learners, aspects of the “Three-Minute Masterpieces” approach to class, and specific uses of technology in the class. Copyright © 2013 National Association for Music Education.