Jazz Workshops

Past Workshop: September 28, 2019

Led by Chelsey Zimmerman, a music teacher and classically trained musician, this workshop took place at Limerick Youth Theatre at 10:30. It gave children the chance to explore rhythm, melody, and improvisation in a supportive group setting.

The festival's education strand offers dedicated jazz workshops for young people, introducing children to the fundamentals of jazz in a hands-on, engaging environment. Participants explore rhythm, melody, and improvisation in a supportive group setting, guided by experienced music educators. These sessions are designed to be accessible and fun, encouraging curiosity and confidence. Through listening games, call-and-response, and group playing, children discover how jazz works and how it feels to create music together. Each session is built around participation, not performance, so every child can join in at their own pace. The workshops reflect the festival's wider commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians and listeners.

Our workshop leaders bring a wealth of experience from both performance and education backgrounds. They are practicing musicians and dedicated teachers who understand how to connect with young learners. Their approach balances structured guidance with plenty of room for play and experimentation, so children feel supported while trying new things. Profiles of these musicians and educators are available to help families learn more about who is leading each session. This transparency builds trust and gives a sense of the depth of experience behind every workshop. Many leaders also perform across the festival programme, bringing real-world jazz experience into the room.

Beyond the workshops themselves, the festival maintains a thoughtful approach to education and safeguarding. A child protection policy underpins all activities involving young people, ensuring a safe and welcoming space. Resources for teachers and parents help extend the learning beyond the session, with ideas for listening, discussion, and simple improvisation activities. The education strand sits alongside concerts, artist performances, and archive materials, showing how jazz can be a lifelong journey. Online galleries and videos offer glimpses of past workshops and performances, celebrating participation. Together, these elements make the festival a place where learning and listening go hand in hand.

The Limerick Jazz Festival brings together artists, audiences, and learners across a season of concerts, workshops, and community events. The workshops for children are a vital part of that mix, offering a friendly first step into jazz. Whether a young person is picking up an instrument for the first time or simply curious about the music, the sessions aim to spark enthusiasm and build skills. Families are encouraged to explore the programme, browse teacher profiles, and discover how the festival supports music education throughout the year. It is all about making jazz welcoming and fun for everyone.