In January, 2025 A2 JAZZ FEST reached out to Mr. John E. Lawrence, Great Friend to the A2 JAZZ FEST and host of his own wildly popular Summer Jazz Series, to create the A2JF-JEL All Stars - a music learning program that focused on developing teacher practice.

John E. Lawrence, A2JF Founder & Artistic Director, Dave Sharp, and A2JF Administrative Director Dr. Anna Gersh (all former classroom instructors) share a common believe in the critical importance of teacher development. This music learning program distinguishes itself by it’s self-conscious focus on pedagogy. Teachers in our program consent to participating in a unique and research-validated teacher development process, designed to build evidence for the inclusion of essential features of the improvised music learning environment in ALL learning environments! Let’s hear it for the…

BRAIN-BUILDING POWER of IMPROVISATION!

Our maiden voyage (April 2 - May 28, 2025), hosted by Ypsilanti Community Middle School, included some of southeast Michigan’s most accomplished and innovative musicians! A2JF salutes these music educators for their interest in developing their skills as TEACHERS!!

Our sincere thanks to: Allen Dennard; Kasan Belgrave; David Ward; Houston Patton; Dylan Sherman; and Elvin Sharp!!

Interested in participating next year? Reach out to INFO@A2JAZZFEST.COM