My Peeps: Ben Denton Discusses Music Matters at JZ School

by andreawong | Posted on Nov 17 2008 | Expat Life 0 Comments | 0 Bookmarked

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So, tell us a bit about JZ school.

We're a small community-based arts school that delivers music–especially jazz– education and facilitates learning, practicing and playing music with like-minded people. Music classes are for all ages and levels, from 3 years old and up, from beginners to professionals. We also offer classes in musical theater, dance and drama.

How did you get involved with JZ?

I'm a co-founder. I was working in academic management and was also a teacher back then, so I was invited to join the project when it was just an idea.

Why were you interested in taking on the JZ project if you didn't come from a musical background?

I wanted to be involved with building something creative from scratch. Also, I played the cornet as a child, but it never inspired or interested me. I know that if I had had the musical exposure, education and introduction to inspirational musicians, I would never have put my instrument down.

That's the mission for JZ then?

Yes, besides putting on events to inspire people and interest them in our classes, we also offer other events which are not linked to any courses we have but rather to our mission of playing a big part in building a “musical community” in Shanghai.

So are your events and classes bilingual?

Most of them are in English as most of our visiting musicians and students are English speakers. There have been a few group and private lessons and workshops in Chinese. Our music foundation classes for children are bilingual.

Speaking of language, what are these new classes for local students about?

There are lots of young local musicians and music students who want to study at JZ School but can't afford the fees. We've started to offer a limited range of group classes covering the main instruments (guitar, drums, bass, piano and voice) which are taught in Chinese and cost less than ¥100 an hour. We want to gain a reputation as a school not just for expats, but for locals.