| To inform my professional practice as a jazz educator and as a musician, I explore relational learning within a jazz performance context. Specifically, I document and reflect on my experiences of learning in a journal as I interact in performance activities within the Toronto jazz community over a six month time period.; Themes that emerge in the reflexive journal writings are interpreted and represented through paintings, poetry, and jazz compositions, the latter of which are recorded on CD. The themes bring into question previously held beliefs and values about learning and music making—ideas which drew upon my understandings of constructivism as a philosophy for music education.; The challenges that arise during collaborative music making experiences lead me to examine more closely the elements that optimally must be present for positive interaction. While frustrations I experienced during early collaborations could refute the value of learning within relational contexts, the writings of Kagan (1997) and Lambert (1995) alternatively suggest that individual accountability, positive interdependence, and reciprocity foster the potential for the co-creation of new understandings.; In realizing that these elements are lacking in my own collaborative experiences, I pursue technical competence and creative confidence as fundamental to individual accountability. Chase (1988) and Werner (1996) demonstrate the mastery of these concepts within the context of music making—even in the practice room—supporting my earliest assumption of the value of learning in real life situations. In addition, I explore my role as a bandleader in creating music making contexts that foster the development of positive interdependence and reciprocity.; The newfound understandings that have evolved through my exploration as a developing jazz musician provide insight about the subtleties of collaboration, enabling me to act more thoughtfully as a facilitator of such experiences both on the bandstand and in my classroom. My investigation has strengthened my belief in creating safe and trusting environments that emphasize mutuality and respect, provide positive feedback, and encourage creative problem solving. |
