John Cooper
John Cooper, helping others appreciate jazz music and the special magic of collective improvisation is what it's all about.
John enjoys playing and teaching Traditional Jazz (he has taught Jazz at the college level for nearly 30 years). He celebrates the genre as an American treasure and works hard to preserve and share it. As a returning Road Scholar, his goal is to promote and provide a greater understanding and appreciation for jazz and Louis Armstrong in particular.
Available
Louis Armstrong: The Hot Fives and Hot Sevens
This presentation explores the musical recordings Louis Armstrong made as leader between 1925 and 1928 while living in Chicago.
This interactive presentation includes Canva slides and other projected media to help contextualize this foundational period in the development of jazz.
John plays actual period instruments during the presentation allowing the audience to gain further understanding of the special nuances relating to Armstrong’s performance.
Audience Recommendations
The presentation is aimed at a general audience. No age requirement to attend. Student musicians or aspiring musical artists may find this presentation particularly engaging.
Program Logistics
The one-hour requires projection equipment, a computer, and Wi-Fi access to provided by the host. Recording the presentation may be allowed based on the specific permission from John Cooper.
Bio
Based in Macomb, IL
Dr. John Cooper is currently faculty Emeritus from Western Illinois University, having spent nearly 30 years teaching jazz at the University level. As Director of Jazz Studies, Cooper has presented more than 300 performances, many featuring guest artists, to enrich the cultural mission of the University and spread the love of jazz to his community. He has taught ensembles, composition, applied jazz, jazz history, and jazz pedagogy.
Cooper has a unique gift for enabling musicians and non-musicians alike to understand the intricacies of jazz, helping them to build pathways for understanding and an intrinsic value for jazz music.
Learn More and Follow John
Book this Road Scholar
Follow the steps below to book a presentation.
- Contact John to schedule a date and time via email at JB-Cooper@wiu.edu or phone at (309) 261-0480.
- Once you and John have agreed upon a date and time, complete the online Road Scholars Host Organization application.
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