Overview of the

Folk & Blues in the Schools is an informal program in the Ann Arbor, Michigan school district started in 1999. The program involves a professional folk and blues musician visiting middle and high school classes and using live music to teach part of the curriculum. Musicians perform songs relevant to the subjects being studied and than involve students in things like songwriting, singing, playing music, and dancing. By using music as a teaching tool students become more engaged with the topics being taught.

The program was a huge success in its first year. Highlights from the 1999/2000 school year include photos and recordings of the musicians in the schools, original work by the students, and comments from students and teachers.

While most students love contemporary music, they are not aware of how much history is contained in the old music. By working closely with a veteran musician, students have the opportunity to explore the folk tradition with someone who has helped shape it. They will also see that they are part of the process and that songs are living expressions of everyday people.