Education

Teaching & Learning

Teaching jazz and improvisation, for Laurie, begins with listening carefully to where a student or group is and helping them develop the tools to express themselves more fully.

At its core, her teaching is about helping people find their voice and experience creativity in a way that feels meaningful, connected, and alive.

Sometimes that means looking back at jazz history, listening closely, and learning through imitation. Sometimes it means taking the skills a student already has and helping them discover how to use them in a musical context. Sometimes it is as simple as creating a safe place to try something new.

I was born with music inside me. Music was one of my parts. Like my ribs, my kidneys, my liver, my heart. Like my blood. It was a force already within me when I arrived on the scene.

– Ray Charles –

Education Philosphy

Laurie believes jazz education should help students grow in both structure and freedom. Strong fundamentals matter, but so does curiosity, creativity, and the confidence to explore.

Her goal is to help students not only learn the language of jazz, but also find meaningful ways to express themselves through it.

Outreach & Residencies

Laurie also participates in school residencies, workshops, and community-based jazz education throughout the Madison area.

For lesson inquiries or workshop opportunities, please reach out through the contact page.

Areas of Focus

Improvisation & Creativity
Jazz improvisation
Ensemble interaction
Building Community through Music
The Bass: Groove, Time, and Rhythmic foundation
Developing Your Personal Musical Voice

FROM THE BLOG

Thoughts on creativity, jazz, and the experience of making music with others.

Education

Teaching & Learning

Education Philosphy

Outreach & Residencies

FROM THE BLOG

iGnitE jAzz 2026 June 15 – 19

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