<Previous Teaching Artist - Next Teaching Artist > Geoff Johns
Primary Discipline: Music Areas of Specialty: Percussion and Vocal Music from Africa, the Caribbean, Brazil and Asia
Based in: Vashon
Biography: Cross-cultural percussionist and vocalist Geoff Johns is a dynamic performer and articulate teacher. His music brings people together in celebration of life. In his work, he integrates a wealth of knowledge about the historical, cultural, psychological and spiritual context of the world’s music traditions. He plays a vast array of instruments and sings in several languages. He has traveled widely, studying and performing with master musicians John Amira, Zakir Hussein, Kobla Ladzekpo, Mamady Keita and Bira Almeida. He has developed a comprehensive system of notation for non-European percussion and has produced three CDs: DRUM! How to Play the Rhythms of Africa and Latin America; Bakongo Drumming Music for Dancers; and The Conga Drummer's Friend.
When asked about his approach as a Teaching Artist, Mr. Johns wrote this: “My teaching is based on a belief that we can all make art. The traditional forms of music and dance I work with are accessible and inclusive. They can be successfully practiced at different levels of expertise and are especially rich because they reflect cultural values, history, philosophical and spiritual insights and mathematical and scientific concepts. I see my teaching as a service, a mission to provide an opportunity for students of all ages and abilities to discover the joys of making music together. These experiences promote the values of community, inclusion, respect for diversity, cooperation and shared achievement. I feel that I am a very effective teaching artist. I love the music that I play and I also love teaching. My enthusiasm is contagious. I quickly engage and immerse students in making music. I am articulate, well organized, and efficient and I have good classroom management and problem-solving skills. I have a broad and well-rounded education and love finding connections between different fields of study.”
Suitable for Grades: K-12 Curriculum Integration Possibilities: History, Social Studies
Additional Interests/Experience:
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