New Jazz Underground

New Jazz Underground is a dynamic trio redefining jazz for a new generation. Blending classic jazz elements like swing and blues with modern influences from hip-hop, pop, and Afro-Latino music, their fresh sound has gained viral attention and wide acclaim. With infectious energy and bold creativity, they show students how tradition and innovation can collide to create something entirely new—and deeply relevant.

New Jazz Underground: Exploring the History and Heart of Jazz

Directions for the Teacher

Use this guide to prepare students for an interactive experience with New Jazz Underground’s performance. The group breaks down fundamental jazz concepts and relates the music to cultural history and the values of being a conscious global citizen. Activities invite listening, discussion, reflection, and critical thinking.

Student responses may be spoken, written, drawn, or performed, depending on age and ability.

Watch & Listen

Introduce students to New Jazz Underground’s music and jazz fundamentals through the videos below. Use the discussion prompts to guide conversations before or after the performance.

Discussion Prompts

• What instruments and styles do you hear in each performance?
• How does jazz music express emotion and tell stories without words?
• What connections can you find between jazz and everyday life or global citizenship?
• How has technology influenced jazz’s evolution and how we experience it today?

Activities & Extensions

• Jazz Exploration: Research the history of one jazz standard performed here and create a presentation or poster.
• Improvisation Practice: Try creating your own melody or rhythm inspired by the videos.
• Global Citizenship Reflection: Discuss what it means to be a conscious citizen of the world and how music can inspire this.
• Creative Response: Write, draw, or perform a response to the jazz styles or ideas you hear.

Relevant Standards

• MU.68.C.1.3: Identify, aurally, instrumental styles and a variety of instrumental ensembles.
• MU.68.C.3.1: Apply specific criteria to evaluate why a musical work is an exemplar in a specific style or genre.
• MU.68.H.2.2: Analyze how technology has changed the way music is created, performed, acquired, and experienced.
• MU.912.H.2.3: Analyze the evolution of a music genre.
• MU.912.C.1.1: Apply listening strategies to promote appreciation and understanding of unfamiliar musical works.
• MU.912.C.2.2: Evaluate performance quality in recorded and/or live performances.
• MU.912.F.1.1: Analyze and evaluate the effect of traditional and contemporary technologies on the development of music.
• SS.912.H.2.1: Identify specific characteristics of works within various art forms.
• SS.912.H.2.2: Classify styles, forms, types, and genres within art forms.