Session Proposals

John Jacobson is an internationally recognized composer, author, and master educator whose musicals and choral works have been performed by millions of children worldwide. For more than four decades, he has inspired music teachers and students through his creative artistry, dynamic presentations, and unwavering commitment to quality music education.
A celebrated leader in the field, John has written and produced hundreds of resources for educators—from musicals and choral collections to instructional videos, movement resources, and professional-development materials that have empowered teachers in thousands of classrooms. His work has been published and distributed globally through major educational publishers and platforms.
Beyond his writing, John has directed and staged large-scale festival performances across the country, including ensembles in partnership with Walt Disney Productions and other major arts organizations. His productions have featured thousands of young performers and have been showcased in prominent national events such as NBC’s broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
John is widely regarded as a “teacher’s teacher”. His workshops are known for their energy, inspiration, and practical classroom relevance—drawing enthusiastic educators year after year. With an exceptional ability to combine movement, music, and motivation, he helps teachers rediscover joy and purpose in their work.
John is also the founder of America Sings!, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting young performers with meaningful service opportunities through music.
Today, he serves as President and Creative Content Designer of JJ & Me, Inc., in partnership with Musicplay, where he continues to create innovative musicals, songs, choreography, and teaching materials for a new generation of educators and students.

Movement is a powerful and essential part of music learning—and it belongs in every classroom! In this high-energy, “feet-on” session, John Jacobson will guide teachers through a wide variety of engaging dances designed specifically for students of all ages and abilities. From folk and line dances to creative movement and classroom games, participants will experience how movement can bring music to life.

Discover how incorporating dance into your rehearsals and performances can support lyric retention, musical understanding, self-expression, and student engagement. While moving, students naturally internalize key musical concepts such as beat, rhythm, melody, form, and tempo, making learning both meaningful and memorable.

Teachers will also gain practical strategies, terminology, and step-by-step approaches for successfully integrating movement into their teaching—no matter their experience level. Whether you think you can dance or not, this session will give you the confidence and tools to get your students moving, learning, and loving music like never before!

• Upper Elementary/General Music (Grades 3-5)