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.

Repertoire selection, program building, and student retention are closely connected. Choosing music that resonates with students is essential to growing and sustaining successful choral programs. By incorporating familiar songs from movies, TV, animation, and radio, educators tap into students' existing musical connections. This boosts enthusiasm and supports learning across various genres and skills. When students enjoy and recognize what they’re singing, engagement rises—leading to stronger participation and long-term growth.
In this session, we’ll explore new arrangements of well-known songs to show how thoughtful repertoire choices can energize classrooms and inspire young singers. Teachers will gain practical strategies to select music that connects quickly with students, promotes musical development, and supports retention through meaningful, enjoyable experiences.

• Lower Elementary (Grades PreK-2)
• Upper Elementary/General Music (Grades 3-5)
• Choral - Middle School