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.

Get ready to sing, move, and play with your youngest musicians! In this interactive and joy-filled session, John Jacobson will share a collection of engaging, developmentally appropriate activities designed specifically for K–2 classrooms and performances.

Through a variety of songs, games, and movement experiences, participants will explore how to effectively teach foundational musical concepts such as beat, rhythm, melody, and improvisation in ways that are accessible and exciting for young learners. These activities are crafted to keep students actively involved while building essential musical skills.

With a strong emphasis on social-emotional learning, this session also highlights music that encourages positive behaviors and values including empathy, honesty, courage, cooperation, and hope. Discover how music can support not only musical growth but also the development of the whole child.

Teachers will leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas that make learning fun, meaningful, and inclusive—helping every child feel successful, engaged, and excited about music. Join us and bring purposeful play and joyful learning to your K–2 music classroom!

• Lower Elementary (Grades PreK-2)