Programs

Music Time with

RiverJack Z

It’s a close-up, intimate experience filled with participation—singing, dancing, and lots of joyful interaction. We truly do it all!

I bring my acoustic guitar along with percussion instruments, harmonica, and kazoo. This is a fully acoustic show, with volume no louder than the instruments themselves. I get right down on the floor with the kids, creating a fun, engaging, and rockin’ experience they can really be part of.

The program is designed for toddlers through Pre-K (works well with 5-7-year-olds as well). This style of interactive music performance is what I’ve focused on for the past several years. Featuring classic children’s songs with a RiverJack Z twist, along with several beloved RiverJack Z originals/favorites.

I currently perform regularly at daycares, preschools, nursery schools, libraries, and schools throughout the year.

K-5 Songwriting Program

Spend some time making music with RiverJack Z. During a 60-75 minute songwriting session, join Jack  as we explore the craft of songwriting by composing and recording a song that is uniquely our own, based on a theme of your choice (i.e. Summer Reading Program theme) or a curriculum-related topic. We will work cooperatively to form a musical composition by:

brainstorming ideas

writing lyrics

composing a melody

gaining personal experience with the creative process.

The song is then rehearsed and recorded, and the library or school receives a high-quality audio file containing our song to share with family and friends online! 

Classroom workshops require:

  • teacher assistance

  • a minimum of 8’ X 16’ of space

  • 15-minute setup and 15-minute teardown

  • a group of up to 25 students – although larger groups will work with prior coordination

Typically, teachers and Jack work together on the general theme of the workshop. Successful themes have included SEL, character education (honesty, compassion, peace, and respect) and others such as environment, health and nutrition, self esteem, bullying, school/classroom rules, any curriculum based content area or subject area you would like to see reinforced through music….basically, anything under the sun you’d like a song about.

For New York State workshops, Jack is listed with BOCES Arts In Education programs for which district aid is available.

Residencies

Residencies are extended songwriting programs that typically last from 2 to 5 days. Residencies may culminate in:

  • the creation of an entire album of songs centered around a character education theme

  • music videos to go along with the newly created original songs

  • creation of a class storybook/song package developed in coordination with the classroom teacher.

  • a concert featuring the songs written by students.

Due to the wide range of possibilities, residencies are often unique to the school or program. Jack would love to talk with you about this great opportunity for extended creativity and inspiration!

Special Needs

Jack also works with groups and individuals who have special needs, including autism and behavioral challenges. This type of program involves a more therapeutic approach where he brings his music to them and works with the group on whatever level they are comfortable with. This could mean simply introducing sounds, playing his guitar, singing a few songs, or actually writing and recording a song with them, depending on their ability level. When working with students with behavioral problems (typically middle and high school), Jack offers a more inspirational program, focused on building their confidence to be all they can be in life.

Corporate Functions

Corporate functions focus primarily on themes of diversity, acceptance, team-building, creativity, and other topics. Jack’s workshops help you to kickstart your creativity in a fun, relaxed way and will give you a fresh attitude to bring back into the office world along with a new song to sing around the workplace.

Seniors

For seniors, the program may involve a solo performance and/or a songwriting workshop or walking around the home and visiting those who are bed ridden and singing a song or two for them bedside.

Bookings

Let’s connect and make some music together.

Email me at riverjackz@gmail.com with a few details about what you’re looking for, and I’ll be in touch shortly. I look forward to hearing from you.