We’ve heard it many times: to understand the world today, we must understand what came before. For students of Arts for Learning teaching artist Vinton “The Music Man” Jones, that means using what they learn about the history of music to inspire and explore their own creativity!

Vinton Jones is a professional drummer and soul singer who has toured with the likes of Jean Carne and Shirley Jones, as well as his group, The Vinton Jones Vibration. He is also a music teacher at J. Frank Dent Elementary in Prince George’s County. He has been engaging students in music-based learning for over 20+ years.

“Music is everything; it’s math, it’s science, it’s history,” says Vinton. “There’s nothing it doesn’t impact. With music, you’re experimenting and practicing trial and error and decision-making. You’re learning to relate to others–their interests or their styles of playing.”

Vinton’s love for music goes back to when he was only a few years old.

“I first found music in church,” explains Vinton. “Sitting in that first pew and seeing that drum set, I knew I needed to get one for myself. Once I did, I never looked back – I fell in love with music. I try to bring that–the joy, history, and possibilities of music–in my work with students.”

That love shines brightly in Vinton’s Arts for Learning Maryland program–Jazz to Hip-Hop. This music-packed assembly (featuring Vinton on drums) explores the deep connections between the two music genres and illustrates how jazz serves as a foundation for hip-hop.

“Many students love hip hop but have no idea about the connection to jazz,” says Vinton. “From improvisation’s progression to rap battles, snippets of jazz tunes used as samples on hip hop tracks, or skatting compared to beat-boxing, the connections are everywhere. At first, they might be hesitant. But soon, they see and hear it, and the lightbulb goes off. Jazz is our music.”

Through this assembly, students understand what music is and what it can be. They’re diving into jazz, which Jones calls the “classical music of America.” By learning about these genres, students are expanding the palette of their creativity. They’re generating ideas, inspirations, and aspirations of what they could create. And like with all art forms, the lessons in music extend to life in general.

“I tell my students. If you love something and want to do something, why not learn everything you can about it? It’s about going for it. Creativity is what made the cell phone; the first automobile. You need creativity to come up with things we’ve never seen before. I ask students; what’s the next thing you’re going to create?”