A case study examining “An Exploration of Emotions and Color through Jazz Music” in adults

Our pilot initiative, “An Exploration of Emotions and Color through Jazz Music” (which focused on social-emotional learning for youth), yielded an exciting discovery that program benefits extended to front-line workers, specifically adults who care for and educate children.

This revelation led to a comprehensive case study evaluating adult engagement with the arts-based social-emotional learning program. We retained an academic researcher from The Ohio State University and a certified art therapist to document and facilitate three program workshops, which included participants from diverse races, ethnic origins, genders, ages, and professions. We are also producing a short documentary that tells the story of the case study process and results.

The case study aims to:

• Understand how adults experience our five-step social-emotional/arts program.

• Identify the benefits and challenges of each element and how they work together when combined.

• Understand how the program can be improved and expanded.

Workshop dates: June 11, August 5, and August 12, 2023.

Below is a collection of images from all three workshops.

Photo credit: Stephanie Matthews