Jazz is recognized around the world for its rich cultural heritage rooted in the African-American experience. Since its inception in the early 20th century, jazz has contributed to and been a reflection of American culture. It is widely considered to be the only truly original American art form. Yet, most Americans graduate from high school with little knowledge of the history or importance of jazz. In order to provide an ongoing education about jazz for our nation's students, the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz has developed Jazz in America, an Internet-based jazz curriculum for social studies, American history, and music classes in the United States. more...