Vala
JMF has chosen the Vala platform as its partner for distributing forever free classes in songwriting and musical theater to students and educators nationwide. By teaching the skills of writing, listening and collaboration, students gain lifelong skills that serve them in all walks of life.
Virtual Learning Programs
As part of The Johnny Mercer Foundation’s virtual learning programming, there are a variety of songwriting and musical theater video lessons and resources available for students and educators nation-wide. The videos and resources can be accessed through the Vala Musicals Education Platform. This virtual content serves as an extension of established educational programming for all ages supported by The Johnny Mercer Foundation.
Elementary and Middle School
Accentuate the Positive
An interactive lyric writing program to teach students about the art of songwriting and to introduce them to the songs of the Great American Songbook. This program explains how a song is born, how music and lyrics are written and how these songs reflect our passions and ideals.
Elementary and Middle School
How To Write A Musical: Kaufman Music Center
How Do You Write a Musical explores the process writers may use when choosing a story and turning it into a musical. While examining The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz and Wicked, the program encourages young writers to use their imagination in choosing a story’s point of view.
Middle School
The Incomplete History of Broadway
An Incomplete History of Broadway follows high school besties Claire, Marcus and T.J. as they explore the history of musical theatre through song. Students are encouraged to produce their own presentation of Broadway history. #AnIncompleteHistoryofBroadway
Middle and High School
The Alliance Theatre’s: Musicals as an Art Form
Presented by the Johnny Mercer Foundation and the Alliance Theatre, the Musical Theater Composition Video Series is comprised of two distinct parts: (4) 15-minute instructional videos that feature an Alliance Theater composer at work in order to demystify the songwriting process and a 1-hour Introduction to Musical Theater resource video (1-hour). Designed to serve high school educators and students, each video includes access to a standards-aligned lesson plan and accompanying instructional materials to guide students through the process of creating original musical theater songs.
Youth and Adult Programs
Braille Institute: Johnny Mercer Music Program
Four interviews with Musical Theater Artists and Designers discussing their craft and possible opportunities for the blind and sight impaired in the entertainment industry.
Middle and High School
New York City Board of Education: AV Technology for Editing/Producing Theater Online Series
The New York City Board of Education Theater Program has created practical videos supporting in-person, blended & remote theater teaching and learning across diverse content, technique, teacher expertise, student abilities and grade levels.
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