Demystifying Latin Jazz: A practical guide to teaching Latin jazz.

Presented by Alejandro Castańo and Victor Mestas at the Colorado Music Educators Association Conference. Latin Jazz is widely used but often misunderstood. This session gives music educators a clear, practical approach to teaching its rhythms and styles. Explore Afro-Cuban and Brazilian roots as they merge with jazz. Topics include clave, tumbao, rhythm section roles, grooves, and ensemble strategies for stylistic authenticity. Learn specific patterns for piano, bass, drums, percussion, and guitar. Live demos reinforce concepts and offer classroom-ready tools. Educators will gain a deeper understanding of Latin Jazz and how to teach it in an authentic, accessible way to students of all levels.