Hanah Jon Taylor

In a time when most performers and artists tend to duplicate themselves in both repertoire and style, Hanah Jon Taylor emerges as one of the most creative musicians on the scene. He has received the critical acclaim of audiences and media throughout Europe, Scandinavia and the Americas. His unique and lyrical persona on flute, saxophone, and wind synthesizer, has warranted him a reputation as a true master of improvisation.

Hanah Jon Taylor holds a masters degree in Music Therapy from Southern Illinois University, where he studied with the woodwindist David Riddles, and designer R. Buckminster Fuller. During the early part of his European experience, Hanah also studied with saxophonists Steve Lacy and Pharoah Sanders.

Upon moving to Madison in 1994, Hanah soon established the Musonics Program, a cadre of musicians, dancers, and actors, organized to provide artistic activities designed to empower self-expression. Since its inception, this aclinical approach to the practice of music therapy has received national recognition in Music Inc. Magazine and other publications. Mr. Taylor has appeared with Richie Havens, Nina Simone, the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, drummer Sonny Murray, pianist Antonello Salis, saxophonists Roscoe Mitchell, the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble, percussionist Kalil El Zabar, bassist Richard Davis, pianist Burton Greene, and the Miles Davis band.

Workshop Information

Talking in Tunes: An Introduction to Music as a Language

This creatively entertaining workshop engages young people to hear and play music as a fun means of communication. Through simple games and challenging activities participants are encouraged to express themselves with songs and instrumental sounds. The facilitator often brings in instruments that may be new and strange to those taking part in this proactive and stimulating presentation. Students of all levels learn to develop partnerships through call, response and cadence while reinforcing individuality and self-esteem.

Mr. Taylor also works with teachers to assess the needs of special education curriculum and events.

Fee: Four 40-minute sessions (2 per week)--$500

Availability: January through June