Jason McInnes
Jason founded The Harmonica Orchestra in 2019 as a way to address his desire to allow for more individual creativity and intrinsic student motivation than he witnessed in more competitive and rote-learning based music education programs. These programs often utilized instruments that were too challenging for students to play or had setup requirements that ate up valuable teacher prep or class time. His passion for music education was inspired by his life-long belief that music belongs to everyone and that, when taught with patience and a focus on playing music as a community experience, it is a tremendous source of joy for all. Jason believes that music education should be a meaningful endeavor where students can easily acquire the skills needed to play and appreciate music, which they will carry for the rest of their lives.
Jason brings over 20 years of music teaching experience and is an accomplished performer. Jason founded and directed the Young Stracke All Stars youth band which grew out of his teaching at Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. He led the group of students aged 8-14 for 11 years. He has an extensive working and personal relationship with folk music legend and innovator of music education Ella Jenkins, and counts her as a true mentor. In 2015, Jason was awarded the Frank Hamilton Distinguished Teaching Artist Award at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Throughout his career Jason has taught over 5,000 students and inspired countless others.
Jason lives in Las Cruces, NM, where he can be found playing, teaching and talking about music. When he isn’t leading The Harmonica Orchestra, he’s often playing guitar, banjo and harmonica in pickup bands, or studying visual art.
Jason with Ella Jenkins, "The First Lady of Children's Music".
Jason winning the 2015 Distinguished Teaching Artist award at The Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago.
