Renée Georges and the Kidz MusiQ Club

About this Artist

Pronouns: she/her

Renée Collins Georges is a multifaceted artist, passionate about introducing children and youth to the world of acoustic music and the rich legacy of jazz. As a mom, a jazz vocalist, children’s songwriter, voiceover talent, media specialist, and teaching artist, Renée inspires through her innovative Jazzing Up Learning™ formula, blending kids + music + education. Originally from Los Angeles, she was one of the last Raelettes to tour with the legendary Ray Charles and His Orchestra, a journey that has taken her across the globe.

Artist Statement

What began as a need to create a spark by helping kids have fun with essential concepts, such as reading, listening, and retention skills quickly developed into a music CD and a small family-collaboration known as Kidz MusiQ Club. Jazz can be overshadowed in our over-synthesized, pop-infused world. Being a big fan of jazz music and its rich cultural heritage, my mission became to cultivate an appreciation for the American genre by introducing it to children through live performance and by sharing my experiences and the lessons learned while touring as a professional musician.

The “Q” in Kidz MusiQ Club, represents my desire to provide quality educational music for children that not only engages them, but nurtures their cognitive development. Necessity may have been the spark to kick the project into action, but it is a labor of love that carries it through. Parents and educators alike will find themselves humming along to the melodies.

Testimonials

"The Jazzing Up Learning CD produced by Renée Collins Georges and the “Kidz MusiQ Club” is an excellent example of how young students can use American blues and jazz musical forms and their own lyrics to create their own songs. In particular, the independence and confidence fostered by jazz improvisation is useful in other educational areas."

Ken Giles, retired DC public schools general music teacher, and violin instructor at DC Youth Orchestra Program

"Participating in this residency has truly inspired these children to love this genre of music and appreciate past jazz musicians."

Regina Crosley, Teacher, Maryland City Elementary, Anne Arundel County Public Schools

"Not only does Renée write and perform original jazz songs for children, she has an amazing ability to take any song in the genre of jazz and develop a lyrical adaptation of it so children can relate to it. I am STILL hearing my students sing those songs a month after the assembly!"

Regina, ESOL Teacher, Maryland City Elementary

"Thank you for telling us about Ray Charles. I loved Hit the Road Jack! I loved doing scat it was so much fun learning jazz songs."

Third-Grade Student, Maryland City Elementary