Leisure, Learning and Jazz - Thanks EdX

It doesn't say so on the certificate but I passed this class with a 95% grade!

I didn't become an expert but I am so proud of myself on two fronts -- first I started something and finished it… and I did develop a new appreciation for jazz through my first (free) course on EdX.org.

An added bonus, I discovered Jazz 24 -Vermont Public Radio's non-stop jazz programming.   It's a constant stream of great music from all of the eras covered over the course of the class. The music is presented by very knowledgeable hosts who are a pleasure to have around the house.

I found Jazz 24 on a search of the Internet radio app TuneIn, my new favorite source for finding music.

But back to the subject at hand - jazz appreciation and EdX and lifelong learning.

I figured I should be doing something constructive with all of this free time I have since my self-imposed hiatus began in January. I decided to take classes. Being free and online, EdX presented the perfect opportunity for me to test the waters.  I also decided whatever classes I took would have to be fun and have nothing to do with career enhancement -- strictly personal growth.

So that's why I chose the jazz appreciation course offered through the University of Texas at Austin.

 I loved it.

(Here's an excerpt from my "thank you" note to Professor Jeffrey Helmer after the 10-week class concluded:
'Learning to "hear" elements distinguishing the various eras of jazz and putting the music in historical context has given me a greater appreciation for the art form. Also, learning what made the musicians featured in the course great and influential was an eye opener. Before this course, I knew they were considered great artists, but I did not know why. I now appreciate their individual contributions to the art.')

And now I'm doing another EdX course -- Becoming a Resilient Person: The Science of Stress Management and Promoting Wellbeing.

Next up - The Science of Happiness.

Are you sensing a pattern here?