The Preservation Hall Foundation has added a collection of free lessons on New Orleans jazz funeral traditions, now available to students, music educators and more on the Preservation Hall website. This latest addition to Preservation Hall Lessons showcases the city’s deeply-rooted and cherished tradition of jazz funerals, offering a comprehensive understanding of their significance and cultural importance.

During the pandemic, musicians faced the challenges of limited opportunities to perform and work. In response, Preservation Hall devised a unique initiative by compensating musicians to create lessons, videos, and other educational content that could be shared virtually with those interested. The result was approximately 45 lessons that served as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the New Orleans music community.

Recognizing the lack of documentation on jazz funerals and their fascinating elements, the Preservation Hall Foundation enlisted the help of several local musicians to shed light on their historical and cultural significance. The newly released lessons delve into various aspects of jazz funerals, such as the techniques employed by musicians and the communication (or lack thereof) among them.

Among the notable features of these lessons are seven new videos, two of which provide captivating demonstrations of jazz funeral processions. Filmed in the courtyard of Preservation Hall, these videos allow students to experience the mournful hymns, known as dirges, performed during the initial stages of the procession. Iconic tunes like “Just a Closer Walk With Thee,” “In the Sweet By and By,” and “Old Rugged Cross” are showcased, evoking the solemnity of the moment. As the body is laid to rest, the music transitions to more jubilant melodies, including “Sing On” and “Just a Little While to Stay,” capturing the following celebratory spirit.

One of the featured experts in these lessons is trumpeter Gregg Stafford and PHF Master Practitioner. Drawing from his vast experience and expertise, Stafford provides firsthand accounts of the funeral traditions in New Orleans, guiding students through the intricate process of bidding farewell to a loved one. His step-by-step explanations offer valuable insights into the journey from the church or funeral home through the streets to the cemetery, culminating in the poignant act of “cutting the body loose.”