Stevie Van Zandt Discusses Jimi Hendrix’s Legacy in the Classroom + Tips for Teaching This Tomorrow

About the Presenters

Stevie Van Zandt is a musician, performer, songwriter, arranger, music producer, music supervisor, TV producer, actor, director, Broadway producer, TV and film composer, live event producer, international DJ, activist, historian, teacher, member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and recognized internationally as one of the world’s foremost authorities on both Contemporary and Traditional Rock and Roll.

“He’s not the only one, nor the oldest, nor the richest. But Little Stevie Van Zandt might currently be the planet’s most charismatic, dedicated and visible crusader scrapping to preserve the dirty purity of Rock ‘n Roll.” – BruceSpringsteen.net

“I know it sounds a bit silly but I do believe Rock and Roll can change the world. It’s about bands, and that for me suggests brotherhood, family, friendship, and community” – Stevie Van Zandt

Learn more about Stevie Van Zandt here.

Henry Mills is the seventh-grade English teacher at CSA. He brings to the classroom his experiences as a touring artist, published writer, and performer in theater productions, in hopes of creating a space where his students can hone their voices both on the page and on stage. Ultimately, the goal is to nurture young people to recognize themselves as creative and engaged citizens of the world.

Ruaridh Pattison is a Music Technology Teaching Artist and Band Director at the New York City Charter School of the Arts, where he leads the 6–8 Music Technology program and directs the CSA Band. Since 2017, he has developed a comprehensive middle school music technology program, centered on digital composition and production.

He holds a Bachelor of Music from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and a Master of Music from The Juilliard School, both in Jazz Saxophone, and is an active professional musician performing in the New York jazz and pop scene.

His work focuses on empowering students to express themselves through digital music-making. By helping students build a strong understanding of how music works alongside practical fluency with tools such as Soundtrap, he aims to equip young musicians with the skills and confidence to create original work with clarity and independence.

Christian Black is a sixth-grade Humanities ICT Teacher at New York City Charter School of the Arts, where he assists in the development of an arts-integrated History and English curriculum.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and African American Studies from Wesleyan University and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science from Yale University. He has also performed across New York City as a solo performer and as a member of the bands Heroes Are Gang Leaders and Bright Dog Red as a vocalist and poet.

His work as an educator is centered around improving student engagement by making curricula more accessible with art.

Gina Machado is the Director of Programs and Partnerships at TeachRock, where she leads the development of an arts-integrated social and emotional learning program and designs and facilitates professional development initiatives nationwide. Drawing from her foundational experience as a classroom educator in The Bronx, New York, and her master’s degrees in special education and educational leadership, Gina supports educators across the United States in implementing TeachRock’s innovative curriculum and pedagogical approaches. An educator at heart with extensive experience working with students of various levels and abilities, Gina’s passion lies in developing creative ways to engage all learners while strengthening meaningful student-teacher relationships.