Spoken Word, Bespoke Music is the culmination of an innovative class sponsored by the Teaching and Learning Center. It was designed and taught by spoken word poet Dr. Crystal Endsley (2016 and 2021 Distinguished Teaching Prize winner) and NY-Emmy award-winning composer Joseph Neidorf. John Jay Honors students Rae Ross (Forensic Psychology) and Brian Wade (Law and Anthropological Psychology) used the creative process as a research method to investigate the multilayered impacts of art as a form of resistance. Their poems are influenced by the interviews they conducted, published literature they found and their lived experiences. Throughout the writing process, they developed original music to accompany their poems, which will intricately inform listeners’ experiences. Special thanks to Dr. Gina Foster (director of the Teaching and Learning Center), who provided the educational vision and tireless advocacy that made this endeavor possible.

Contact:
cendsley@jjay.cuny.edu
josephneidorf@gmail.com