Biography John Hayden and his company JAMTOWN™ celebrate a common love for music shared by all cultures in two important ways. First, he facilitates school, business and community events featuring hands-on participation with rhythm instruments. He is a pioneer in the field of accessible music technology that delivers a ‘shared experience’ to like-minded populations regardless of age or skill. John develops links between the personal music experience, group dynamics, organizational issues and important lessons such as multicultural awareness and diversity. But most of all, he delivers a remarkable session that will be remembered for years to come! His workshops have delivered in-the-moment musical excitement throughout the Northwest including those at the Experience Music Project Museum, Bumbershoot, Folklife, and WOMAD Music Festivals. His work with elementary and middle school children spans 13 years, with a focus on one-time multicultural, hands-on percussion events for classrooms and community gatherings. He has delivered multi-visit programs at Bertchi School in Seattle, Evergreen School in Shoreline, and Chestnut Hill Academy in Bellevue. And he is currently leading Parent/Child classes on Saturdays in Lake City at Jamtown! Second, Since 1995 John has created fair trade relationships with low-income artisans and co-operatives around the world for the purpose of importing musical instruments. JAMTOWN was selected to join the Fair Trade Federation in 1999 and served on the Board for three years. John has written and produced three artisan videos, group rhythm activity guides and a children’s album - included in the award winning JAMTOWN Junior Rhythm Pack. Also in 2006, Creative Child Magazine awarded the Sun Moon Star Drum with a Seal of Excellence.
