Global Voices

Educational Purpose
To promote Unity in Diversity

An Artful Mission

What does it mean to promote unity in diversity?

I have always felt strongly about the importance of understanding people from around the world. Through a journey of understanding, I have come to realize who I am as a person and also that there is only one race — the human race. There is only one language and it is the language of the heart: LOVE. At Global Voices, we begin to speak this language through music.

We have to educate ourselves and our students, both young and old, about the many different traditions, cultures, and lifestyles that make up our wonderful world. There’s no better place to start than by exploring the instruments and voices that connect us to the rich and diverse cultures that exist around the globe. Only after this, can we REALLY begin to recognize that although there may be differences in physical appearances, beliefs, and lifestyles around the world — the goal of humanity is the same. We must honor each other and the differences that define us, all of us. We must strive “to live a good and just life.”

Video – Promoting Culture thru the Art of Music

Arts Education Programs

Exploring World Cultures through Music

(Developed in association with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) National Roster with The Kennedy Center Content: (Music/Social Justice-Social Studies) Teachers: 3 hours of Instruction Time for each workshop (may be presented alone or as a pair)...

Building Reading Comprehension through Sound and Rhythm

(Developed in association with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) National Roster with The Kennedy Center Content: (Music/Reading-English Language Arts) Teachers: 3 hours of Instruction Time Maximum Number of Workshop Participants: 35 Grade Levels:...

Telling Your Story through the Beat of Jazz

(Developed in association with The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts) National Roster with The Kennedy Center Content: (Music/Writing-English Language Arts) Teachers: 3 hours of Instruction Time Maximum Number of Workshop Participants: 35 Grade Levels:...

The Harlem Renaissance

Content: (Music/Writing-English Language Arts) Teachers: 1.5 hours of Instruction Time Maximum Number of Workshop Participants: 35 Grade Levels: 3-8 Students: 45 - 50 minutes per class Residency Length: Minimum of 5 days Maximum Number of Students per Class: 25 This...

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Performances & Venues

Schools

Festivals

Art Centers Galleries, Museums & Theaters

Conferences

Master Classes

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For The Press

For Press and Booking, here you will find a high-resolution photo of Imani and all the information needed for promotional press.

These documents are ready to be downloaded for a ready-to-print Press Package (PDF).

Artist Statement

My name is Imani, and I consider myself the embodiment of a Teaching Artist, serving learners throughout my lifetime. I feel blessed to be a professional vocalist and teaching artist for over 30 years, teaching students and collaborating with other teachers on curriculum-centered arts integration.

Whether I’m working with students in the classroom, leading professional development workshops for teachers nationally, or conducting children choirs, my life’s work has been centered around designing new and better ways to help create to nurture a new generation of creative thinkers that will contribute to the growth of holistic communities.

MY WORK FOCUSES ON THREE KEY ASPECTS OF LEARNING: developing skills in the arts, giving students a personal voice in creating and learning, and building community and civic responsibility, either through the classroom or an entire ensemble. I create curriculum that is accessible to all teachers and students to ensure that everyone feels successful at the end of their learning. This enables my students to not only take ownership but to also become facilitators.

Music is my life’s passion. That is how I educate, live, and serve.

– Imani González

16

Music Recordings

30+

Years of Experiance

100%

Authentic

Teaching our students to be global citizens

"Imani is that rare individual who not only excels as a professional musician but also as a teaching artist. She infuses her work with integrity and passion, and is committed to professionalism and high quality artistry, whether on stage, in the classroom, or with educators."

Jeanette McCune

Director in Education Division, School and Community Programs

John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Washington, DC

"Imani has the ability to capture the attention and inspire her audience with her calm and caring presence. She adapts her lessons to the educators or students in the room by being an active listener. She creates a safe and respectful environment and through participatory activities, she encourages her participants to learn and share new ideas through music and stories. Imani makes learning memorable."

Amy Gosz

Director of Programming and Community Engagement

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center

Appleton, WI

“Guided by her gentle spirit, Imani shares her expertise and artistry with teachers and students alike instilling confidence to explore and celebrate the arts.  I particularly appreciate creating experiences for teachers, students and audiences that celebrate the many levels of Imani's work as a performing artist, educator and teaching artist.  Imani is a powerful jewel to be shared!” 

Candy Schneider

VP of Education and Outreach

The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

Las Vegas, NV

“The wonderful vocalist Imani became a natural and intrinsic part of the Odadaa! family, adding powerfully to its artistry, which is not something easy for an American to do in an authentic Ghanaian music ensemble. She seamlessly moves from singing traditional vocals in Ga and other Ghanaian languages, to jazz lead vocals. Imani continues to pass on the rich Ga heritage she learned from Yacub Addy through her work as a teaching artist, reaching students and teachers nationally.”

Amina Addy

Manager & Producer of Odadaa!

Y&A Addy Management

Latham, NY

“Imani came not only as an immeasurable learning experience for the students, but it was also the best professional development I have ever had in my 17 years of teaching music.”

Vince Mottern

Music Educator

Viola Sickles Elementary School

Fairhaven, NJ

“Imani inspires and energizes. Her strategies connect so deeply and authentically. It’s as if students empathy for each other transcend their differences when learning through her effective approaches!

Rae Takemoto

Arts Integration Coach

Maui District Schools

Kahului, Maui

“Imani has a dignity about her when she steps on stage, along with professionalism and a humility that makes her a pleasure to work with. Personally, she’s a big sister to each and everyone on and off stage; and she talks truth... Everyone loves Imani.”

Wynton Marsalis

Executive and Artistic Director

Jazz at Lincoln Center (JLCO)

New York, NY

"Having Imani come to our community and work with our teachers and students was truly a gift. Through her amazing voice - and then our own - we were able to experience music as a powerful text for understanding human experience and story. Her approach to learning through sound and song is thoughtfully scaffolded and emotionally connected, giving learners an accessible entry point to take risks, create and engage with one another. It was an unforgettable, impactful experience!"

Amy Rautiainen

Artful Teaching Coordinator

Juneau, Alaska

Ready to partner for a better world?

I work with art organizations, performing art centers, museums, galleries, theaters, educators from principals to teachers, and students.

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