Blessed to learn & graced to educate, in the poetic arts.
As a performance poet based in the Philly area, Jaz aka. Pamela Banks, teaches and tutors remotely to people of various ages and backgrounds, from 17 years old to elders, from designers to professors to doctors.
Through empathy and the joy of service,
Jaz nurtures & cultivates creativity in…
〰️
the curious
〰️
the unintroduced
〰️
the beginner
〰️
the advanced
〰️
the expert
〰️ the curious 〰️ the unintroduced 〰️ the beginner 〰️ the advanced 〰️ the expert
She also performs at events.
As a poet…
Her artistry encourages and celebrates healing of the spirit through her creative words of Agape love, ministry, protest, and witness.
As a teacher…
She honors that voice is paramount and that every voice has a story.
As a student…
She’s not just teaching people of all ages and skill levels but learning from them as well.
She loves working with students who are trying to find their voice.
You might be her student if you’ve wondered about your potential as a poet.
You might be her student if you’ve walked away from poetry and want to find new inspiration.
You might already be her student if you’re on this page looking for more info, which you can find below.
Current students:
Go to the calendar to see your class info or go to the vocabulary page for terms like…
Agape (uh•GAH•pay):
a Greek term for the highest form of love, representing unconditional, sacrificial, and volitional affection rather than mere emotion. It signifies divine, self-emptying love (God's love for humanity) and is characterized by action, service, and prioritizing others' well-being.
See more on the vocabulary page
“She won’t change your voice. She helps you inhabit it more fully.”
“I am a poet, and a National Board Certified Teacher, and I learned volumes from her.”
“I would have paid twice for this class as it definitely exceeded my expectations.”
Calendar
Current classes:
Poetry-Summer '26
Class registration link:
https://pwnwriters.org/course/poetry-summer-26/
Or find the class on linktr.ee/jazzsingpoet
Upcoming classes from Jaz:
Jaz teaches live and asynchronous classes, in addition to teaching for various creative writing orgs.
Performance Poetry: Making Ears Lean In Closer
Performing a poem is ultimately telling and showing the story of the poem’s world; and doing it in such a way that makes the audience’s ears bend, heart stand at attention, and spirits illuminate. There are many factors that go into this such as cadence, tone, the body, voice inflection, and much more. We’ll discover how a reader’s emotional, mental, and physical canvas is taken into consideration when performing the poem. We’ll get into audience reactions/interactions and learn what to do and not to do when encountering silences and “dead air”. Through watching/dissecting a few performances and doing some of our own (your own work or another writer's work) we’ll learn the who, what, where, when, why, wonder, and how of performance poetry.
Saturdays, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM ET
June 27th - July 25th (no class July 4th)
Online via Zoom
Course Title: The Body of Our Poetry
In The Body of Our Poetry generative workshop, we will explore the barebones of the creative expression of poetry. What makes a poem is its poetic elements such as figurative language, repetition, rhythm & rhyme, and lineation. We will examine these elements in depth through close readings of authors’ works such as Maya Angelou and Ocean Vuong, among others. Weekly creative writing prompts and exercises will show the words that you use as writers can set you apart and help to develop and distinguish your poetic voice; and how editing is an essential part of this. Poetry is meant to be heard as well as written so we will gain knowledge on the art and practice of performance poetry, where you will learn the rhythm of your writing by sharing/performing your work at our virtual open mic! Lastly, we’ll cover copyright which helps to protect our creative works and learn of some sources for publication.
Tuesdays, 7:00 PM-9:00 PM ET
June 23rd - July 28th
Online via Zoom
Check out the flyers!
We Poets
2008 Second Place Winner of Blue Mountain Arts Eleventh Biannual poetry contest
'Cause that's what poets do
We look beyond what's obvious
pulled into the spaces
between the lines
We look for the corners
and the shadows
drawn to trash-treasures
and debilitating views
We weave in wonder with waste
We stand in front of the questions
and chance a head-on collision
with the answers
we
expose
incinerate
crash
and create
We're truth wearers
We scream, cry, whisper, and sing
the world's thinking
The words turn us inside out
throw us off cliffs
and challenge us some more
they hold us responsible
for telling their stories
for displaying their scars
for shedding their layers
for holding them in the night
and promising daylight
and they — the words
deliver on miracles
The words are mountains inside valleys
illuminating abysses
and sometimes shaking
hands with them
Our words slay dragons
of misconceptions
pull the blinders off perception
and cut right through the grain
Yeah
our words stroll in Paris
naked and unapologetic
effective and unaffected
'cause that's what our words do
Poets welcome the edges
and the unkept
we eat the heels of bread
and pocket eggshells
We caress the discarded
and hold mirrors up to humanity
and we'd do best to keep
that mirror on us
for a gentle continuum
of self-eval
Healthiness
Make sure pride
doesn't tarnish the craft
and heads stay small
We are student
as well as teacher
we look on the words
with amazement also
We're healed by digest
our own food
feeds us too
At times vulnerable
other times anonymous
too often synonymous
with only happiness
anger or sadness
we
are
so
much
more
We're a newborn's first breath
and giggling high-school sweethearts
We're seducing suns
and pink beaches
We are stage fright
and therapy couch-dwellers
We're apples and peanut butter sandwiches
College kids choking on cigarettes
We're gusts of wind that escaped
through the cracks of windows
We're leaky faucets that refuse to get fixed
and 9 to 5'ers without deodorant
We are sidewalks and stars
Solomon and The Three Stooges
We're Nyquil at dusk
but wellness at dawn
We're Tastykakes
lemons
and Sourpatches
We're not always
coming from honest places
for sometimes we
covet each others' light
and try to wear
another's skin
instead of embracing our own
We've got some growing to do
We poets pray for
courage
strength
and even acceptance
Sometimes we're on pause
sometimes just on empty
and we don't always
have a poem for you
embrace us
we need hugs too
We'll keep on emptying
ourselves out
refilling
risking and falling
slipping and dancing
soaring
laughing
living
and
writing
For that's what we poets do.
Copyright2005byJaz
Live Performances
“We are the Songs”
for Song Of A SoulSistah: We Sing A Black Girl’s Song Philly Tribute to Ntozake Shange @ Arcadia University
Jaz performs her poem “We Are The Songs” exclusively for SoulSistah screening *All Rights Reserved
“The Exhortation of Philadelphia”
@ Philly’s legendary open mic:
Pecola Breedlove & The Freedom Party
Jaz performs her poem *All Rights Reserved
“A Prayer for the Children”
@ my All Soul’d Out feature in Burlington, NJ
Jaz performs her poem *All Rights Reserved
“Move mountains out your way to tell the story”
@ Philly’s Independence Seaport Museum
Jaz sings legendary Phyllis Hyman in the musical The Uptown.
The show must go on when both of your mics go silent.
In the face of difficulties, will you still mountain-move and shine?
Educator/Teaching Artist Statement:
My classroom is an open dialogue in empathetic, joyous, effective, and wholistic communication of care and service to my students. I desire all my students to be open with me in their questions, struggles, discoveries, and joys and that is the kind of environment that I foster and nurture. I make safe spaces for differing opinions (we don’t all have to agree, and I encourage “agree to disagree”) and welcome different experiences.
Respecting and honoring each voice is paramount (but I will not allow toxicity, microaggressions, nor abuse). Another teaching practice I have is that we (my students and I) are learning together and we can all inspire and motivate one another. There is no “velvet rope” in my classroom (whether virtual or in person). I am not more important than any of my students. I am also a student as well as a teacher and not above learning. In fact, it’s a joy that I look forward to and fully embrace! I am blessed to learn and graced to teach.
Poetry Tutor Statement:
I have been a Performance Poet for 24 years and Independent Poetry Teacher/Tutor going on 4 years. My classroom is a dialogue in empathetic, creative, joyous, effective, and holistic communication of care and service to my students.
I desire all my students to be open with me in their questions, struggles, discoveries, and joys and that is the kind of environment that I foster and nurture.
I make safe spaces for differing opinions (we don’t all have to agree and I encourage “agree to disagree”) and welcome different experiences. There is no “velvet rope” in my classroom.
I am not more important than any of my students.
I am a student because I am a teacher and I fully embrace learning from my students!
I am blessed to learn and graced to teach.
No matter where you are on the journey…you are welcomed!
Lesson plans include Basic Elements of:
Poetry Foundations
Poetry Craft and Creative Writing
Poetic Terminology and Poetry Vocabulary
Word Choice and Diction
Alliteration and Sound Devices (Rhyme, Rhythm, and Repetition)
Shape, Form, and Voice
Lineation and Line Breaks
White Space on the Page
Ekphrasis and Acrostic Poetry Forms
Developing Your Poetic Voice
Revision, Performance, and Protection
Editing and Revision
Performance Poetry and Spoken Word
Copyright Protection for Poems
I think the best description of me is:
poet+singer
~
because words & sounds
tell stories.
I’ve found the sweet spot is in their
compliment,
amplification,
enhancement,
and exploration of each other.
I’ve found so much success in combining
word & sounds
to bring out the strengths of each
in my performances.
I perform poems that have to do with:
change
witness
challenge
protest
love
celebration
exhortation…
and more.
My poems make you feel like
you’re not alone,
you are seen.
They might make you feel
fed,
loved,
surprised,
inquisitive,
challenged,
self-reflective,
uncomfortable,
& empowered.
I bring poetry into
a wide range of spaces, including:
Community & Cultural Events
Community gatherings, cultural arts exchanges, libraries, and bookstores.
Performance & Arts Venues
Theaters, performing arts centers, festivals, concerts, and stages of all kinds: featured performances, openers, and collaborations.
Educational Spaces
Colleges, universities, and learning environments.
Private & Corporate Events
Private gatherings, social events, peer groups, and corporate settings.
Digital Performances
Live online events via Zoom, Google Meet, Facebook Live, and more.
Music & Collaborative Spaces
Theaters, performing arts centers, festivals, concerts, and stages of all kinds: featured performances, openers, and collaborations.
Outdoor & Public Venues
Parks, amphitheaters, cafes, restaurants, and other open-air spaces.
Purpose-Driven Events
Art for change events and performances for marginalized communities.
Original Productions
Events and experiences of my own creation.
What I love about performing is
honoring God,
connection, joy,
& storytelling.
I always welcome performance requests and am open to travel.
Rates
See my offerings below
to study the craft of poetry
and/or bring your work from page to stage.
Live & Asynchronous Classes
Poetry classes via Zoom
$200 for 4 week courses
or
$250 for 6 week courses
Payment:
Due at registration
Best for students who want community, confidence, guidance through writing prompts, and consistent creative growth
Poetry Tutoring
One-on-one support
$50 per 1 hour session
Payment:
Due upon completion of session
First Session:
Free
Best for poets who want support with craft, voice, revision, performance, or creative development.
Live Performance
Poetry that moves
$300 for up to 2 hour shows
Payment:
Half due upfront
Booking Terms:
Rates increase for travel
Best for cultural events, educational spaces, community gatherings, private events, and purpose-driven performances.
@Pamela-Banks-20
jazsinger0@gmail.com
jazsinger0@gmail.com
$Pamela-Banks-52
$jazpoet
Cancellation Policy: If tutoring client or student cancels within the hour of the session, there is a $25 fee for time, preparation, and inconvenience. This clause protects both teacher & students. This does not apply to emergencies (on both ends).
All service fees to be split 50/50
Transactions will come through from Pamela Banks.
“Racism
You are
A breathing wound imprinted upon God's creation
Carved into the psyche of my ancestors
You are a brandished whip
Cross-stitched on the backs
Of my
Brothers
Children
Sisters
Racism
You are
The tombs which boldly traversed great oceans
To trade black blood for your profit, entertainment & privilege
Racism
You are an
Institutional
Systemic
Oppressive
Global
Pandemic
That rolls over & over into every century
To show your diseased face
Like the bloated body & bulged eyes
Of Emmett Till
Racism
You are a
Thief
of
Pulse
and
Purpose.
Of
Laughter
Dignity
and
Healing
Of
Home
Value
and
Humanity
Of
Unity
Of
Free
Of
THE AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY TREE…”
~ excerpt from To Snatch Black Gold from Sunlight
Supportive fans, friends & family:
You can purchase copies of one of my books and my album below.
Serenading Flowers:
A Book of Dedications
Nicole M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Beautiful!
Such a beautiful book of poetry! This writer is so talented. I can’t wait to see what she does in the future.
Where to buy
A Higher Place.
(Available on all digital platforms)
Angela Greco
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Beautiful worship music!
"A Higher Place" is an ideal album to get into the presence of God. With captivating melodies, beautiful songwriting and catchy instrumental backing, each song has a distinct flair and focus. Jaz's vocals soar, showcasing her mezzo soprano range and unique stylings. She draws influences from CCM, rock, pop and jazz and more on this album. Another treat is the spoken word aspect of the album, beautifully placed at the beginning and end. Not only do you hear the worship, you also connect with Jaz's testimony. You will find yourself singing along once you get to know the songs. My personal favorite is "Amazing Love".
Where to buy
Bandcamp: https://jazmusic6.bandcamp.com/album/a-higher-place
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Higher-Place-Jaz/dp/B0CL8MY2NV
7digital: https://uk.7digital.com/artist/jaz/release/a-higher-place-33623474?f=20%2C19%2C12%2C16%2C17%2C9%2C2
Where to listen
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/a-higher-place/1712406354
Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/artist/jaz/a-higher-place/ALp2Xg33Zw2Vk4m
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1eYY63yarFlt9vlqBJJthM
YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/search?q=Jaz+A+Higher+Place
Discovery + Reference
Shazam: https://www.shazam.com/song/1712406366/a-higher-place
RadioAirplay: https://www.radioairplay.com/bands/824290
Worldwide Music Directory: https://www.worldwidemusicdirectory.com/jaz
ReverbNation): https://www.reverbnation.com/jazsinger
BIO
Jaz, an award-winning poetry teaching artist from Philadelphia, PA, is known for her work as a…
Published Poet
Author
Performance Poet
Composer
Vocalist
Songwriter (ASCAP)
Recording Artist
Actress
Playwright
Theater Director
Educator
Primary Qualifications:
MFA in Creative Writing/Poetry from Goddard College
BA in Theater from Temple University.
regularly served as Co-Copy Editor for Goddard College's literary journal The Pitkin Review with several publications in the journal including:
The Pitkin Interviews (a spotlight feature) [ https://thepitkinreview.com/2022/04/the-pitkin-interviews-april-2022-jaz-poetry-spring-2022/ ]
Spring 2022 Residency [ https://thepitkinreview.com/2022/06/june-2022-spotlight-at-work-spring-2022-residency/ ]
Over 25 years as an award-winning published poet and 24 years as a performance poet
the 2017 Honoree of Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges & Universities
2024 Finalist of Grubstreet Teaching Fellowship for Black Writers
Award-winning Published Poet / Author
Jaz's body of published work spans over 2 decades going back to the year 2000 and she has been performing her work since the year 2002. Jaz's poem "Please Don't Drop the Children" was recently published in the Spring 2025 issue of Porcupine Literary: A Journal by and for Teachers. Jaz's work was recently published in Moonstone Press's Tribute to Sonia Sanchez (Happy 90th Birthday). Another recent publication was in the Summer issue of Moonstone Press's Haiku Day 2024 and her poem "TrAuMa" published in the Fall 2024 issue of Porcupine Literary: A Journal by and for Teachers. Some more recent publications are in the Winter 2023 issue of The Moonstone Press "Remembering Sylvia Plath"(poetry), the Spring 2023 issue of The Pitkin Review (poetry) and the Spring 2023 issue of The Goddard Gyst (editorial feature). Jaz had a Winter 2022 spoken word feature of her poem "SKIN" on 2020-2021 Philly Poet Laureate Trapeta Mayson’s(founder) The Healing Verse Poetry Line 1-855-POEMRX2. Jaz is the author of poetry chapbooks The Carving Out Of A Butterfly’s Wings Parts I and II and one poetry book Serenading Flowers: A Book of Dedications (the latter available on Amazon). Jaz's own current writing project is her poetry manuscript "From Beneath the Indigo". Jaz’s poem, titled: To Snatch Black Gold From Sunlight, is the 2020 Community Finalist in the Temple University-sponsored Short Fiction/Poetry contest by French publishing house Short Edition. She is also the 2008 Second Place Winner of Blue Mountain Arts Eleventh Biannual poetry contest for her poem We Poets. Jaz’s poetry has been featured in multiple anthologies, literary magazines, and online journals such as The Pitkin Review, Struggle, Literary House Review, APIARY, Poetry Ink, Penn Review, and Westward Quarterly among others. Her work has also been featured on internet, podcast, and public radio (Philly's own Tiffany Bacon's "Whispers in the Dark").
Performance Poet / Vocalist / Recording Artist
When she's blessed with divine opportunities, Jaz performs songs and poetry at featured performances as a soloist and as a member of "For Women Collective": a Philadelphia-based international performance ensemble and "Philly Jawns". Jaz has shared stages with Natalie “The Floacist” Stewart of R&B duo “Floetry” fame in Philly’s FLO Vortex poetry shows at Philadelphia's legendary venue WarmDaddy’s. She’s also shared stages with her sister-in-word, legendary Philly poet Ursula Rucker. Jaz, along with her friend and fellow poet Adriann “The Pen” Bautista, co-founded the all-female performance ensemble "Wings of Worth". Jaz 's Christian album of original songs & poetry "A Higher Place" was recorded, co-produced and released by Jaz in winter 2023 and is available on all digital platforms. She also recorded her song "2 Years” and "Betta Off Blue" (find "Betta Off Blue" on YouTube, Spotify, and iTunes), and a professional corporate voiceover for Temple University.
Actress / Playwright / Director
In the Theater world, Jaz is an actress (plays, musicals, staged readings). Jaz's one-act play "States of Clay" was part of an online production at Goddard College during her Spring 2023 residency. Jaz’s most recent short poetic play “Out Of The Heart Wicked Things Doth Come” was cast, produced and directed by Jaz for Venice Island Performing Arts Center’s “2nd Annual Evening of Shorts & “4th Annual ShoeBox Theatre Festival in the summer of 2025. Behind the scenes Jaz has served as an Assistant to The Producer, Hair Assistant(film), and Production Dramaturg. She has also been a photographic model for over 20 years.
Educator / Teaching Artist
As an educator, Jaz co-facilitated/co-taught the workshop “Hacking Your G1” for the college’s Spring 2022 semester. She began teaching her introductory poetry workshop "The Body of Our Poetry" at Goddard College's Spring 2023 and Fall 2023 residencies. After graduation Jaz was the resident creative writing/poetry instructor for adult students at the online lab/writing community SCRiBLAB for 2 years. Jaz has taught her poetry class "Your Poetic Voice" for Philly’s Mt. Airy Learning Tree's online platform and in person. She has also taught her inaugural poetry class "The Body of Our Poetry" and her class "Living Poetry" for the literary community Project Write Now. Jaz has taught "The Body of Our Poetry" and her newest class "Performance Poetry: Making Ears Lean In Closer" for the literary community Poets House (and for Mt. Airy Learning Tree in Philly). Since 2024, Jaz has served as guest teaching artist at Project Write Now. Jaz has written recommendations for a few of her poetry students moving onto further study the craft of poetry in graduate school. One of Jaz’s poems was the subject of a creative writing class at Community College of Philadelphia. She has been educating K-6 students in the public school system for 6 years now. Jaz is blessed to learn and graced to educate; therefore, she is student as well as teacher.
Published Credits(Abbrev. List)
Here is a short list of my publications that are still available, though my published works span 2 decades.
https://www.porcupineliterary.com/post/please-don-t-drop-the-children
https://www.porcupineliterary.com/post/trauma
https://thepitkinreview.com/2022/04/the-pitkin-interviews-april-2022-jaz-poetry-spring-2022/
https://thepitkinreview.com/2022/06/june-2022-spotlight-at-work-spring-2022-residency/
https://drexelpaperdragon.com/dream/
Award Winning Poetry Links
https://www.sps.com/11-second-place
WE POETS
https://short-edition.com/en/author/jaz-withonez
To Snatch Black Gold From Sunlight
FAQs
What payment methods do you take?
What video platforms do you use?
I prefer Zoom but I also do Google meet and Microsoft Teams
How do I schedule my first tutoring session?
Please contact me through my email jazsinger0@gmail.com or through my contact form.
What classes do you offer?
Classes are listed here.
Are you accredited?
I do not run a formal, accredited university or college. This is an independent learning experience designed for personal, professional, and creative development.
Because
Students Are Worth The Investment
Worth
Wholeness
Worth
Celebration
Worth
Intercessions
Worth
Agape love
Worth
Safe spaces
Worth the breaking of strongholds
And the healing of generations
