Courses
Performance Poetry : Making Ears Lean In Closer
at Project Write Now
(traditionally a 4-wk session)
What happens to a poem when it leaves the page and steps into a room? How does a poet’s breath, voice, and body turn words into something an audience feels in their chest?
In this class, we explore the craft of performance poetry: cadence, tone, inflection, and the body all become tools for shaping how a poem lands. We look at how a reader’s emotional, mental, and physical presence shapes a performance, and we get into audience reactions and interactions, including what to do (and not do) when we hit silence, or “dead air.” Through watching and dissecting a handful of performances, then performing pieces of our own (or another writer’s work), we uncover the who, what, where, when, why, how, and wonder of bringing poetry to life on stage.
You leave with new tools for reading your poetry aloud, a deeper understanding of what makes a performance land, and the confidence to bring your own words from page to stage.
Whether you’re new to performance or looking to sharpen your stage presence, this class offers a space
Mondays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
September 14th - October 5th
Online via Zoom
The Body of Our Poetry
(traditionally a 6-wk session)
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
August 11th - September 15th
Online via Zoom
Recommendations
from Students
(past & present)
Margaret
I love Pamela's classes! She awakened me to my long-lost passion for writing poetry with her intuitive instruction, her creative and absorbing classes, and her always heartfelt encouragement.
I want to take more classes!
Yvette
I have taken a six week course with this instructor at Mt. Airy Learning Tree called “Your Poetic Voice.” I absolutely loved this course and could not get enough of it each week. I have learned more than I ever imagined I would learn in this class.
I have a informal poetry background, but had no real understanding of the many different elements that bring Poetry together formally. Poetry is such a large world.
Ms. Pamela (aka Jaz Banks - Award Winning Published Poet - Educator/Instructor and holds many more established titles) is a wonderful instructor and Poet. I am grateful for her craft, her ability to share and teach in a way that allows your imprint to be present, but also gives room for new poetic knowledge to be absorbed.
I appreciated all the intentionality that she put into the course. The time, energy, planning and structured format of the class and ways in which she decided to approach this course was amazing.
I am humbled and honored to have been a student within this course. I would have paid twice for this class as it definitely exceeded my expectations.
She inspired me to actively write poetry again and reignited a passion in my heart for the arts. I am forever grateful!
Valerie
I've known Pamela for over 30 years as a friend, mentor and a teacher. She inspires me to create and to excel in writing.
She is patient and is very knowledgeable in poetry, writing and the English language. She takes her art seriously as well as her profession.
Eryn
Pamela is a caring, inspiring and motivating teacher. She drew all the students out and we developed a great rapport.
I learned so much from her and opened my eyes to poetry. She brings her own experiences to class which greatly enhanced our learning.
Angela G.
I had the pleasure of having Pamela for a poetry teacher and also know her as a long time friend. As a teacher and person, Pam is engaging, knowledgeable, kind, patient and fun.
She is also a poetic and musical gem to the city of Philadelphia.
I recommend her class to someone just starting their writing journey as well as a seasoned writer. I believe that everyone would walk away with new knowledge and a fresh love for poetry.
Angela
I attended one of Pamela Banks' phenomenal and interactive online classes. I am a poet, and a National Board Certified Teacher, and I learned volumes from her.
Her facilitating, interpersonal, and supportive style for virgin writers and for those that are well-versed in poetry were launched into a stratosphere that only Ms. Banks can birth. I learned about editing, style, voice, alliteration, and so much more.
Pamela Banks will be an asset to your platform. Her knowledge and manner births life and creative productivity to those that interact with her. Her skill set is golden.”
Heather
I’m glad Jaz was the first person I reached out to when I got serious about performance poetry.
Before working with her, I had pent up, creative energy but lacked structure, wanting to perform but didn’t yet know how to fully inhabit the stage or ground what I was expressing.
I began working with Jaz last year, and our work continues. As my tutor and performance poetry coach, she’s helped me refine not just what I write, but how I’ve decided to embody it. My performances are now more intentional and layered in tone and delivery. I trust my pacing, resist rushing, and use silence with purpose.
Though I initially sought her out for performance poetry, her expertise spans poetry, stage performance, singing, and acting, grounded in both academic study and substantial stage experience.
She has a sharp instinct for what’s working and offers precise, reverent feedback. She won’t change your voice. She helps you inhabit it more fully.
On the performance side, she’s helped me improve my cadence, pacing, and the discipline of slowing down. Her philosophy of being the vessel, bending ears, and “feeding the audience” has transformed how I approach the stage. I’ve seen that in her performances too: fierce and potent when appropriate, always grounded in love and care.
Without Jaz, I wouldn’t truly understand how even a slight shift in tone, silence, or gesture can change a message entirely. Working with her has given structure to my creative energy and clarity to my performance practice, and I feel more confident both on video and in front of a live audience.
If you’re looking for a poetry tutor or performance poetry coach, I can’t recommend her enough. Working with Jaz is an investment in your voice.
Teaching Rate (per course)
$200 per student(4 week courses), $250 per student (6 week courses)
Cancellation clause: If tutoring client/student cancels within the hour of the session, there is a $25 fee for my time, preparation, and inconvenience. This clause protects both teacher & students. This does not apply to emergencies (on both ends).