He gave each young musician a brief lesson, stressing each instrument's unique aspects and concluded with a discussion of communication and democracy in jazz.
"We're supposed to listen to each other in jazz," he said. "What you discard and what you elevate will determine your identity."
During a question and answer session, Marsalis said many young people do not listen to jazz because it is part of a marginalized culture.
"We just haven't embraced the philosophy of the music and the musicians," he said.
At the conclusion of the lecture, and after many standing ovations, Marsalis performed a one-man duet of George Gershwin's "Embraceable You," simultaneously playing trumpet and piano.
Various University programs have been attempting to bring Marsalis to Harvard for the past three years.
And Saturday, he said he was glad he finally came.
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