How do you teach Jazz on the piano

Hi
I have a passed of classical piano lessons, (when I was a child) and now I have taken up lessons again with a teacher who plays jazz/blues for the main part.
I am really interested in getting into jazz, but she says that the best way to get their is to play blues first and from there go to jazz. Is that the really the most effective way?
I really want to get to jazz as soon as possible.
thanks for your thoughts.

If your teacher recommends learning to play the blues before tackling jazz, she's right to think that way. There is a relaxed feel to blues, and an emotion very, very different from classical. Jazz can be very challenging, and though you have training already if you want to delve into jazz then you'd best suck it up and play the blues first. If you don't then your jazz will sound attacked and unpallatable. You need to get the right feeling for the keys in your mind and heart, but also for your hands to get it too. I know you won't be steered wrong by following your teacher's teaching methods. She sounds like an excellent teacher for being honest and training you right, instead of throwing you into something you're not really ready for. Best of luck!! ~B~