Jazz Improvisation, A Fascinating Musical Sub-genre
Jazz is an original American form of music. Some believe it was first played in South America, but there’s no question it was developed into a distinct and mature genre in the United States. It has developed into a popular and relevant part of American music. In the early history of jazz it was greatly influenced by blues music. In the late twentieth century jazz was an important and popular form of music enjoyed initially by African Americans in the southern U.S. and honed to a fine art in cities up and down the Mississippi River.
The music that was called jazz was popular in many countries, including the United States. At the same time it quickly spread to many countries in Europe, and then to many parts of Asia, South America and Australia.
What makes jazz unique? Among other things the unique features of Jazz include ‘blue notes,” improvisation and syncopation. Jazz relies primarily on the spontaneous expression of the musicians - usually playing in small groups - and does not necessarily use a written score. The 1930s saw a rapid rise in the popularity of jazz. Although black musicians dominated the jazz scene, the 1930s saw an increase in the number of white jazz singers and players. But during this time jazz still remained true to its roots and to the African-American blues musicians who created it.
Jazz is a music of the world. It combines classical, popular and traditional American music with important strains of European and African musical traditions. Jazz is very technically sophisticated while still remaining spontaneous and improvisational. To really develop a good understanding and appreciation of jazz it is important to experience all aspects of the music, listen to the masters and join other musicians in playing. Jazz is truly a group experience.
The process of “putting yourself into the music” via improvising is essential to jazz. This ability must be acquired, and it is best learned while performing with other quality players. Quite often, you can make advances with peers by playing together in a “combo”. Unlike other types of music, the interplay of the individual instruments is the heart and soul of jazz.
If you do not have an idea where to start, go back to the beginning of your book. You know everything about the simple songs you began with, so now you can think about experimenting with them and making them your own. Attend performances, listen to a lecture, think about improvisation, then “just do it.” Once you have pleasing variations on simple songs, apply those skills to more complex tunes. Never forget that jazz is just as much about revealing your soul to the world as technical virtuosity.
Playing the notes of the song with a little alteration here and there is an important way to begin learning the basic techniques of jazz improvisation. This applies whether you are learning the jazz guitar, piano, trumpet, violin, saxophone, or any of a hundred other instruments used in jazz.
Immerse yourself in jazz music by listening to both contemporary and traditional jazz masters. There are also schools of musical instruction that specialize in teaching jazz, jazz improvisation, jazz soloing, and many other facets of the discipline. If you are serious about playing jazz music, one of these jazz schools might be the most direct way to get your career as a jazz musician going in the right direction.
Jazz music is one of the richest, most expressive and most satisfying genres of music for the musician looking for creative expression. The magic which jazz creates cannot be expressed in words. It is entertaining and appropriate for almost any occasion where people are interested in actually listening to the music. And it is challenging and rewarding for the musicians too. What could be better than that?
jazz lessons - Music school in St Leonards, Sydney, Australia, specializing in jazz and improvised music. We offer private lessons on all jazz instruments, ensembles, school holiday workshops and masterclasses. Our teachers are among the best jazz educators in Australia.
- Howard Brule
