Jazz music is a very popular genre of music and is actually a very important kind of American classical music. Some believe that jazz originated in the early twentieth century in South America. But there is no question that the early development of jazz took place in the United States and was greatly influenced by blues music. Blues was especially popular among African Americans in the first half of the 20th century in the rural south and in cities such as New Orleans, St. Louis and Chicago.

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 are the characteristics of jazz music? Jazz makes use of 'blue notes', improvisation and syncopation. For the most part it is not tied to a written musical score, but rather relies on the more spontaneous expression of the musicians. Jazz became immensely popular in the 1930's. The 1930's also saw the rise of 'white' jazz singers in addition to the African American musicians who dominated jazz in its early years. But in this era jazz music continued to reflect the characteristics of the blues-oriented black musicians who invented and originally developed it.

Jazz music is constantly flowing and changing. It has always reflected American classical music, as well as popular, urban and rural American musical traditions. African and European styles dating back hundreds of years also find their way into jazz compositions. Jazz is constantly changing and intricately complex while remaining spontaneous and improvisational. So the best way to really feel it is to become part of it. Get into the jazz scene. Listen to jazz masters, and best of all, perform it yourself. Ultimately, jazz is something to be shared with others.

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.

For a musician learning improvisation, it is wiser to begin with simple songs. Basic techniques can be learned through listening to other musicians, experimenting, or taking some lessons. Those techniques, once mastered, can be applied in a more advanced way to more complicated songs. Remember, too, that a jazz musician is more about self-expression than technique.

Start experimenting by playing the music the way is written, but occasionally modifying certain phrasings and adding a few embellishments of your own. This is a great way to become comfortable with jazz improvisation. This process of "intentionally messing up", and learning what sounds good is not just for piano or guitar, but can be applied to any of the hundreds of 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.

One of the richest, most expressive and satisfying genres of music for the musician looking for creative expression is, without a doubt, jazz. It creates a magic which cannot be expressed in words. When people are really interested in actually listening to the music, jazz can be the most appropriate and entertaining type of music you can choose for almost any occasion. Being equally challenging and rewarding for the musician - 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.