Unit: Elements Of Jazz
Unit: Elements Of Jazz |
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While a simple definition of jazz does not exist, one can describe jazz in terms of how it differs from other styles of music in its use of the various elements of music. This unit explores some of the things that make jazz unique - some of the things you can be listening for in jazz.
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A Jazz Improvisation Almanac |
This is a preview of the educational program A Jazz Improvisation Almanac which is under development for the Outside Shore Music Online School. Feel free to browse this preview and learn what you can from it. For a more completed product, though, check out the original freely browsable jazz textbook, A Jazz Improvisation Primer. What is jazz? It is not my intention to give a complete definition of jazz or to say precisely what is jazz and what is not. Instead, I describe various elements of jazz individually. Some elements may be more important than other elements. For example, the general consensus is that swing rhythm and improvisation are the two most important elements of jazz. There are many who will not consider a performance jazz if it contains no improvisation, and others who will not consider it jazz if it does not fit their concept of swing. I believe there is no exact formula by which one can evaluate a piece of music to determine if it is jazz, nor do I believe it is particularly important to be able to label music in this manner. After reading the following chapters, however, you should be able recognize elements of jazz when you hear them and decide for yourself what they mean to you. You may already have a good idea of what jazz is. Even if so, I encourage you to read the discussions in the following chapters, as they may yield new insights. A better understanding of jazz may also increase your appreciation for it, and if you are a musician, your success in playing it. Also, the concepts discussed in these chapters form the foundation for many of the discussions in later chapters, so I advise you to start here.
Copyright 2000 Outside Shore Music
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Unit: Elements Of Jazz |
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