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From the Neanderthal flute to a DJ controller with more buttons than a cockpit panel of an airplane, music has been the primary medium of creative self-expression since the dawn of mankind.
As a genre that encourages improvisation, collaboration, and individuality - a far cry from some of the more formulaic branches of music, jazz offers a particularly inventive platform for students to explore their creativity and find their unique voice. Join us as we dive deeper into why jazz should be your genre of choice to expand your imagination and supercharge your creativity.
Emphasis on Improvisation
Unlike classical music, which relies heavily on written compositions, jazz provides musicians with the freedom to create and innovate in real time. Through improvisation, players are encouraged to follow their instincts, venture into uncharted territory, and take more risks, which helps them develop a strong intuitive sense of music. It's a genre like no other when it comes to pumping up that creative muscle and birthing something purely original that comes from the heart.
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In stark contrast with the mostly memorize-repeat approach of conventional music, this process of spontaneous creation that jazz is all about fosters a sense of ownership over their musical expression, allowing students to explore their unique selves and forge their personal style. Why just admire and emulate when you can be the creator, and, who knows, maybe one day you will manage to branch a whole new style within this powerful genre?
Exploring Cultural Diversity
Jazz has a rich, layered, and somewhat enigmatic history rooted in African-American culture and further influenced by European and Latin American musical traditions down the line, making it a product of diverse cultural and traditional influences that knows no racial or ethnic bounds. If the tendencies of the 21st century have taught us anything, it's that cultural awareness and openness to diversity is the key to thriving in the modern, increasingly unified world. Learning about jazz means learning about cultural heritage, variance in musical techniques, different flows of rhythm, and exposing yourself to a much wider frame of reference, not just in music but as a whole. Convinced? Here are the best jazz resources the internet has to offer that will get you started on your potentially life-defining journey.
Boosting Mental Growth
Students who play jazz are required to hone their abilities to think critically, discern fine musical patterns, and make split-second judgments. These mental exercises greatly improve focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. Jazz activates all main brain functions at the same time - concentration, memory, imaginative exploration, creative thinking, and improvisation, meaning that its benefits span way beyond mere musical skill and competency, and the mental with and abilities obtained through jazz are applicable in all areas of life.
Unsurprisingly, then, according to extensive research, music - especially jazz - has been shown to have an enhancing effect on overall cognitive development.
Bottom Line
From its roots in African-American culture to its influence on various existing and newly emerging musical styles, jazz has left an indelible mark on the world of music since its conception about a century ago. With its conceptual emphasis on improvisation, jazz focuses on individuality and self-expression. It celebrates distinctness, placing it head and shoulder above all other genres when it comes to boosting creativity and finding one's unique self, which is what the student years are all about.
Author’s bio
Olivia Evans is a gifted content creator and an avid music blogger. With her keen ear for discerning talent and a knack for captivating storytelling, she has established herself as something of a trusted guru for seekers of quality music online. Through her thought-provoking articles and wide social media presence, Olivia continues to inspire her growing follower base and connect artists with their fans-to-be all around the globe.