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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 United States is not the only place that the music called jazz found a popular audience. The appeal of jazz music spread throughout Europe and is now popular in many countries in South America, Asia and Australia.

Jazz is characterized through the use of 'blue notes', improvisation and syncopation. It is largely based on the more spontaneous expression of musicians rather than being limited to a written musical score. Jazz became widely popular in the 1930s and was dominated by African American musicians. During this time, there was also a rise in 'white' jazz singers. However, this era of 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.

Jazz is a musical style that contains a lot of self-expression. Open your mind to many different jazz musicians by listening to them play and then joining a group of musicians in your own jazz combo. Because of its improvisational character, Jazz is usually not the kind of music that can be perfected by individual practice.

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.

To begin learning the basic techniques of jazz improvisation, it is important to alter the notes of your song here and there when playing. This holds true whether your are learning the jazz guitar, piano, trumpet, violin, saxophone, or any of the multitude 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 improvisation workshops - Music school in St Leonards, Sydney, Australia, specializing in jazz and improvised music. Private lessons on all jazz instruments, ensembles, school holiday workshops and masterclasses.