Jazz Musician

The African American tradition of jazz continues to be a thriving artform in the United States and around the world with ever-growing performance opportunities. Defined by its emphasis on improvisation, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and unique harmonizations, jazz ensembles are most frequently composed of a melody section (usually vocal, brass, woodwind, and string instruments) and a rhythm section (standup or electric bass and drum set). Musicians have a deep understanding of the jazz tradition. They spend thousands of hours listening and building mastery over the artistic and technical performance of their instrument in a variety of jazz styles.

Jazz ensembles can be large (big bands, jazz orchestras) or small groups (duos, trios, quartets, quintets, and more). Membership in large ensembles is often by audition, where candidates must display their improvisation and performance abilities in addition to their knowledge of jazz repertoire. Small ensembles are frequently formed by peers who work their way up in the performance world, starting with countless small gigs before getting invited to perform at larger venues and events.

Those wanting to pursue a career in jazz must be passionate about creativity, the artform, and its history. Undergraduate and graduate degrees in jazz performance are common ways to study with a master, get extensive performance and recording experience, hear new ideas, and integrate instrumental proficiency with an understanding of jazz history, composition, theory, harmony, and improvisation.