Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Welcome to Jazz Heresy!
This is a blog maintained by the students in the class "Selected Readings in Jazz History" at Boston's New England Conservatory, Fall 2010. Here you'll read criticism, commentary, rants and reactions to assigned readings, in-class discussions and more generally, issues and trends in jazz and contemporary music.
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The "selected reading" from the facebook wall really didn't make my day. I mean I am sure that there is a lot of truth that has to do with musicians not making a lot of money, but they forget the fact that music provides the chance for us to be creative. Studying music, especially jazz, gives its' students a chance to learn how to express themselves creatively with the performance of music. Granted there is not a lot of money involved or fame, that is not the point. Over the weekend I played a few gigs with some older guys who have day jobs doing things other than music. Performing music brings them a really large amount of joy and they love it. I think sometimes musicians loose the fact that music is a hobby for most people. If we are lucky enough to turn that hobby into a profession then we probably have accomplished our goals of being a musician. Just remember when we do get paid to perform that other jobs do not let you be creative like jazz can. Most people do not look forward to sitting in an office for many hours a week over 30 somewhat years. Even if we do not end up as full time musicians, music can be an outlet for us that keeps things fresh from now until forever.
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point, Jon. The real value of music--and of music education--has little to do with money. It's up to each of us, I think, to define the meaning of music, the meaning of success, and the meaning of a successful life in music. This can take an infinite array of forms. We live in a culture that baldly equates personal and professional success with money, and when it comes to music, I think it's really important to tease that out of the equation.
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