Jazz a Musical Art that is Very Hard to Define

The African American community in the southern part of the United States of America considers Jazz a form of musical arts. They combined their music traditions and finally formed Jazz. The styles of the West African are concrete examples where you can hear the use of blues notes, improvisation, poly-rhythms, syncopation, and the swung note.

From the very beginning until the present, it has also incorporated some music from the 19th and the 20th century’s popular music. Jazz is a slang term of uncertain derivation from West Coast, and then it was first used to refer music in Chicago. From its 20th century foundation, comes a variety of sub genres like big bang style in 1930′s and 1940′s, bebop in mid 1940′s, Latin jazz fusions in 1950′s and 1960′s, jazz rock fusion in 1970′s and acid jazz in 1980′s, which can also be blended jazz influences into hip-hop and funk.

When jazz has become popular to the world, it has caught the attention of local national and regional musical cultures. Its nature being adaptive to its environment causes too many distinctive styles.

In the early 1880′s, jazz has made a great impact to the people especially the western people. Jazz has become a part of their lifestyle and has been the main stream in their entertainment. Every Sunday, they always organized festivals that feature their musical traditions. The Western Africans are the ones responsible for bringing their musical traditions in the United States and has been successful in spreading their musical tradition throughout  the globe. Their musical traditions are commonly used in rituals, and at work. There are some, they use it for other uses like for entertainment, etc.

The music has spread so fast that on the 19th century, many black musicians start to play other instruments from Europe, specifically the violin. These musicians played their own style of music until such time that they were givens honors to their achievements. Their way of playing jazz can be distinguished because they usually place syncopations and accompaniment in their songs.

On the 20th century, jazz continues to appeal to its listeners. Famous jazz musicians such as Wynton Marsalis and Wayne Shorter continue to perform and record their new songs. Now, new and young musicians like Brad Mehldau (pianist), Kurt Rosenwinkel (guitarist), Stefon Harris (vibraphonist), Roy Hargrove (trumpeter), and Saxophonist Chris Potter has emerged.

Music Unveiled

Music is an art form. Basically, its medium is sound organized in time.  The definition of music varies according to culture. It depends on how one sees it and how one deals with it. As what I have learned during my elementary years, the common elements of music are pitch, rhythm and dynamics. Wherein pitch is governed by melody and harmony. Rhythm is the sound and movement that are done repeatedly and gives life to music. It is the life that we feel in our songs and dances. While dynamics refer to the volume of the sound or note, and it changes either gradually or suddenly.

Music also means anything pleasant to hear. Loud sounds are not considered as music; instead, they are classified as noise. Music does not irritate one’s ear. It gives us a nice feeling and enables us to forget our problems in some ways. Music has long been used to help people deal with their emotions. It is sort of a remedy against despair and sadness.  It makes a melancholy man happy, a blooming man more in love and a religious man more devout.

Music is not only shown through singing, it can also be shown through performances such as playing musical instruments and dancing. Music actually depends on the style of the person and the feeling he puts into music. There are persons who love to sing. There are those who are interested in playing musical instruments such as guitar, piano, violin, banduria and the like. And there are also people who love dancing. All of these has its own approach and has its own kind.

Music is also classified according to style. It can be a classical music, jazz, disco, modern, pop or slow rock. A person’s interest in music depends on the kind of person he is. The younger generation usually loves to listen to modern, disco and pop music, while the older generation prefers slow and classical music.  Our love for music is not taught or learned.  It comes from within. Music is a magic. It just comes naturally and freely to a certain individual. We need not go to school and spend a lot of money just to learn music. However, if we want, we can enhance our love for music through enrolling to a music school. And there, we will be taught on the different techniques and how to be a skilled musician.

Music changes through time. Its composition depends on how a composer or an artist wants it to be. Music is therefore, composed and performed for many purposes. May it be just for fun or pleasure or for a certain social activity like birthday celebration, debut or any party, religious or ceremonial activity like weddings or ordination and the like, while some music is composed for performances like concerts and opera.

Music is shown through different forms of media. Nowadays, we have the so called iPods, mp3 players, cd’s and even in computers, and we can already download music through limewire or iTunes. The world is changing. And as it changes, people discover new things, new ideas and new innovations. For as long as we are alive, music will always be a part of us. Music is never ending and always gives meaning to our life.