How to Become a Jazz Musician

Jazz is a diverse genre, which encompasses many different types of music. If you're interested in pursuing this quintessentially American art form, this page on how to become a jazz musician will show you how to get started.

Jazz Great John Coltrane

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osbornesenar123 added a comment October 28, 2009 07:55 PM
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Introduction
- Jazz began around the beginning of the 20th century in African-American communities in the southern United States. It merged African and European musical traditions to create a brand new American art form. It spread north to Chicago and Harlem, picking up local influences and evolving as it spread across the country. Very few jazz musicians earn a living from their music; they play for the love of the music, and pay their bills with a day job.
Step 1: Learn an Instrument
- As with any style of music, you can't become a jazz musician without knowing how to play an instrument. Almost any instrument can be used for jazz, but these are typical:
  - Saxophone
  - Trumpet
  - Trombone
  - Clarinet
  - Piano
  - Guitar
  - Double bass
  - Drums
- Your voice can also be considered an instrument; jazz singers are also jazz musicians.
Step 2: Develop Improvisation Skills
- Jazz is an art form that is based on improvisations. Improvisation doesn't just mean going off on your own, and playing what ever notes you like, there are techniques you can practice in order to become better at improvising. Here are a few links that may help you refine your improv skills:
  - University of Wisconsin: Jazz Improvisation
  - Outside Shore Music: A Jazz Improvisation Primer
  - A Passion for Jazz: Jazz Improvisation
Step 3: Jam With Other Musicians
- While you can play jazz as a solo musician, you can refine your skills by playing with other musicians. Jam with friends, or take a risk and bring your instrument to a local bar that has nights where musicians meet to play. Many taverns and clubs have open mic night, as well, where you can practice playing in front of an audience and get instant feedback on your music. These are usually unpaid gigs, but you'll be able to polish your skills in a group setting.
Conclusion
- Perhaps you'll develop a following, record a CD, get picked up by the media, and vault to stardom. Even if that does not happen, however, you can feed your souls as a jazz musician, even if you may need to seek out other work to pay the rent and feed your body.
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