Music Styles
Peter DiCarlo
Bernardsville Middle School
pdicarlo@shsd.org
Developing A Virtuoso:
The Importance Of Studying Classical And Jazz Music
devoting a significant portion of their prac- cal music, the incorporation of jazz etudes
M
any of my students have a
good idea of which style of
tice time to studying jazz music. They were in musical studies also draws upon the need
music they like to play from
discouraged because of the very limited for a unique set of technical skills. The
the time they begin their musical careers.
ensemble and performance opportunities recognition of intervals and chromaticism
Whether they choose to study one of the
offered to them. Creating a balance between in melodic lines will become comfortable to
two most popular genres of music, classical
classical and jazz studies in lessons has been students when sufficient time is spent
or jazz, students tend to only want to focus
a difficult endeavor, but when incorporated exploring this style of music. The added
their time and energy on one musical style.
into their weekly practice routine, students exposure to note patterns seen in jazz mate-
The instrument they play typically influ-
will commit to the work. rial can support further technical and har-
ences the decision as to which style of music
It has become my focus to introduce monic understanding of music.
they will choose. Flautists and clarinetists
students to various styles of music that will Exploring various styles of music is cer-
view their instrument as predominately
develop areas of their musicianship that tainly not a new concept. When looking
classical, while saxophonists see themselves
may be neglected by only focusing on one back on musicians who left their mark on
as the next Charlie Parker. Their choice of
genre of music. Incorporating classical and the jazz and classical worlds, many names
instrument has set them down a path of
jazz etudes into my lessons was the impetus come to mind: Benny Goodman, Hubert
predetermined musical experiences that will
for unlocking the technical and harmonic Laws, Wynton and Branford Marsalis have
shape their overall music education. I have
potential of my students. Affording stu- all made many contributions that have pos-
found that introducing students to music of
dents the opportunity to focus on both jazz itively impacted the music world. The cre-
various genres in lessons is an important
and classical music has strengthened their ative realms of these musicians grew out of
method of strengthening their overall per-
potential as well-rounded musicians and a substantial study of both classical and jazz
formance abilities and broadening their
contributed to the further development and music. What separates these musicians,
musical experience. This heightened per-
success of the genre of music they prefer to aside from their immense musical dedica-
formance practice applies directly to their
play. tion and talent, is their ability to perform
musical achievement and improvement in
There are many technical and harmon- without technical barriers on their instru-
whichever genre of music they decide to
ic benefits from studying jazz and classical ments. The limits of their creative potential
focus.
music. Many traditional, classical etudes are in no way impeded by harmonic or
Students want to study music and
stress comprehension and fluidity through- melodic constraints related to their techni-
repertoire that they deem worthy of
out the instrument’s range in a diatonic cal facility because of their deep under-
improving their specific performance goals
median. This method of study reinforces standing of both jazz and classical idioms.
and shy away from genres of music that take
the understanding of scales, chords and Their technical and harmonic knowledge
them away from their focus. I have had
arpeggios. Etudes of this nature are impor- has brought them to an almost limitless
many saxophone students who were hesi-
tant for developing a fundamental under- level of virtuosity.
tant to commit time to learning important
standing of scales and harmony, which are Both jazz and classical styles of music
classical etudes that would further develop
the building blocks of tonal music. provide technical and harmonic skills that
their technique and improve their creative
Jazz etudes provide students with an are important to the development of young
potential. These saxophonists wanted to
alternate harmonic sound and a unique set musicians. It is through exposure to various
spend time practicing jazz etudes and
of technical challenges. Jazz materials pres- stylistic differences, note patterns and inter-
improvising, neglecting the crucial practice
ent music that incorporates chromaticism vals that students can deepen their musical
requirements that would improve their
and the extensive use of intervals into their understanding and reach their own unique
overall musicianship. While my clarinet stu-
melodies. This type of harmony has the performance goals.
dents do enjoy practicing jazz etudes and
potential to further expand aural cognition,
repertoire, they could not see the point in
manual dexterity and creativity. Like classi-
TEMPO 76 MAY 2009
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