Music conservatories and academia have long placed a significant emphasis on jazz and classical music due to their historical and cultural significance. Jazz, originating in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in African American communities, is considered a unique and original American art form. It has been recognized as a symbol of freedom, expression, and creativity and has had a profound impact on the world of music and popular culture.
Classical music, on the other hand, has a longer history dating back to the medieval period and has been a significant part of Western classical music tradition. It has been considered a cornerstone of Western civilization and has played a vital role in shaping the development of music over several centuries.
Both jazz and classical music have been widely studied and analyzed, and their structures, techniques, and styles have been well documented. As a result, conservatories and academic institutions have developed extensive curriculums dedicated to the study of these musical forms. This includes not only performance training but also the study of music theory, history, and analysis.
Furthermore, jazz and classical music are considered to be highly technical and demanding forms of music. This is why they are often used as benchmark standards for measuring musical proficiency and technical skill. For example, classical music performance is often judged based on the performer’s ability to play complex pieces with accuracy and precision, while jazz performance is often evaluated based on the performer’s ability to improvise and interact with other musicians in real-time.
In conclusion, the emphasis on jazz and classical music in conservatories and academia is due to their historical and cultural significance, the extensive study and analysis of their structures and techniques, and the demanding nature of their performance. These factors have made jazz and classical music an integral part of music education, and their study continues to provide students with a solid foundation for a successful career in music.
Source:
- “Jazz: A History of America’s Music” by Geoffrey C. Ward and Ken Burns.
- “Classical Music: A Beginner’s Guide” by Julian Haylock.
