Jazz and classical music have been studied academically for various reasons, whereas heavy metal and similar genres of music have not received the same level of academic attention. This discrepancy can be attributed to several factors, including the historical significance, cultural impact, and musical complexity of these styles of music.
Classical music, often referred to as “art music,” has a long and rich history dating back to the medieval period. It is considered to be an important part of Western musical tradition and has played a significant role in shaping the course of music history. This genre of music has been studied academically due to its historical and cultural significance, as well as its musical complexity.
Jazz, on the other hand, is a musical style that originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in African American communities in the United States. It is considered to be a unique and important part of American musical heritage and has had a significant impact on the development of other musical styles such as rock, hip-hop, and soul. As a result, jazz has been studied academically to understand its cultural and historical significance, as well as its musical structure and improvisational techniques.
In contrast, heavy metal and similar genres of music have not received the same level of academic attention. One reason for this is that these styles of music are often seen as less sophisticated and less culturally significant than classical and jazz music. Additionally, heavy metal and similar genres of music are often associated with youth culture and subcultures, which can make them seem less relevant or important to some people.
Another factor that may contribute to the lack of academic study of heavy metal and similar genres of music is the lack of musical complexity in these styles. Unlike classical and jazz music, which often feature intricate musical structures, complex harmonies, and sophisticated arrangements, heavy metal and similar genres of music often rely on simple chord progressions, straightforward rhythms, and straightforward song structures.
Despite the lack of academic attention, heavy metal and similar genres of music continue to be popular and influential. According to a study by the International Music Products Association, heavy metal is the second-largest subgenre of music in terms of sales and revenue, with an estimated global fanbase of over 200 million people.
In conclusion, jazz and classical music have been studied academically due to their historical and cultural significance, as well as their musical complexity. In contrast, heavy metal and similar genres of music have not received the same level of academic attention due to factors such as their association with youth culture and subcultures, and their perceived lack of musical sophistication.
