JazzMusicArchives.com Homepage
Forum Home Forum Home >Other music related lounges >Jazz related lounge
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - How does theory influence jazz appreciation?
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Register Register  Login Login

How does theory influence jazz appreciation?

 Post Reply Post Reply
Author
Message
Perdido View Drop Down
Forum Newbie
Forum Newbie


Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Location: Portugal
Status: Offline
Points: 7
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Perdido Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: How does theory influence jazz appreciation?
    Posted: 15 Nov 2020 at 7:32am
Hi everyone,

I have been a Jazz listener for quite a while, although I am not a musician nor I have a strong music theory background (can't identify chords or keys  by  ear, for example...)

Since I don't know  personally any other jazz enthusiasts, the only contact I have with other jazz fanatics is through the Internet.

But lately it came to my attention that almost all jazz discussions (particularly on Youtube) are about the technicalities of a particular song ("look how he goes from Eflat to E to the power 3 flat..."). I understand that this is just a language, and perhaps the most convenient language to talk about these various musical ideas. But I it makes  a little bit insecure and afraid that it is not only the appropriate vocabulary to talk about music  that I am lacking, but that I also don't have the right "tools" to appreciate it. That I am listening in the wrong way.

I pretty sure that this is a very silly way of thinking but, nonetheless, I would like to hear your opinion on this and a little bit of assurance/comfort from you guys.

Perdido
Back to Top
js View Drop Down
Forum Admin Group
Forum Admin Group
Avatar
Site admin

Joined: 22 Dec 2010
Location: Memphis
Status: Offline
Points: 34042
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote js Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 15 Nov 2020 at 8:34am
If you are enjoying jazz music, or any other kind of music, thats all that matters, you don't have to label it or identify it.
In the summer I like to go swimming, often I'll float on my back and look at all the different cloud formations. I know nothing about clouds, how they are formed, how to identify the different varieties, I just think they look great.

I'm a music teacher and have two degrees in theory, but I am not always thinking about that when I listen to music. I hear people talk about all the things Sonny Rollins can do with melody. I'm not always hearing it even with my background, but it just sounds good to me.
I'm not thinking about theory when someone plays a hot solo, I'm just thinking, wow, that was exciting, lets hear it again.

I certainly hope jazz listening and appreciation isn't just for musicians, that would be kind of dreary in the long run.
Back to Top
Perdido View Drop Down
Forum Newbie
Forum Newbie


Joined: 16 Aug 2015
Location: Portugal
Status: Offline
Points: 7
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Perdido Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06 Dec 2020 at 9:04am
I agree. Thank you!
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 10.16
Copyright ©2001-2013 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.141 seconds.