Should Piano Beginners Play Jazz?

The question of whether piano beginners should play jazz is a topic of personal choice. While jazz can present a challenge, it also offers a unique form of creative expression and a playing style that is distinct from traditional music education. This article explores the benefits and potential challenges of incorporating jazz into a beginner's piano learning journey, drawing on resources and guidance available online.

Challenges and Benefits

Playing jazz as a beginner is not an impossible feat. Jazz requires a different set of skills, including improvisation and the ability to play without sheet music. However, these skills can be developed gradually as part of a broader piano training regimen. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Foundational Skills: Before diving into jazz, it's essential to establish a solid foundation in piano playing. This includes learning proper finger technique, reading music, and understanding basic music theory. While jazz may initially seem daunting, it can be integrated into a structured learning plan.

2. Creative Expression: Jazz provides a platform for creative expression that is not always available in classical training. Learning to improvise and experiment with different sounds can be exciting and rewarding for beginners.

3. Resource Availability: There are numerous resources available that can guide beginners in incorporating jazz into their learning journey. Online platforms and specialized books offer a wealth of guidance and techniques.

Starting Points for Beginners

For those eager to begin learning jazz as a beginner, there are several steps you can take:

1. Listen and Analyze: Listen to jazz music and pay attention to the sounds of different chords. Understanding how chords interact and how they fit over different rhythm patterns is crucial. Many beginners neglect this skill, but it is an essential part of becoming a jazz player.

2. Start Simple: Begin by learning simple jazz pieces and gradually work your way up to more complex structures. Christopher Norton's Microjazz series is highly recommended for introducing good technical skills from a classical perspective while allowing young players to experience the syncopation, rhythms, and chord structures of various popular styles. Some books in this series even provide opportunities for improvisation.

3. Develop Listening Skills: As a music educator, I always advocate for listening attentively and exploring the sonorities and textures of the piano. These skills are crucial for becoming an improviser.

Encouraging Creativity in Piano Learning

Many music educators, including myself, believe that it is never too early to start teaching improvisatory techniques. Whether younger children are learning by rote and by ear or older students are being introduced to traditional theory and harmony, the ability to improvise is a valuable and enjoyable skill. In my program, we strive to balance the mechanics of reading and performing notated music with the joy of improvising and creating one's own arrangements.

The freedom to add and subtract from written scores makes music-making more fun and "real" for learners. This creative exploratory mindset is fundamental to learning jazz and becoming proficient in playing the standards. As a music educator, I encourage my students to embrace the challenges and celebrate the joy of making music in a contemporary and inclusive manner.

Embarking on a journey to learn jazz as a beginner can be a enriching and rewarding experience. With the right resources and an open mind, you can develop your skills and find joy in this unique form of musical expression.