What Can You Get From Studying Jazz? by SJW Faculty Kris Strom

Saxophonist Kristen Strom has been on the Stanford Jazz Workshop faculty since 2002. In addition to leading her own ensemble, the Kristen Strom Quintet, she has played with Manhattan Transfer, Roberta Flack, Johnny Mathis, Jimmy Heath, Steve Turre, Kevin Mahogany, Michel LeGrand, the San Jose Symphony, the Temptations, Natalie Cole, The Four Tops and many other artists. Kristen has recorded 2 CD's of her own, appeared on many others, and is an endorsing artist for Selmer saxophones. Kris has a BA in Music from San Jose State and is adjunct faculty at Santa Clara University and guest clinician at various Bay Area school music programs including those of San Jose's Valley Christian and Mountain View High.
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At this time of year, many parents are looking for worthwhile summer activities for their kids. So sometimes I’m asked, “Why do you recommend Jazz Camp?” As a faculty member of Stanford Jazz Camp I can list the nuts and bolts of the classes, the many playing opportunities for students, and the chance to hear great musicians each night. But are there life lessons that can be gleaned by studying jazz? I’m a professional jazz musician who has also taught students of all levels for 25 years, and I have considered what my students learn from their studies, musically and beyond.

BEYOND GUITAR HERO
Art lets you construct something meaningful from inside yourself! This is a huge part of participating in jazz music and other art forms. Kids today need opportunities to be original and create -- without a computer. If you have the ability to share yourself with others, to play something that reaches a listener, it may well be your responsibility to do so.

Strength in Numbers
Jazz is a great example of the value of cooperation.
In a jazz camp combo, students learn from day one how to set up a band, what the roles of each instrument are, and how to play a tune together. I often arrive at a student combo rehearsal to find them all set up and playing together.

At every level of jazz performance, the interaction of the group is critical. The ability to listen and then take musical suggestions mirrors the values any group need to succeed. Corporations are recognizing the benefits of having executive staff observe musicians in action

Go Ahead and Try
In jazz, value exists in trying to make something happen. In fact, the attempt is often more important than the result. Our culture emphasizes success, sometimes forgetting that breakthroughs often come from trial and error. When a student learns to let go and try something for the first time, it’s a special moment for both of us!

Brain Fitness
We hear a lot these days about brain fitness – keeping your brain working seems to help keep it “young.” Many people are working puzzles like sudoku or crosswords. Playing jazz is a very demanding activity for the brain. As one strives to improvise, she’s also keeping her place in the form, remembering how to play her instrument, and keeping the groove. It takes a high level of intellectual engagement to juggle all that at the same time.

You can be Great!
 I’ve described the ways students learn from studying jazz at any stage, but jazz music offers an opportunity for an incredible level of musical excellence. At its best, jazz requires incredible technical prowess on the instrument and the ability to compose spontaneously, all while keeping track of the music and reacting to the cues from the other musicians. Ask any musician from a young lion to Jimmy Heath (going strong at 82), and he or she will tell you that honing these skills is a life-long endeavor. As I tell my students, “If it was easy, everyone would do it!”

Jazz is.
As we train students in jazz performance, we are not only training musicians but also listeners – teaching them to have an appreciation of this true American art form.

I’m very excited about sharing the magic of jazz. One evening at a concert, I spoke to a man who was new to the music. As we talked about the musicians’ creative process, he suddenly said, “Wait, you mean you’re making all this up?!” Understanding the creative expression of a jazz performance often increases the listener’s engagement and enjoyment. I do many school workshops with kids new to jazz. We explain the concept of improvisation and when they understand that we are creating music right in front of them, their eyes light up and they come along for the ride.

Studying the history of jazz also encourages a cultural dialogue concerning artistic expression and social change.

Come On In
Jazz reflects the American values of inclusion and cultural diversity. In jazz, you can bring to the table whatever music influences you. If you’re a reggae fan, you can turn “Summertime” into a reggae jam. If you think a Stevie Wonder tune would be a fun vehicle for improvisation, bring it on. A recent Kenny Garrett album featured his version of a Korean folk song. In jazz, each unique voice is valued.

Musicians and vocalists of any age can benefit from studying jazz. Make this summer your time to get into this amazing music!