Reflection

As a student at UCSB I have wanted to take The History of Jazz course for some time now but some how the course was not available or the course was filled before I had the chance to register. As a Black Studies major I needed to fulfill the preparation area and The History of Jazz course fulfils that requirement. Before completing this course I knew little about Jazz and more importantly about the culture of Jazz. The only Jazz musician I knew of was Louis Armstrong, and even then I was not acquainted with any of his music or what bands he was in for that matter. I was also not aware of the many styles of jazz such as Swing and Bebop, or any of the historical movements associated with the musical form. When I thought of Jazz I associated it with the 1920’s, music of the past, and I associated Jazz with my grandparent’s generation and its origin in New Orleans and the many Jazz Festivals as well as Mardi Gras.

As a Black Studies major and having taken several Black studies courses, I knew of many historical movements such as, Slavery, the Great Migration, and the Great Depression as will as the Civil Rights movement. What I did not know was the changes that occurred in Jazz as social conditions development and under went changes. What I’ve learned from the course are the styles of jazz and many of the musicians associated with the styles. Ragtime is credited as the origin of jazz most notable musician is Scott Joplin, Classical Jazz or New Orleans Jazz as it is often called combined Ragtime with popular melodies. Louis Armstrong produced Hot Jazz, and Chicago Jazz made greater advancements in improvised music and one of the many notable musicians was Benny Goodman. Swing music in the 1930’s created the interaction between musicians and patrons in the sense that the music got the patrons dancing, as well as many dances were also inspired by the music. Kansas City style jazz was associated with Charlie Parker and lastly Bebop which was created on improvisation and associated with Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie.

As the course progressed I’ve learned about the culture surrounding Jazz, from the nightlife created by Jazz in New York clubs to the Rent Parties in Harlem. I’ve learned that Jazz was not just practiced by African Americans but many of the notable jazz musicians and bands were White, such as Bix Beiderbecke. I’ve also learned that jazz is a skilled and trained art form that requires a tremendous deal of discipline. After completing this course I have a new found appreciation for jazz and I have even started listening to jazz and found a stress reliever in the music.