Jazz opens up the doors to creative freedom, where you can use different styles, sounds, and rhythms to express your unique take on music. For many composers, the process of making music is so wholesome that it gratifies them personally and professionally. But this genre is more than just about finding yourself. It also pays an ode to society, highlighting the contributions of top composers of times long ago. If you invest in your craft, your music could take you very far, allowing you to collaborate with other artists, have your music in theaters and films, and perform in live performances that draw crowds of people. Of course, to get here, you have to lay a good musical foundation, which is the focus of this guide.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Household Name
Many people think that talent is all it takes to be a great musician. But that’s not the case. You must also put in the work to refine your skills, learn from other people, and grow your network by embarking on the steps below.
Start with a Solid Musical Foundation
Jazz culture emphasizes the need to write your music as this helps you be in tune with the flow. After all, you know exactly what you want each note to convey. However, achieving a balanced composition is not as easy as it sounds. Here is how you can build your skillset as you gear up for the big leagues:
- Go to school. In the digital age, many people learn valuable skills through online classes or free videos. If you already have a musical background or are good at learning things virtually, this can work. But if you need more personalized approaches, the key lies in signing up for a musical class or taking private lessons from a jazz instructor.
- Learn to play an instrument. While some composers learn several instruments, you can start small. A piano is a good place to start. You can also go for a brass instrument. The goal here is to master one instrument well enough that you can use it to practice composition in later stages.
- Understand music theory. While jazz composers are known for improvisation, this only works when you have mastered the basics. Figure out how harmony comes to be, how to create melodies, how to ensure rhythm, and how to achieve quality chord progressions.
Borrow from the Best
While the idea is always to create something that is yours and that speaks to your individuality, it’s always best to look at what other musicians have done. Examples of great composers include Brad Mehldau and John Coltrane.
Now is the time to listen to their compositions, understand their styles, and figure out the differences between their approaches. In doing this, you will begin to take note of the key jazz standards that will shape your trajectory once you start creating your music.
But don’t just stop listening. Replicate what they have done to assess just how well you can understand compositions. Choose one piece at a time, play it until you get it right, and then move to another one. You will realize just how much subtle differences can affect a composition.
Put Your Knowledge to the Test
- Select a melody. While you might feel the urge to go for something highly unique, it’s always best to keep things simple at the start. Make up something or choose a tune you know well – it could be from the composers we covered in the previous section or anyone else you like.
- Adjust the melody. Harmonizing is a key part of making any jazz composition. So, you want to add some complexity to the music by using extensions for the basic chords. For instance, you can go with a G7 chord for a melody that is in C major. Then, add some progressions to bring out the uniqueness of your changes.
- Swing your notes. Rhythmic variation is a key part of any good jazz composition. So, vary how you play the notes – lengthen out some, shorten others, leave others unchanged, and see how it goes. It’s okay to play straight notes in a row, but surprise yourself here and there.
- Omit some notes. Create some character by leaving out some notes, making the sound feel more open. Some composers like doing this on the 3rd and 7th of each chord, but you can always decide how you want to define your composition.
Share Your Music with the World
Perfectionism is a hurdle for many musicians – do not let it get to you. Once you have mastered an instrument and are working on your notes, record your work and share it online. Not only will you have works to analyze, but you can also get honest feedback from other composers or your audience. The more you get used to putting yourself out there, the sooner you can feel comfortable performing before people, and the better you will be at it.
Also, attend jazz events to meet other composers and listen to their music, collaborate with other artists to create even more unique sounds, and keep practicing even as your talent starts to shine.