The Benefits of Jazz Education

Metaphysical benefits

There are obvious benefits to learning a new language. With language we transform the unknowable into something defined and definite. Sadly no one description of a thing can completely encompass its true being, what Aldus Huxley called its is-ness. This is one of the great mysteries of the universe. How can a finite thing be infinitely definable?  It therefore behooves one in pursuit of that mystery, as we all are, to find as many ways as possible to define a thing. To that end I often suggest the study of jazz. With jazz we can more completely understand the subtleties of human existence. The improvisatory nature of jazz matches the often messy world. Jazz fosters resilience. In jazz one must be well prepared and thoughtful. Prepared for the unexpected and ready with a thoughtful response. It just so happens that these are also great principles with which to conduct one's personal relationships. By practicing jazz one may get used to viewing the world as an opportunity for creative perspectives. Jazz cultivates within the individual a will to blend with others and accept and even embrace unexpected outcomes. This mental state in psychological communities is called resilience. 

Psychosocial Benefits

Another crucial aspect of jazz education that dovetails with psychology is mindfulness. It is incumbent upon each jazz student to be aware of their own limitations and constantly be pushing those limits. Mindfulness is the practice of uncritically and honestly examining one's own thoughts and feelings with the goal of achieving a more accurate and relaxed perspective. It’s sometimes called “doing a mental inventory.” Because of this, increasing mindfulness has a way of benefiting one’s entire life by quieting insecurity and fastening trust in oneself. All of these things become a positive feedback loop that leads to something so many people need: healing. Mindfulness is traditionally accomplished through meditation, but I think music can be used quite effectively. Music is a shortcut to mindfulness as it happens in your body. It can be a way for the mind to communicate with the body and vice versa. Through jazz study specifically one can communicate a desire for self-improvement from the mind to the body. By uncritically examining ways in which one could improve their jazz technique one is also practicing mindfulness. And through practice things get easier. This increased mindfulness naturally spreads to the rest of your life leaving you a more secure and capable individual.