Jazz music is a tremendously popular style of music and is actually a very important kind of what we might call American classical music. Some say that jazz originated in the early twentieth century in South America. However there is no question that the early development of jazz took place in the United States and was greatly influenced by the music of the southern blacks, and especially blues music. Blues was another original music indigenous to African Americans in the first half of the 20th century in the rural south. Blues and other related musical forms developed into a number of distinctive styles up and down the Mississippi River in cities such as New Orleans, St. Louis and Chicago.

Eventually jazz formed from these distinctive roots and became popular in many countries beyond the United States. While enjoying great popularity in the U.S., it also quickly spread to many countries in Europe, parts of Asia, as well as South America and Australia.

What makes jazz unique? Among other things the unique features of Jazz include ‘blue notes,” improvisation and syncopation. Jazz relies primarily on the spontaneous expression of the musicians - usually playing in small groups - and does not necessarily use a written score. The 1930s saw a rapid rise in the popularity of jazz. Although black musicians dominated the jazz scene, the 1930s saw an increase in the number of white jazz singers and players. But during this time jazz still remained true to its roots and to the African-American blues musicians who created it.

Jazz is a music of the world. It combines classical, popular and traditional American music with important strains of European and African musical traditions. Jazz is very technically sophisticated while still remaining spontaneous and improvisational. To really develop a good understanding and appreciation of jazz it is important to experience all aspects of the music, listen to the masters and join other musicians in playing. Jazz is truly a group experience.

Self expression through improvisation is critical component of jazz music, and it is a skill which a musician can only acquire through exposure to other jazz musicians, interacting with others in a typical jazz “combo”. It is even difficult to practise jazz without knowing how the individual parts relate to the other members of the group.

If you do not have an idea where to start, go back to the beginning of your book. You know everything about the simple songs you began with, so now you can think about experimenting with them and making them your own. Attend performances, listen to a lecture, think about improvisation, then “just do it.” Once you have pleasing variations on simple songs, apply those skills to more complex tunes. Never forget that jazz is just as much about revealing your soul to the world as technical virtuosity.

Playing the notes of the song with a little alteration here and there is an important way to begin learning the basic techniques of jazz improvisation. This applies whether you are learning the jazz guitar, piano, trumpet, violin, saxophone, or any of a hundred other instruments used in jazz.

The best way to learn about jazz and how to play it is to list to all forms of it. Start with the traditional and then add the contemporary artists. You may also want to look into schools for jazz instruction and learning. You may want to specialize in jazz improvisation, or soloing. A school might just be the thing to develop your love of jazz into a career.

Jazz music is one of the most expressive and satisfying genres of music for the musician who is looking to express him or herself creatively. While it is entertaining and appropriate for almost any occasion attended by people who actually enjoy listening to the music, it is equally challenging and rewarding for the musicians as well. That is a difficult combination to beat.