Do classical musicians ever play jazz? Or visa-versa?
Do classical musicians ever play jazz? Or visa-versa?
It’s very common for a classical musician to try their hand at jazz. Perhaps the biggest difference between classical music and Jazz is the classical musician is tied to (reading and playing) a musical score (sheet music) where the vast majority of Jazz musicians play (improvise) without written music. For this reason, not all classical musicians are able to play jazz at a high level due to their inability to improve and play music “on the fly.” Looking at the other side of the coin, there are a number of well-known, accomplished Jazz players that can not play written music.
Jazz can be very complicated and quite a challenge for any musician. That’s why some classical (classically-trained) musicians find success playing Jazz. Both forms of music can be complex and demanding, requiring a high level of musicianship and a great deal of experience. Jazz offers a wide variety of sounds and styles and allows a high level of creativity. And, where a classical musician is used to playing in large orchestras and performing perhaps four or five times a year, a Jazz musician plays in a small ensemble and may play 40 to 50 times a year. The two lifestyles are quite different as well. Jazz musicians, at least the successful ones, may travel extensively and for long periods at a time. Jazz often lends itself to intimate surroundings, small audiences, and a small, but loyal fan base. Classical musicians often play in large halls and don’t interact with their audience. Some classical musicians find they feel more “at home” playing Jazz (or are better suited for the lifestyle) and do not return to the symphony.
A jazz player choosing to play classical music is much less common. Most classical musicians begin their careers (as a member of a orchestra or symphony, for example) after many years of regimented training and hundreds of hours dedicated to technique and tone. Some jazz musicians do not have that background. And some don’t have the patience to “start over” to become a classical musician and all that it requires. And there is no guarantee of employment if they do. Classical music can be quite challenging and highly competitive as evidenced by the fact that only the best players are chosen for a particular orchestra. The Seattle Symphony, for example, holds extensive auditions before deciding which musicians to employ. There may be only one opening for an entire season.
There is no doubt however, to the great benefits of musicians playing different kinds of music. For example, those that play both jazz and classical grow tremendously as musicians. The classical musician gets a chance to play what they hear (and choose to play) instead of playing music exactly as written. Being able to improvise is usually considered one of the hallmarks of an excellent musician. No matter what music is being played, good musicianship is essential. And part of developing a high level of musicianship is studying and playing different styles of music.