We are pleased to announce Karen Ballotta as Levine Music’s new Vice President of Development. Following an extensive national search led by Good Insight, she will begin her new role on September 3, 2024. Karen joins Levine from National Cathedral School, where she...
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# A Brief History of Jazz

September 22, 2022

“Jazz is messy,” historian Ted Gioia told NPR after the release of the third edition of his book, The History of Jazz. “The trends are complex and often go back and forth in surprising ways. Even in the midst of writing a history of jazz, I wanted to make sure people knew that fitting this thing into a historical progression could mislead them.”

Jazz Student Performance 2022 (2)

Any attempt to describe the history of jazz in a linear format is misleading because jazz didn’t—and doesn’t—happen that way. A style of music known for its improvisation and spirit, it was born in New Orleans, but took on life in countless new directions. Free jazz, cool jazz, bebop, post-bop, and electro swing: all of these and more have rich, tangled roots that defy delineation—and definition. Here is a sampling of those roots from geographical and musical perspectives, and a glimpse at a few of the jazz musicians who championed the genre.

#### Geographical and Cultural Origins

Though the history of jazz music is complicated and often debated, the one point historians reliably agree on is the geography of jazz origins. Jazz started as a uniquely American sound, forged in the melting pot of cultures in the south, particularly in New Orleans. The port city was a blend of Creole culture and African traditions, peppered with European influences.

These cultural influences and musical traditions informed the new style of music originally known as “jass.” Developed by the African American community, the nascent music genre caught on and spread, picked up by musicians of other ethnicities and locales. Los Angeles, Denver, Baltimore, New York City, and even mining towns in Colorado became hubs of jazz music. By the Roaring Twenties, jazz was the sound of the decade, and its popularity blossomed throughout the US and overseas.

#### Musical Origins

While the genre blends the styles of many musical traditions, two key styles of music influenced early jazz: blues and ragtime. The more informal style of blues music and the syncopated rhythms of ragtime meshed together in jazz, along with various other historical influences. The field hollers and work songs of African slaves in the US, the hymns and gospels of the American south, and New Orleans’ popular brass bands all contributed to the development of jazz.

Jazz Student Performance 2022

#### Influential Jazz Composers and Musicians

In the early years of jazz and as it grew into more specific styles like swing and orchestral jazz, jazz composers and musicians played monumental roles in jazz history. Here are just a few of these legendary figures.

- Louis Armstrong, a world-renowned jazz trumpeter and vocalist who popularized swing.
- Fletcher Henderson, an arranger, bandleader, and pianist who pioneered big band jazz.
- Duke Ellington, a jazz pianist and master composer who brought innovation, flavor, and emotional depth to jazz.
- Charles Parker, Jr., a.k.a. “Bird” or “Yardbird,” a saxophonist, bandleader, and composer who led the development of bebop.
- Count Basie, a jazz pianist, organist, bandleader, and composer who popularized big band and orchestral jazz.

These artists’ influences are still felt in jazz today, even as the genre continues to evolve and grow. “The worst thing that could happen,” says Ted Gioia, “is for jazz to end up like the symphony orchestra, where you go to a concert and almost everything they play is 100 years old … History must always be tempered with an understanding of how we use these songs and sounds to revitalize the music ecosystem we currently live in.”

If you would like to honor the history of jazz and participate in its persistence in the modern world, you can further explore the genre in our jazz programs at Levine! Levine’s Jazz Program provides students of all instruments, ages, and levels with opportunities to develop their musical skills and explore the art of jazz through ensembles, group classes, and private lessons.

Join us for regular jam sessions, master classes, and performances devoted to appreciating and understanding this most vibrant artform. Whether you are a traditionally trained student who is curious about the world of jazz or you are an experienced jazz musician looking to expand your skills, Levine is the place to take your skills to the next level.

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When Not to Come to Campus We ask all community members to stay home or go home if they are feeling sick or exhibiting symptoms of any respiratory illness, including COVID-19, RSV, influenza, and others. If you or your child are exhibiting symptoms or feeling unwell,...

## Welcome back!

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! We had a fantastic summer at Levine and are excited to kick off the academic year.Welcome message from President and CEO, Jeffery Tribble Jr.Need to Enroll? If you haven't already, enroll today to maintain your spot in your...

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## Levine Music Welcomes New VP of Development, Karen Ballotta

We are pleased to announce Karen Ballotta as Levine Music’s new Vice President of Development. Following an extensive national search led by Good Insight, she will begin her new role on September 3, 2024. Karen joins Levine from National Cathedral School, where she...

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## Campus Health Guidelines

When Not to Come to Campus We ask all community members to stay home or go home if they are feeling sick or exhibiting symptoms of any respiratory illness, including COVID-19, RSV, influenza, and others. If you or your child are exhibiting symptoms or feeling unwell,...

## Welcome back!

Welcome to the 2024-25 school year! We had a fantastic summer at Levine and are excited to kick off the academic year.Welcome message from President and CEO, Jeffery Tribble Jr.Need to Enroll? If you haven't already, enroll today to maintain your spot in your...

## Levine Music Welcomes Three New Trustees

Levine Music is proud to welcome three new additions to our Board of Trustees: Dr. Ibrahim “Pete” Hanna, Chief Medical Officer of Inova Mount Vernon Hospital; Tim Jessell, attorney and shareholder at Greenberg Traurig, LLP; and distinguished dentist Dr. Wesley Delaine...

## Levine Music Welcomes New VP of Development, Karen Ballotta

We are pleased to announce Karen Ballotta as Levine Music’s new Vice President of Development. Following an extensive national search led by Good Insight, she will begin her new role on September 3, 2024. Karen joins Levine from National Cathedral School, where she...

## New Virginia Campus at West Falls Church

LEVINE MUSIC AND CITYDANCE STUDIOS TO OPEN NEW VIRGINIA CAMPUSES AT WEST FALLS, FALLS CHURCH’S NEWEST DYNAMIC NEIGHBORHOOD The State-of-the-Art Facilities Will Offer Comprehensive Music and Dance Education in the Heart of West FallsFALLS CHURCH, VA (July 22, 2024) –...

## Music and Mindfulness: Practicing with Intention

When the hurry and chaos of modern life are a bit much, we can turn to mindfulness for moments of solace. An ancient practice rooted in Buddhist tradition, mindfulness has gained widespread popularity for its profound benefits on mental health and overall well-being....

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