Growing up as a classical pianist, I always thought that a person who has mastered the classics will have undoubtedly mastered the piano. As I entered college and began listening to jazz music and attempted to teach it to myself, I came to the realization that jazz was not easy! This article depicts my opinion on the complexities of both.
Classical pianists are faced with the rigorous task of sight reading. Sight reading includes being completely fluent in reading rhythm as well as melody. Reading sheet music is probably one of the most arduous and tedious tasks of playing classical music. Because classical music relies almost entirely on sight reading music written by previous master composers such as Mozart, Hadyn, Bartok, Bach and the like, there are many guidelines as to how songs should be played. Advanced classical technique is also very strenuous and complex. Some advanced pieces may take an average classical pianist several months to learn.
Improvisation is a key factor in learning jazz music. The fact that jazz music is more free spirited doesn't mean it's easy as many people think. This is far from the reality based on my extensive background of classical music. Jazz comprises of more complicated chords than those found in classics. To a classical ear, some of the extended chords such as flat 13ths and 9ths would not be that appealing to the ear. Classical composers like Beethoven and Mozart would have found it quite odd too if they listened to jazz piano being played before understanding the concept behind it. For me, fully appreciating this different style of music took quite some time.
Theory is by far the most complex part of learning jazz. Students learning to play classics learn a lot of theory bust most of it is never used. This is because most of them don't rely on theory to play their classical pieces. Students often learn from the music sheets and memorize what they have learned in their minds.
As for jazz, there are so many different chords and inversions that students will need to learn before being able to improvise melodies and rhythms over them. Understanding music theory is a very integral part of playing this form of music. Jazz chord changes are also very complex and irregular compared to traditional classical piano pieces. Though both advanced classical and jazz students will know all the scales in different keys, jazz musicians will use this knowledge in a more hands on way than an average classical pianist.
The finger technique is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks when mastering jazz and classics. Though neither of them may seen difficult than the other in my opinion, most classical riffs are a bit more complex. This is because jazz melodies seem much easier to create by running scales. The more advanced jazz and classical riffs require a lot of practice and personal dedication to master and the right finger technique so as to comfortably play both music genres.
In conclusion, the two genres have different obstacles and challenges that students will have to surmount and face. I would say both can be equally as challenging but just in different aspects. A real master pianist will have comprehensive knowledge of both. Learning how to play piano chords is at the foundation of jazz education.
Classical pianists are faced with the rigorous task of sight reading. Sight reading includes being completely fluent in reading rhythm as well as melody. Reading sheet music is probably one of the most arduous and tedious tasks of playing classical music. Because classical music relies almost entirely on sight reading music written by previous master composers such as Mozart, Hadyn, Bartok, Bach and the like, there are many guidelines as to how songs should be played. Advanced classical technique is also very strenuous and complex. Some advanced pieces may take an average classical pianist several months to learn.
Improvisation is a key factor in learning jazz music. The fact that jazz music is more free spirited doesn't mean it's easy as many people think. This is far from the reality based on my extensive background of classical music. Jazz comprises of more complicated chords than those found in classics. To a classical ear, some of the extended chords such as flat 13ths and 9ths would not be that appealing to the ear. Classical composers like Beethoven and Mozart would have found it quite odd too if they listened to jazz piano being played before understanding the concept behind it. For me, fully appreciating this different style of music took quite some time.
Theory is by far the most complex part of learning jazz. Students learning to play classics learn a lot of theory bust most of it is never used. This is because most of them don't rely on theory to play their classical pieces. Students often learn from the music sheets and memorize what they have learned in their minds.
As for jazz, there are so many different chords and inversions that students will need to learn before being able to improvise melodies and rhythms over them. Understanding music theory is a very integral part of playing this form of music. Jazz chord changes are also very complex and irregular compared to traditional classical piano pieces. Though both advanced classical and jazz students will know all the scales in different keys, jazz musicians will use this knowledge in a more hands on way than an average classical pianist.
The finger technique is perhaps one of the most difficult tasks when mastering jazz and classics. Though neither of them may seen difficult than the other in my opinion, most classical riffs are a bit more complex. This is because jazz melodies seem much easier to create by running scales. The more advanced jazz and classical riffs require a lot of practice and personal dedication to master and the right finger technique so as to comfortably play both music genres.
In conclusion, the two genres have different obstacles and challenges that students will have to surmount and face. I would say both can be equally as challenging but just in different aspects. A real master pianist will have comprehensive knowledge of both. Learning how to play piano chords is at the foundation of jazz education.
About the Author:
Jason Johann is a well reputed piano instructor from Irvine. His music school gives Orange County piano lessons. He has also compiled several video tutorials on how to improvise on piano. Click here to check them out!
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