Jazz has been called the purest expression of American democracy, a music built on individualism and compromise, independence and cooperation. It is a music that is completely American, and deeply reflects American history, but now has spread around the world and influenced many other kinds of music.
In this class, we will look at jazz from many angles. We will study it as part of American history, including the important historical events of the 20th century US, especially racial issues between whites and blacks.
We will also learn about how jazz started and who started it, and look at the lives and careers of some of the most important jazz musicians.
Finally, we will look at the music of jazz as well, so that you can have an understanding of the structure of the music, and an appreciation of what the musicians are trying to do.
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