By: Jaclyn Breeze
The piano has been an essential part of jazz since the genre began. It is both a solo and ensemble instrument since the player can produce a melody and harmony at the same time. Many players are proficient on the piano even if it is not their main instrument, as it is a great tool for learning and teaching theory, arranging, and composition. Many different techniques are used on the piano depending on the subgenre of jazz the performer is playing at the time.
A piano has 88 keys, with each key being connected to a small hammer inside the instrument will hit strings that are tuned to produce the notes.
Jon Batiste is a singer, composer, and pianist, among many other things. Born in 1986, he was raised in Louisiana. His family was full of musicians and he joined in with them starting at a very young age. He studied classical piano at the request of his mom and went to Julliard to study jazz after graduating high school. His music spans many styles, but he has commented on jazz being a significant influence for its ability to bring people together. He is currently the Creative Director at the National Jazz Museum and has won the American Jazz Museum Lifetime Achievement Award, has been nominated for 20 Grammys and so far won 5 (2024 awards pending), and 24 awards for the score of Disney’s Soul.
Listen to some of Jon’s work here:
Documentary:
American Symphony Rated PG-13 for some strong language
(available on Netflix)
