When most people think of jazz music, they think of older generations. They imagine grandparents and parents sitting around a fireplace, listening to smooth saxophone solos and piano melodies.
While it is true that the target audience for jazz music is typically those who are a little bit older, that doesn’t mean that younger generations do not enjoy it as well!
Since its inception, jazz music has always been popular with a wide range of people. People are attracted to jazz for its ability to tell a story and evoke emotion.
But like all genres of music, it has ardent fans – those who love it, always listen to it, frequent jazz bars, and make pilgrimages to the birthplace of jazz: New Orleans.
In this article, we will discuss who the target audience for jazz music is and why they love this unique genre of music.
Who is the Target Audience for Jazz Music?
To best understand the target audience for jazz music, we need to ask ourselves why people listen to jazz. What is about jazz that makes it so appealing?
What do they get from Jazz that they do not get from other genres of music like country or rock or rap?
By answering these questions we get the following audiences for jazz music:
- People who just love jazz
- People looking for music that relaxes them
- People looking for music that challenges them
- People learning an instrument (and would like to play jazz with it)
- People who are interested in the history of jazz
- People who enjoy going to jazz bars
Let’s look closely at each of these audiences for jazz.
#1 – People who just love jazz
This target audience for jazz music is probably the most important one. They are the people who will buy jazz CDs, go to concerts, and support the genre financially.
They love jazz for its unique sound, its ability to tell a story, and the wide range of emotions that it can evoke. For them, listening to jazz is an experience that is unlike any other.
They may even have a favorite jazz artist that they follow religiously. In some cases, they might only listen to one type of jazz (such as bebop or smooth jazz) and dislike all other types.
#2 – People looking for music that relaxes them
Many people listen to jazz because it relaxes them. It takes them away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and transports them to a different time and place.
This target audience is attracted to the mellow and smooth sounds of jazz. They often use it as background music when they are working or studying. To them, jazz is the perfect way to unwind after a long day.
This audience for jazz music may not specifically know anything about the genre or its history. They may also not know any of the big names in jazz. But that doesn’t matter to them, because they just enjoy the music for what it is and the way it makes them feel.
#3 – People looking for music that challenges them
For many people, a unique attraction of jazz can be the challenge that it presents. Unlike some other genres of music, jazz is always changing and evolving. Even the most seasoned jazz musicians have to be constantly on their toes, ready to improvise at a moment’s notice.
For this audience, jazz is a challenge to overcome. They enjoy the fact that they can never predict what is going to happen next. It is this element of surprise that keeps them coming back for more.
This target audience is also attracted to the technical aspects of jazz. They may enjoy listening to complex solos and watching musicians push the boundaries of their instruments.
In some cases, this target audience for jazz music may also be musicians themselves. They may see jazz as a way to test their own skills and improve their craft.
#4 – People learning an instrument (and wanting to play jazz with it)
People learning an instrument like the piano or saxophone often turn to jazz as a way to improve their skills. Jazz is the perfect genre of music for honing one’s technical abilities.
In addition, playing jazz with other musicians can be a great way to make friends and build relationships. This target audience may enjoy going to jazz jams and open mics, where they can meet other like-minded people.
Jazz can also be a great way to learn about other cultures. Many jazz musicians come from different backgrounds and bring their own unique experiences to the music. As a result, jazz can be a great way to broaden one’s horizons.
People in this target audience may not always be the biggest fans of jazz music. However, they are learning an instrument and so they need to find music that they can practice with. Jazz provides them with the perfect opportunity to do just that.
In some cases, people in this target audience may also be interested in music theory. They may want to understand the complex harmonies and rhythms that make up jazz.
#5 – People who are interested in the history of jazz
For some, it’s the history and origins of jazz that makes it such an interesting genre. Jazz was born out of the African-American experience in the early 20th century. It was a way for people to express themselves and tell their stories.
People interested in jazz history may enjoy learning about the different styles of jazz and how they have evolved over time. They may also be interested in the stories behind some of the most famous jazz musicians.
This target audience is attracted to the cultural significance of jazz. They see it as a way to connect with the past and learn about the African-American experience.
Serious students of jazz history will even visit the places where jazz was born and developed. They may take Jazz history tours in New Orleans or visit the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz (previously called the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz) in Los Angeles.
#6 – People who enjoy going to jazz bars
One of the best ways to enjoy jazz is to see it live in a jazz club. There is nothing quite like seeing a group of talented musicians come together and improvise on the spot.
For this target audience for jazz music, jazz clubs are the perfect place to relax and unwind. They can enjoy a drink while listening to some of the best musicians in the world.
Jazz clubs can also be great places to socialize. This target audience may enjoy meeting new people and making friends at jazz clubs.
Families with children learning jazz instruments may also enjoy going to jazz clubs. It can be a great way for them to see firsthand how jazz is supposed to sound.
Conclusion
The target audience for jazz music isn’t just limited to those who love jazz. It also includes people looking for music that relaxes them. It includes people looking for music that challenges them.
When people learn a new instrument they may start off with one type of music like classical but eventually, they would want to learn another genre like jazz. Such people too are a target audience for jazz music.
Finally, there are those who are interested in the history of jazz and want to have contact with jazz by going to jazz bars and spending time with jazz musicians.