The Jazz Diaspora: Challenging Perspectives for 21st-Century Jazz Education Methodologies

Abstract

Abstract: Until the late 20th century, global narratives of jazz were limited. However, more recently, as the field of New Jazz Studies has gained a strong foothold in academia, the need for a more critical understanding of diasporic jazz studies within the academy is now timely. This study examines the jazz diaspora and the growth of New Jazz Studies. A literature synopsis of jazz diaspora and New Jazz Studies scholarship serves as a reference for further investigation and practical application within jazz education settings that are discussed in the final sections of the article. As an example of the jazz diaspora, Australian jazz musician Graeme Bell is presented as an instructive case study for his contribution to establishing the Australian jazz style. Accordingly, the study of Bell is used as an example for suggesting a rethinking of jazz education through the lens of the jazz diaspora.