[Psycho_Bunny]

“Even classical musicians admit that (except for pianists) jazz musicians best them when it comes to sheer ability on their instruments.”

In the 30-odd years since I began at the Interlochen Arts Academy as a high school freshman majoring in orchestral composition I have never once - not ever - heard a classical musician say anything even remotely like what you’re saying.

I’ve found your sentiments are basically something that jazz musicians claim that classical musicians say.

Usually, when the subject of jazz comes up amongst classical musicians the general opinion tends to be indifferent or sometimes down on jazz.

But, frankly, I’ve never understand why anyone even bothers to have these conversations: jazz and classical music musicians aren’t really comparable: the two styles require a different skill-set of talents.

And both of those skill-sets are really cool when they’re dead on.

[Lx]

I was a music major, changed majors after I realized I wasn’t going to be a rock star and the only jobs available to me would have been teaching or possibly orchestra, and I agree with you.

You hear a classically trained pianist play something like Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata 2nd movement and it is mind blowing. I have never heard jazz like that.

Now, you go to something like big band music and I love that. They even tune their instruments.

[x]

In the 30-odd years since I began at the Interlochen Arts Academy as a high school freshman majoring in orchestral composition I have never once - not ever - heard a classical musician say anything even remotely like what you’re saying. I’ve found your sentiments are basically something that jazz musicians claim that classical musicians say.

Admittedly, I did read that in a book on jazz. But here's somebody who claims to play both kinds of music saying something very similar. He says his classical music friends don't agree.

It's a bit of a circular argument: you have to find somebody who's open to both kinds of music to make the assessment, but it's likely that such a person isn't going to malign either type of music, while those who do have a pronounced prejudice will.

But, frankly, I’ve never understand why anyone even bothers to have these conversations: jazz and classical music musicians aren’t really comparable: the two styles require a different skill-set of talents. And both of those skill-sets are really cool when they’re dead on.

Certainly. I wouldn't have responded if the post I read wasn't so outrageous.