When beginning this research I listed some research goals. These goals led me to a set of initial questions that I have tried to find answers too. I am glad to report that I have been able to answer some of them.
How can I use the properties/ elements of theatre and dance within a jazz performance without it turning into another art form e.g., Musical theatre?
I found that in order to use the other disciplines in a “jazz” performance (without turning it into another art form), I had to make clear for myself what were the defining elements of “jazz”. For me, that was the element of improvisation/ free improvisation, and extended chords and harmony. If I could keep those two elements of jazz, I could add the other elements from other disciplines and still retain the jazz essence. This idea was proven right by the feedback that I received from my first year master recital. One hundred percent of the people thought that what I presented was a jazz performance.
How does training in these other discipline help me as a singer, a performer, and musician? And is this relevant only to vocalists or can knowledge of dance and theatre be relevant also to instrumentalists?
There are many benefits from training in these disciplines. As a singer, theatre could help in developing a strong clear voice, in memorizing text, and in character analysis. There are more benefits that both vocalists and instrumentalists can gain. To name a few:
- A strong body
- Body awareness
- Concentration
- Acting on impulse
- Working off people
As performers (whether as an actor, singer, dance), we present ourselves on a stage. This automatically means that there is a visual aspect to our performance. In trying to create an atmosphere or send a message, it is important that we are aware of this visual element. Therefore, knowledge of theatre (lighting, stage design) and body language can help you in creating the atmosphere that you want, or in making your whatever message you want to send clearer.
The advice given from theatre that can also be related to music can help towards a better approach to performing and rehearsing. One also gains another creative outlet when training in the other disciplines. This can help in gaining creativity in ones own discipline.
In addition to gaining answers to my own questions, this research made me realize even more that training in the other disciplines was not only important for my own personal and performing development. It is also important for the professional development of all musicians and artists in general. I would even go as far to say that I believe that there needs to be an interdisciplinary approach to music education, and an encouragement for musicians to actively seek training from the other performing arts disciplines. This is because what is demanded today of a musician is different than a couple of hundred years ago. One sees more and more that performance art is moving towards an inter/ multi disciplinary style. Today’s musician not only needs to know how to play their instruments well, but also know how to act, be theatrical, and also know how to move on stage comfortably. This can be gained through theatre and dance training.
I have been able to reach some of the goals of this research. I have explored the boundaries of musical theatre and jazz. I am closer now that I was before in gaining a better stage presence. I have become more conscious of how to bring my previous and current performance training together in a cohesive manner. The ultimate goal of this research though, was to develop a performance signature or style of my own. I realize this is a goal that will probably take many years to reach. However, I feel confident that this research has put me on the right track towards attaining this goal.