Jazz education for post-apartheid South Africa.

Abstract

This essay has two primary purposes: (1) to make a case for jazz education and (2) to suggest ways in which jazz education can more prominently and profitably feature in post-Apartheid South African education. Justifying jazz education and determining how it can best fit into South African education both require a clear conception of what jazz education is in its various forms. Thus, the essay begins by attempting a holistic definition of jazz education as education in, about, and through jazz followed by a systematic consideration of the many and varied educational outcomes jazz education is capable of achieving. Thereafter, an overview is presented of jazz education as it presently exists in South Africa. Employing criteria derived from the essay's discussions, South African jazz education is evaluated and suggestions are made for how it can be further developed.