Reviving an old beat

A bridge to extend

Different from Wu, who has received systematic musical training in university, Long, a law major, is a completely-untutored part-time singer.

"I've learned both theoretical knowledge and practical skills here," says Long. "The curricula range from the elementary to the profound, which is useful for untrained amateurs like me."

She adds that jazz helps her understand various styles of music from different cultures, which has helped her to break the habit of sticking to a single style.

Huang Jianyi, JZ school's headmaster, says that the institution aims to prevent young starters from wasting their time and energy by providing professional suggestions and creating a detailed and tailored study plan for them.

"Two decades ago, local jazz musicians of my age had to practice on our own as we lacked a domestic jazz education," says Huang, a pianist who later studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston. "Luckily, now Shanghai has brought together the best jazz musicians in China, such as Chinese-American guitarist Lawrence Ku, and the atmosphere here is conducive to educating newcomers about the genre."

JZ school uses textbooks published by Berklee College of Music and the New England Conservatory of Music, often inviting international faculty to run jazz workshops or master classes. This summer, teachers from Conservatorium van Amsterdam came to Shanghai and held a summer camp for JZ students.

"We want to serve as a bridge between Chinese jazz learners and foreign conservatories, helping to pave the way for those who want to study abroad," Huang says

There's no doubt that the tight-knit jazz community in China has been winning hearts and minds, and gaining followers, over the past few years. However, it still remains that most Chinese music lovers can name world-class pop stars or rock 'n' roll musicians at the drop of a hat, but are still not so au fait with their jazz-playing counterparts.

Zhao Ke, a jazz singer-songwriter, encourages Chinese audiences to open their hearts and embrace different music styles.

"It takes time to vibe with a certain type of music," says Zhao.

A professional jazz singer since 1996, he keeps working on blending Chinese culture and traditional musical elements into his performances.

"Jazz is like a big net upon which we can knit varied elements," says Zhao. "With this in mind, I've been thinking about what is China's jazz music?"

Trumpet player Li Xiaochuan also wrestles with this question.

"The first step is to introduce jazz to the public," says Li. "Then we need to give it a Chinese flavor.

"That's what we are now seeking, but it encapsulates the effort made by several generations of Chinese jazz performers."