Teenagers and their Familiarity with Jazz

Abstract

This research aims to understand what teenagers think of jazz. The authors hypothesize that most teenagers do not listen to jazz music because it is not in “trend” and that it is not “cool” to listen to. An anonymous 20-question survey was conducted amongst students in Miami Dade County in Florida. 101 students responded to the survey. Results were analyzed for teenagers’ lack of familiarity with jazz and reasons for it. The results show that less than half of responding teenagers listen to jazz and that it is not very popular amongst the youth. The survey results provide insight into the reasons how teenagers perceive jazz as an art form. The survey also presents different reasons why jazz is unpopular among teenagers. The authors use data from the survey to justify their hypothesis. The paper makes multiple recommendations on how jazz as an art form can be revived and kept alive for future generations. The authors acknowledge that jazz is not a static artform and is constantly evolving. The authors conclude the article by questioning whether the historical and current versions of jazz should be preserved and promoted, or just be let to evolve in the future just like it has done in the past.