At some point, some of you jazz cats might get called up to do a gig with a classical ensemble, or even a whole orchestra! No need to be nervous—I’m sure you’ll do great, but you should know there are some subtle cultural differences between the jazz and classical worlds. It’s a good thing I’m here to help you out.
So here we go with the Professor’s guide for jazz musicians playing classical music:
Before the gig, you will definitely be required to rehearse. (A rehearsal is where a group of musicians get together to practice the music they are going to perform. Practice means to spend time playing your instrument trying to get better.)
The thought of “winging it” doesn’t really fly in a classical concert, so make sure you turn up for the rehearsal. Oh and also, don’t bring beer to the rehearsal...or anything stronger for that matter. (Don’t get me wrong, classical musicians aren’t prudes, they just don’t do it out in the open.)
Now once you arrive at the rehearsal, you’ll probably be given music to read. Classical musicians like to write down—in advance—the music they are going to perform. Don’t panic! You won’t need to write anything down, but you will be given music to play, written down on paper. Don’t give it away that you can’t actually read music. When it’s put in front of you, best not to ask questions like “what are all these
