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I always say that the problem with jazz accessibility is not the content of the music, it's people's ability to access it.
Esperanza Spalding
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Jazz is not inherently difficult; rather, people's exposure and willingness to engage with it are the main barriers to accessibility.

Esperanza Spalding emphasizes that the perceived exclusivity of jazz music arises not from its complexity but from the listener's limited access and exposure to this genre. The quote suggests that fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for jazz among audiences is key to breaking down barriers and enhancing its accessibility.

Themes

JazzAccessibilityMusicExposureEngagement

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a discussion about promoting jazz music in schools and communities.

More from Esperanza Spalding

You can grow up with literally nothing and you don’t suffer if you know you’re loved and valued.
Esperanza SpaldingRead
There's nothing wrong with struggle. Anytime I look back at a difficult phase of my life and see what grew out of it - the creative survival tactics - I think that the good is way better than the bad.
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I don't think it's about playing and singing, to be honest. That seems like old news, you know? I wasn't thinking about that. I just think that's in my body now. Dancers don't think about their legs moving one way and their arms moving another. Over time, you incorporate that into your instrument.
Esperanza SpaldingRead
It's a pity that if someone who has a really profoundly potent art to share chooses not to or doesn't fit into this very thin slice of what's desirable and marketable, chances are the public will never get a chance to hear what they're doing.
Esperanza SpaldingRead
I just think music is so intrinsically linked with images in the culture that we live in that you'll be hard-pressed to have an experience with the music without a preconceived notion.
Esperanza SpaldingRead
When something in art or music piques my interest, I tend to go check it out, and most things I check out, I'm not very good at. But a few things I've gone to check out have given me back as much love as I gave them, usually much more.
Esperanza SpaldingRead

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