Jazz History in Thailand: From Profession to Music Education

Abstract

This qualitative research has collected exhaustive data on topics ranging from the history of jazz in Thailand to the genre entering the realm of music education. Cassettes, CDs, gramophone records, online databases, research articles, and extant documents form the basis of the investigation. Observations and in-depth interviews with seventeen key informants—jazz teachers, jazz event organizers, jazz musicians, and business owners—were conducted. The study shows that initially, jazz in Thailand was inextricably linked to the entertainment venues in which Siamese aristocrats dined and were entertained. The subsequent growth of a jazz society involving musicians, music activists, jazz writers, jazz businesses and foreign-trained graduates became the catalyst for the development of a system that did not rely on formal education. Later, jazz big bands in government organizations, high schools, and universities came into existence. Presently in higher education, the three giants of Mahidol University, Silpakorn University, and Rangsit University offer outstanding music programs. Once considered a singular entity, the growth of jazz education has caused Thai jazz society to spread into various dimensions, including jazz in businesses and activities, performances, and education.