Celebrated Music Collective Inspires a New Generation to Embrace the Joy of Playing Instruments Through Their Unique Blend of Vintage Sound and Modern Hits
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / November 13, 2024 / Known for their creative reimaginings of pop hits in vintage styles, Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ) has done more than revive classic sounds-they're making learning an instrument exciting again. As interest in music education wanes in some areas, PMJ's approach to music shows students and parents alike the lifelong benefits and joy of picking up an instrument. With a sound rooted in jazz, swing, ragtime, and blues, the group offers a refreshing example of how instrumental music can be engaging, relevant, and yes - even cool.
Why Music Education Matters
Research continues to show the positive impact of music education on students' academic and personal development. Studies from the National Association for Music Education indicate that students involved in music programs score 20% higher in math and 22% higher in English compared to their peers. Beyond academics, learning an instrument has been linked to improved concentration, better memory retention, and a strong sense of accomplishment.
Despite these benefits, access to music education has declined in many areas due to budget cuts, with 50% of U.S. schools eliminating music programs in the last two decades. One way to counteract this trend may be to demonstrate music's role as a tool for self-expression - not just in theory, but in practice.
PMJ's Influence on a New Generation of Musicians
Postmodern Jukebox's videos and touring shows feature a number of instruments that are familiar to band students: clarinet, saxophone, trombone, flute, piano, drums, upright bass and guitar. The twist is that these familiar instruments aren't used to perform traditional marching band rep, but popular songs by artists like The Weeknd and Miley Cyrus, instead.
The group has also shown that playing an instrument isn't limited to one genre. From rock to pop to hip-hop, PMJ reinterprets popular hits in a vintage style, which gives young musicians a new perspective on how versatile and expressive their instruments can be. These instruments aren't limited to a background role, either. In the group's popular 1940s style remake of Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass," the lead singer plucks out an impressive, virtuoso bass solo. Postmodern Jukebox singers can also be seen performing Benny Goodman-style clarinet solos and - in the case of PMJ's version of Pharrell Williams' "Happy" with Swedish jazz star, Gunhild Carling - even playing three trumpets simultaneously.
PMJ's embrace of social media has also helped to reach the next generation of instrumentalists. On platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, fans often share their own versions of PMJ covers, showcasing the impact of the group's message that music is meant to be shared and enjoyed by all.
Bridging the Gap Between Generations
PMJ's blend of vintage and contemporary music has also helped bridge generational gaps, sparking interest in classic genres like jazz and swing among younger audiences. By covering popular songs in old-school styles, PMJ introduces listeners to the instrumental techniques that defined music decades ago.
PMJ shows have become multigenerational events, where parents, children, and even grandparents enjoy the music together. Seeing world-class musicians perform live with instruments that span eras-from the saxophone to the washboard to the electric guitar -often leaves younger attendees eager to pick up a new skill and join the musical conversation.
The Lasting Impact of Learning an Instrument
For PMJ, the benefits of playing an instrument extend beyond musical ability. Playing music teaches resilience, creativity, and the importance of practice-skills that apply far beyond the stage or classroom. PMJ hopes to continue inspiring young fans to pick up instruments and explore the world of music, no matter their skill level.
In an essay from PMJ founder Scott Bradlee's Substack titled, "Learning To Improvise," Bradlee offers his own encouragement to those that wish to express their individuality through music:
"While your influences may be evident - no musician exists in a vacuum, after all - you'll nonetheless develop a sound that is all your own, with your own unique set of musical fingerprints that manage to embed themselves into every phrase you sing or play. At this point, you are no longer a tourist in the esoteric, ephemeral world of live, improvised music - you are an active participant, able to contribute to the great artistic conversation and exert your own singular brand of individuality on its development."
With this commitment to keeping the spirit of music education alive, Postmodern Jukebox remains a passionate advocate for music as a lifelong journey, inspiring new generations to experience the transformative power of learning an instrument.
About Postmodern Jukebox:
Founded in 2010 by Scott Bradlee, Postmodern Jukebox is a global musical collective known for reimagining modern pop songs in vintage musical styles such as jazz, swing, ragtime, and big band. With millions of fans worldwide and over 1,000 live shows performed, PMJ is dedicated to bringing timeless music to contemporary audiences while inspiring new generations to explore the joy of playing an instrument.
Postmodern Jukebox
https://postmodernjukebox.com/
https://www.instagram.com/pmjofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/@postmodernjukebox
SOURCE: Postmodern Jukebox
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