Jazz music has a certain aura associated with it.
It is both expressive and unpredictable; overall, it can unify masses across boundaries. Every year, on April 30th, the world celebrates this beautiful genre with International Jazz Day. It commemorates the musical ability of jazz music to transcend cultural boundaries and promote peace and dialogue.
Established by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) in 2011 and guided by the legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, this day showcases thousands of events and concerts worldwide.
Understanding and appreciating this genre is essential to becoming a well-versed and well-rounded jazz musician. So, whether you are a hobbyist, a student, a fan of the genre or even a parent enrolling your child for online piano lessons, this day is the perfect time to tune into the jazz rhythm and begin your music journey.
But before that…
If you’re really excited to start your journey in music, start with a free trial lesson today!
A List of Legendary Jazz Musicians of All Time
Jazz is more than just a genre—it’s a living, breathing legacy, shaped by extraordinary musicians whose creativity broke every rule and redefined the sound of music itself. There have been countless icons whose artistry continues to inspire the world long after they have passed away.
As we celebrate Jazz Day, let’s honor the pioneers who turned jazz into a universal language, one unforgettable note at a time.
What is International Jazz Day?
This day is celebrated to recognize jazz as a global language of peace, freedom, and cultural exchange. UNESCO and Herbie Hancock created International Jazz Day to honour this beautiful musical genre. With its roots dating back to the African-American communities of the early 1900s, this genre has captivated music lovers worldwide. Not only has it stood the test of time, but it has also stood for innovation, improvisation, and inclusion.
This day is about celebrating music and the things it represents, such as unity, creativity, and mutual understanding. The events on this day include live performances, masterclasses, workshops, and educational programs that celebrate the genre’s past, present, and future.
In 2025, Abu Dhabi has been chosen to become the Global Host City. The event is expected to feature performances and workshops, culminating in an internationally streamed concert that will showcase artists from around the world.
How to Celebrate Jazz Day?
Here are some ways to celebrate International Jazz Day from wherever you are:
- Be Part of a Concert – Look for jazz shows in your city or join the official livestream.
- Hear Legendary Musicians – Listen to recordings by legendary musicians from this genre, such as Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, or the Godfather of Indian Jazz, Louiz Banks.
- Listening Party or Jam Session – Have friends over to celebrate jazz with music, food and stories.
- Join a Music Workshop – Many music schools and online learning platforms conduct workshops on the occasion of Jazz Day.
- Take a lesson – This day can be the perfect excuse to finally start your music learning journey and master different piano music styles.
5 Greatest Piano Jazz Hits
Since its inception, the history of jazz has been marked by unforgettable and legendary piano-led pieces. Here are some of our favourites that every aspiring pianist should explore:
- Autumn Leaves by Joseph Kosma – A lyrical classic, perfect for chord voicing and improvisation.
- Take Five by Dave Brubeck Quartet – Unusual 5/4 time signature, perfect for rhythm practice.
- Cantaloupe Island by Herbie Hancock – Funky, soulful and rich in groove.
- Blue Monk by Thelonious Monk – A song with a blues-based tune with dissonant, creative twists.
- Fly Me to the Moon by Kaye Ballard – A beautiful song made in the year 1954.
These songs are famous and a staple in many piano online courses, serving as a gateway into the world of jazz.
How to Take Jazz Piano Lessons?
Learning jazz piano requires technical knowledge, creative improvisation and deep listening. If you are a beginner starting your jazz piano learning journey, then here is a roadmap you can follow:
- Stronger Basics – Learning anything requires mastering the basics. In piano, major, minor and blue scales form the basics. Mastering these can help you in improvisation and melodic development.
- Learn Jazz Chords – Master chord types, including 7ths, diminished, augmented, and extended chords. These are the chords that give jazz its rich texture.
- Explore Jazz Standards – Learn to play well-known tunes like “Blue Bossa” or “So What” using lead sheets.
- Improvise Gradually – Don’t rush—begin with short melodic ideas, using scales or motifs. Improvisation grows with confidence and ear training.
- Jam with Backing Tracks – Practising with backing tracks simulates playing with a band, helping you internalise rhythm, groove, and harmony.
Practice Piano Virtually
Today’s learners don’t have to travel miles or wait for weekend classes. With innovative technology and flexible formats, you can practice jazz piano effectively from the comfort of your home. Here’s how our platform supports your journey:
- Get Personalised 1:1 Lessons
Our courses are designed to offer personalised learning to each and every student. It is tailored to match your pace, strengths, and goals.
- Learn Anytime
The best part of online learning is 24/7 access to on-demand class recordings, notes, and materials to review lessons at your convenience.
- Use Smart Tools
Built-in tools enable you to track your practice time, slow down the tempo, and receive instant feedback.
- Explore Multiple Piano Music Styles
From swing to Latin jazz and bossa nova, you’ll experience the full flavour of jazz traditions. Our faculty of piano experts specializes in teaching different styles within the jazz genre to ensure you learn what you desire.
Final Notes
International Jazz Day isn’t just a tribute to a genre—it’s a celebration of freedom, diversity, and musical dialogue. For learners, it serves as a reminder that jazz is not limited by geography or age. It’s an open invitation to explore, improvise, and find your own sound.
At Artium Academy, we empower students to learn music online from world-renowned mentors. Our piano course is designed and certified by the Godfather of Indian Jazz, a Grammy nominee and faculty head for piano and keyboards, Mr. Louiz Banks. Under his expert guidance, our online piano lessons go beyond technique—they build musicianship, creativity, and confidence.
So, if you ever find yourself asking the question, “How to play jazz piano for beginners”?, then let the International Jazz Day inspire you. It does not matter whether you’re a curious beginner or a passionate player; join us in celebrating this art form that continues to unite people across the globe.
