The world of jazz

Most musicians play in various ensembles or bands. Many musicians have their own trio, quartet or a larger ensemble for which they write and/or arrange music for themselves. Other musicians make a creative contribution to ensembles of colleagues. Most jazz ensembles play all year round, but they often work in a project cycle from one to two years, in which they develop a new program, produce an album and do some concerts or tours.

Those who want to apply themselves occupationally in jazz music need entrepreneurial energy. Most jazz musicians work as a self-employed person combining performing (with own projects, in other musicians bands and in the commercial circuit) with teaching (at music schools, in workshops or online), production jobs and sometimes even with another job within or outside of the music industry.

Most musicians take care of the business side of their works themselves, especially in the beginning. Intermediaries and impresario agencies can help with bookings. The Netherlands has several jazz venues and cafes, jazz festivals, competitions, awards and nationwide presentations.

As a rule, non-subsidized ensembles in the jazz sector are booked for short term projects, and every opportunity must be taken advantage of in order to keep playing on a regular basis. There are projects developed around special themes, but the ensembles keep working in addition to these. Depending on demand, some periods are busier than others, but as a rule the work has a continuous character.