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Postmodern Jukebox Champions Music Education and the Preservation of Vintage Styles
ACCESSWIRE·Postmodern Jukebox
Postmodern Jukebox
4 min read
How a Retro Musical Collective is Assisting in the Preservation of Timeless Musical Traditions
NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 30, 2024 / Famed musical collective Postmodern Jukebox (PMJ), known for their unique fusion of modern pop hits and vintage musical styles, has become a pop culture staple since their inception in 2010. As one of the first YouTube acts to "cross over" into the traditional live touring space, PMJ made a name for themselves by demonstrating how artists could use social media to bypass the record labels and build a successful career on their own terms. Simultaneously, the widespread, cross-generational appeal of Postmodern Jukebox also provides an excellent model for educators, preservationists, and vintage enthusiasts to follow, as they seek to pass on the rich history of American music to the next generation.
Today, music education programs in schools and communities are facing significant challenges. According to the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), nearly 40% of U.S. public schools have no full-time music teacher, and funding for the arts has been cut in many districts across the country. At the same time, older genres like doo-wop and swing are rarely heard in current popular culture, with fewer young people being exposed to these influential styles.
Scott Bradlee, founder and arranger of Postmodern Jukebox, is clearly passionate about keeping these genres alive - not just for their historical relevance, but also as a means to inspire the next wave of creative talent. In an essay on soul legend Bill Withers for the Library of Congress, Bradlee writes:
"Whenever we access great works of art across history, we engage in communion with their creator -no matter how many years, generations, or centuries have passed. Withers' gift to us is an open invitation to visit him anytime. Each time we drop the needle on any of his nine albums, he welcomes us in for conversation and song, like a dear old friend."
The Importance of Music Education: By the Numbers
Music education has been proven to have far-reaching benefits for students, not just in terms of musical skills, but also in academic performance and personal development. Studies from the Arts Education Partnership show that students who participate in music programs are more likely to perform better in math and reading, with 20% higher math scores and 22% higher English scores compared to their peers. In addition, music education fosters creativity, teamwork, and discipline-skills that are critical for success in any field.
Yet, despite these benefits, support for music education remains precarious. Data from The Hechinger Report indicates that 1.3 million elementary school students in the U.S. receive no music instruction at all. This is particularly concerning for the preservation of nonclassical genres, which rely on live, hands-on instruction to convey their particular stylistic nuances and complexities.
Preserving the Legacy of Vintage Music
Beyond its impact on individual students, music education plays a vital role in the cultural preservation of vintage music styles. Jazz, once a dominant force in American culture, has seen a sharp decline in exposure in recent decades. According to the Jazz Audience Initiative, jazz audiences have been shrinking and aging, with the median age of jazz concertgoers rising from 29 years old in 1982 to 46 years old in 2014. Without efforts to reintroduce these styles to younger generations, there is a real danger that the rich history of jazz and other classic genres could fade away.
Postmodern Jukebox's mission has always been about making vintage music accessible to modern audiences, and their lasting success is testament to the latent desire for these classic sounds, even in the 2020s. Educators that are looking to find novel ways to introduce these older genres to younger audiences need look no further than Postmodern Jukebox's expansive catalog of retro-themed covers.
PMJ in the Classroom
As part of their advocacy, Postmodern Jukebox touring cast members like renowned contemporary tap dancer, Demi Remick occasionally visit local music and dance schools before their concerts to give masterclasses and offer encouragement to aspiring young artists. By attending the PMJ concerts that follow such events, students get to see thrilling live performances by artists at the top of their craft - a truly inspiring experience.
Join the Movement
Postmodern Jukebox proves that older styles of music can still be fresh and relevant, even as apps like TikTok and Spotify dominate the music landscape. For those that are interested in sharing an appreciation of older styles of music while still connecting to the present day, look no further than a Postmodern Jukebox show.
About Postmodern Jukebox: Founded by Scott Bradlee in 2010, 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. PMJ has amassed millions of fans worldwide and performed over 1,000 live shows across iconic venues such as Radio City Music Hall and the Sydney Opera House. The group's mission is to bring the past into the present through creative, timeless performances that bridge generations.
