Using Communication To Engage With The Audience: An Exploration Of the Communication Skill In Jazz Music As a Tool to Engage With The Listener

Author : Jorge Pallares Catalan

Abstract : An argument on non-verbal communication in the context of contemporary jazz is developed below. In particular, I will focus on recent compositional and improvisational works. This requires me to provide a clear definition of ‘communication’ in the context of contemporary jazz, which I achieve with reference to theories discussed by professional composers. Through an analysis of this definition, I reveal the complex relationships between musical expression and communication. The primary claim of this article is that by developing our musical ear, we directly develop our communicative attributes as musicians. This ear training is the most important aspect to consider when developing communication skills in music practice. This specific topic is under exploration in this article because of my academic, professional and artistic interests. My musical practices directly relate to and embody the concepts of expressivity and communication in contemporary jazz. Moreover, I work with these concepts professionally, not only as a musician and composer, but also as a teacher and lecturer. As an artist, I continuously analyse and question the meaning of communication and expressivity. Crucially, these diverse practices have raised numerous doubts and curiosities that are so far unexplored and will be questioned in the following paragraphs.

Keywords : Communication, Engagement, Audience, Jazz, Listener Performance, experimental.

Conference Name : International Conference on Performance and Audience Engagement (ICPAEG - 26)

Conference Place : Amsterdam, Netherlands

Conference Date : 21st Feb 2026