Joseph L. Jefferson - How music unifies during trying times (Dec 2025)
Year-end is a time of intense emotion, celebration, reflection, mourning, prayer, stress. For individuals and communities seeking connection, music (art) cultivates the space where people come together.
St. Olaf College Associate Professor of Music, Director of Jazz Ensembles, Joseph L. Jefferson . . . how music fosters connection during our most difficult times.
Why do individuals feel a connection to a song or artist?
Music is deeply personal, yet universally shared. Individuals connect to songs and artists because music reflects our backgrounds, lived experiences, and emotional landscapes. A powerful melody or lyrics can meet us exactly where we are . . . offering comfort, clarity, or even joy. As performers, we serve as vessels who translate these emotions to the listener. This is why certain songs especially in gospel, jazz, and soul music, become timeless; they speak across generations and continue to resonate long after the moment has passed.
Why does certain music or particular songs resonate more during times of uncertainty?
Music has always reflected the times. In moments of uncertainty, we naturally gravitate toward songs that help us process fear, grief, and hope. A single phrase, groove, or harmony can carry us back to childhood or remind us of moments of clarity. During the COVID-19 lockdown, many of us were sustained by the arts . . . I know I certainly was. Jazz in particular teaches us to listen deeply and respond with empathy. As Wynton Marsalis said, “Jazz is the sound of democracy. It reminds us that even in chaos, we can still create something meaningful, together.”
How can music reach across boundaries and bring people together?
Music transcends language, identity, and culture. Duke Ellington’s belief that there are only two kinds of music – good and bad – continues to guide me as a performer and educator. Good music has the power to unite people, regardless of genre, although what is considered “good” is always up to the listener. Jazz in particular builds community by valuing individual expression within a shared purpose. Through my own travels and training in jazz, choral, chamber, and symphonic settings, doors have been opened to cultures and communities I might never have reached otherwise. Whether I am performing in Southeast Asia, South America, on the East Coast, or in the Midwest, the human connection created through listening, responding, and making music together remains constant and powerful.
During the holiday season, we usually see individuals, families, friends, and groups connect through holiday songs. Why does this annual phenomenon happen?
The holiday season brings a sense of renewal, gratitude, and togetherness, and music becomes the soundtrack for that spirit. The moment I hear The Temptations begin with “In my mind . . . ,” I think of “Silent Night” and am instantly transported to early holiday memories. Holiday music unifies us because it is tied to memory, tradition, and family. These songs often focus on hope, generosity, and joy . . . values we collectively reach for during this time of year. They remind us where we come from and help us celebrate the people we hold close.
How does your work at St. Olaf support students’ understanding of how music impacts people and communities?
As director of jazz ensembles at St. Olaf, I have the privilege of teaching students about the rich art form of jazz and how it reflects history, culture, and the human experience. By providing musical context and emphasizing the music’s roots, I help students approach jazz with respect and authenticity, while staying open to hearing their perspectives. Our campus draws students from many backgrounds, and jazz gives them a way to understand one another, build community, and engage alongside our other wonderful musical traditions, both longstanding and newly emerging at St. Olaf. Whether our students become performers, educators, or advocates, they learn that music is not just something we study . . . it is something that shapes lives, uplifts communities, and serves as a bridge between people, which is especially important within a liberal arts setting. That belief guides my work every day.