Jazz Music and the Cultivation of Creative Spaces : A Case Study of Phatthalung Youth Big Band

Abstract

This article examines the role of jazz music particularly the big band format as a mechanism for youth development and the advancement of contemporary cultural spaces at the local level. Using Phatthalung Youth Big Band as a case study, the study elucidates processes of music education management, the establishment of teacher networks, and the design of learning activities that foster musical proficiency alongside essential attributes such as responsibility, discipline, and teamwork. The findings indicate that participation in a big band extends beyond musical practice; it functions as a “cultural space” that enables youth to express their potential, cultivate social coexistence skills, and connect local cultural roots with contemporary musical forms.

Moreover, the initiative contributes to reducing educational disparities, creating safe and supportive environments for young people, and promoting cultural tourism, thereby supporting the development of a sustainable creative economy in Phatthalung Province. The outcomes underscore the potential of jazz music as a strategic instrument for human resource development and for strengthening local identity within the context of contemporary Thai society.