Sir, The article “Jazz? It’s not all that easy” (times2, Dec 31) seems to show not that jazz is more complicated than classical music, but that Felicity Rubenstein had been happily enjoying and playing classical music for years without learning a lot of theory. The various modes and keys that were so new to her are not exclusive to jazz, and the circle of fifths is a relatively basic principle. Ms Rubenstein writes that after the course she had a new appreciation for jazz; I wonder whether she will also find a new appreciation for other pieces of music now she has a little more grounding in the theory.

Nonetheless, her existing musical habits seem to support Mark Etherington’s point (letter, Jan 3) that formal theory is not the best place to start musical tuition.

Eloise Midgen
Witney, Oxon

Sir, I recall it being explained to me that jazz is the only form of music that the musicians seem to be enjoying more than the audience.

Chris Ancliff
Maidenhead, Berks

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