Miles Davis from William P. Gottlieb Collection
At Practicing Musician we are all about MUSIC EDUCATION all of the time. But when we are finished practicing for the day, we are still all about the music!
One of the best ways to deepen your love of music — and your understanding of it — is to watch the stories behind the musicians who shaped it. Music documentaries give students and music lovers a window into the dedication, creativity, and passion that goes into mastering an instrument and building a musical legacy.
Here are some of the best music documentaries every music student should watch.
Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool (2019)
This is the one that started it all for us. “Birth of the Cool” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019 and is one of the most compelling music documentaries ever made. It traces the life and genius of Miles Davis — one of the most influential musicians in jazz history — through rare archival footage, recordings, and interviews.
If you have ever wanted to understand jazz and its lineage, this is the place to start. And naturally, it will bring you straight to the trumpet. You can watch it on Amazon Prime or Netflix.
Speaking of trumpet — learn more about Jim Sisko, Practicing Musician’s Trumpet Teacher. You might just find yourself inspired to pick one up.
Jaco (2014)
The story of Jaco Pastorius, widely considered the greatest electric bass player who ever lived. This documentary covers his meteoric rise, his revolutionary approach to the bass guitar, and the personal struggles that defined his life. Essential viewing for any string or bass player — and for anyone who wants to understand what it means to truly commit to an instrument.
Available on Amazon Prime.
20 Feet from Stardom (2013)
Winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary, this film tells the story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest recordings in music history. It is a deeply human film about talent, recognition, and the love of music for its own sake — themes that resonate with every musician at every level. A must-watch for vocalists and instrumentalists alike.
Available on Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Shut Up and Sing (2006)
The story of the Dixie Chicks and the firestorm that followed a single offhand comment before a London concert in 2003. This documentary is less about music technique and more about artistic courage — what it means to stand by your convictions when the entire industry turns against you. A powerful watch for any musician thinking seriously about a career in music.
Available on Amazon Prime.
Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus (2003)
A stunning journey through the roots of American folk and gospel music. If your students are curious about where American music comes from — the raw, unfiltered origins of the sounds they hear everywhere — this is the documentary to show them. Unlike anything else on this list and unforgettable once seen.
Standing in the Shadows of Motown (2002)
The story of the Funk Brothers — the session musicians who played on more number-one hits than the Beatles, Elvis, the Rolling Stones, and the Beach Boys combined. Most people have never heard their names. This documentary changes that. A powerful reminder of the musicians behind the music, and the craft that makes great recordings possible.
Available on Amazon Prime.
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