At a functional level, Jazz improvisation is simply about possessing the necessary competencies that will allow the performer to compose relevant melodies over a given harmonic musical progression.

Improvisation is not about “learning language” until the performers actually understand what is being asked of them musically in the first place.

The chord progression tells everything about what scale notes are being asked for by the composer.

That’s simply knowing the applied music theory. Not magic. Or being ultra talented or prodigiously gifted.

Successful improvisers uniformly spend the time to become competent in baseline factors such as understanding and executing all major and minor scales along with those inherent diatonic chords.

Why does this work? Applied knowledge of Basic Music Theory and its functionality informs our practice as improvising musicians.

I’m all for building “Jazz language” using melodic construction principles found in music composition and arranging because that’s also how improvisation inherently works in application.

It is a different process than “learning licks” and “transcribing solos” of the Jazz masters but it’s a process that delivers unique individual artistry and new contributions to the continuum of the art form.

Memorization is a useful skill and ability but it’s not improvisation. The goal of Jazz improvisation is to offer your own informed musical opinions and voice.

My Jazz goal is to always improvise.

Christopher Burnett (BMI)
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