Myth: Jazz Improvisation Is Entirely Random

People often think jazz improvisation is just random notes played on a whim, rather than a skillful and intentional part of the music.

Jazz improvisation is deeply rooted in music theory, technique, and emotional expression. Musicians learn scales, modes, and chord structures, using these as the foundation for improvisation. Great jazz improvisers, like John Coltrane and Miles Davis, spent years studying and practicing these concepts. Improvisation allows for personal expression but follows a framework that requires technical skill and theoretical understanding. Jazz improvisation is dynamic and unpredictable, but it’s far from random—it’s a sophisticated language developed through practice and deep knowledge of musical structure.