The Lost Tools of Jazz Improvisation

In a commentary, a jazz music educator critiques contemporary jazz education. Jazz education in colleges and
universities focuses on chord and scale relationships when teaching improvisation; however, rhythmic
development, timbre inflections, and melodic development should be taught as just as important as chord and
scale relationships. In addition, creativity should be encouraged and valued, as creativity is the soul of
improvisation. A history of the evolution of jazz education is presented.