Improvisation is a central theme/device used in Jazz that is not as prominently heard in other styles ( classical for example).
A style of music that is sometimes hard to define because of its range and versatility, Jazz (sometimes referred to as American classical music) as we know it today has evolved from as far back as the 1860's during the time of Jim Crow Laws. Although Jazz wasn't known as "jazz" until almost the 1920's in New Orleans, its origins are in the blues, gospel, as well as the field and work songs of the slaves in the United States. It is important to note that it was originally developed as a uniquely African American art form, born out of the tension, suffering and segregation of black Americans. Improvisation is a central theme/device used in Jazz that is not as prominently heard in other styles ( classical for example). Often the composition serves as a vehicle for the soloist's improvisation or interpretation of the melody/chord changes and is often the main feature of a live performance. This differs from classical music where the goal is to recreate exactly the intent of the composer of any given piece of music. In jazz, the individual player's interpretation can often be the feature of the music. Another unique concept in jazz is the swing feel. A lot can be said about what it means to swing), but essentially it can be explained by subdividing each beat within a bar into groups of three or triplets, instead of twos or fours (eighth or sixteenth notes) Learn more about improvisation and swing feel with your instructor at Greater Toronto Music School. The evolution of jazz can be classified into eras that often last around a decade up until the 1980s where the direction and diaspora of jazz becomes so widespread that it's evolution is exponential while also borrowing from the first 60-80 years or so of its history.