[Dixielandjazz] Music theory

[Edgerton, Paul A]

Ken Gates asked, "Can any of you that play well enough to perform cite
an example of some aspect of music theory that has enabled you to raise
your skill level?  Especially in the area of improvisation."

Ken, if licks are the vocabulary of jazz, then theory is the grammar.
Skillful use of any language requires both mastery of a sufficient
working vocabulary and a grasp of the basic rules of grammar.

One place where a solid theoretical understanding can help is when
sight-reading changes to an unfamiliar song. For example, you might be
playing a solo spot in a big band chart you've never seen (or heard)
before.  The ability to read and instantly analyze written chord changes
could help get you through the treacherous changes big band writers
sometimes provide, where ears alone might not be enough.

If you want to be fully conversant in the language of jazz, you need to
know both the vocabulary and the grammar.

-- Paul Edgerton