Jazz in Everyday Life

Jazz principles appear everywhere once you recognize them. Improvisation — responding creatively to unexpected situations — is valued in business, comedy, and conversation. Jazz musicians practice being comfortable with uncertainty, a skill that transfers to any field.

The jazz concept of comping — providing supportive accompaniment that enhances a soloist — is essentially what good listening looks like in any collaboration. You adjust your contribution to support whoever has the lead.

Jazz vocabulary has entered everyday language. A "jam session" originally meant musicians playing together informally. "Riffing" on an idea comes from jazz riffs. Being "in the groove" describes the flow state jazz musicians chase.