TEACHING JAZZ IMPROVIZATION TO MUSICIANS: A COGNITIVE ASPECT

Abstract

The article analyzes scientific research on a jazz musician’s cognitive activity during improvisation. Some works on neuroscience related to creative thinking are viewed upon. Some difficulties faced by jazz students during their self-directed improvisation are dwelled upon choosing a jazz language technique, as well as anxiety and lack of confidence among them. A question on how to achieve a flow state to improve the quality of the music being played at the moment. The flow experience is considered as both a state and a trait applied for three major domains – musical piece, listening and musical performance, and involves total immersiveness, concentration and action awareness. The researcher touches on favourable conditions for a fruitful development of creative skills and enriched environments. Attention is paid to the phenomenon of music making in real time, which implies focusing on the process of making a creative product rather than on a final creative product itself. A conclusion is made on a promising outlook of the principle of neuroplasticity in the field of jazz education.