How to Start Improvising Without Sounding Random

Improvisation should not feel like guessing. Would you like to work on improvising with confidence and intent? That’s what the Jazz Improv Institute is all about!

Structure Helps Creativity

True improvisation grows from:

1. Hearing the harmony clearly

2. Internalizing vocabulary

3. Understanding the harmonic function of chords

Once you work on these skills, you will have freedom in your improvisation practice. That’s why we use two-chord creativity exercises, such as ii-V progressions.

With fewer variables, musicians can focus on:

1. Smooth transitions

2. Rhythmic confidence

3. Intentional note choices

Why Two-Chord Practice Works

Practicing over a ii-V progression allows you to:

1. Hear resolution clearly

2. Reuse vocabulary naturally

3. Build confidence quickly

Instead of trying to improvise over an entire tune, you develop fluency in manageable pieces. Then, when you take your new found skills to a new tune, you will be more confident as you play.

Watch the video below for a framework for practicing jazz without the overwhelm in only 15 minutes a day.

Community Accelerates Learning

Improvisation is not meant to be learned in isolation. Feedback, encouragement, and shared language matter. That’s why the Jazz Improv Institute is built around community, where musicians practice together, reflect together, and grow at their own pace.

👉 If you’d like daily structure, audio coaching, and a supportive place to develop improvisation skills, you’re invited to join the Jazz Improv Institute community.