[lyricaljoke]

"A good ear" and grasp of music theory go hand in hand. Strongly disagree that the latter is limited to classical music. The best musicians in jazz and pop music absolutely know how to incorporate the circle of fifths, types of cadences, Roman numeral harmony, etc., in their playing. That's... music theory! While there are musicians who can make it without that, they are the exception, not the rule.

[analog31]

Indeed, "theory" is not an all-or-nothing affair. There's a level of "theory" that's just learning why certain intervals are harmonious in the 12 tone system, and the names of things. I certainly learned those things, but if asked whether I know "theory," my answer is no. Virtually everything I know about harmony in jazz is due to hearing and recognizing recurring patterns.

In my case, I've gotten through 40 years of performing with jazz groups, so in some sense I'm doing OK, but I also know that I struggle with ultra-modern jazz harmonies. This came into pretty sharp relief when I played with some musicians who were composing all of their own tunes. I reach the end of my mental map, and then I have to fake it, or improvise directly from the melody.

But I agree that "ear" and perception of harmonic structure are closely related. It's hard to describe, and might make a psychologist cringe, but a musician develops a "mental ear." And I wouldn't recommend my approach to a young player. Most people want to become proficient in fewer than 40 years. ;-) There are things I can't do. I can't compose or arrange anything worth playing. Without exception, every musician I've played with who could compose or arrange decent jazz material has a music degree.

[tobr]

This is a bit like saying that all the best speakers know a lot of grammar. Maybe they do, but that’s not why they are able to put together complete sentences, let alone why they are able to move an audience with a speech.

[jacquesm]

Some of the best Jazz pianists started out as classical pianists. Friedrich Gulda for instance, and Keith Jarrett.