[mtalantikite]

Right now I’m working with a jazz/improvisation teacher and he has me play through a piece once strictly as it’s written, once again strictly but singing the melody, and then the third time through with improvisation on the melody. Sheet music is thrown away as soon as possible. Of course jazz compositions are much shorter than classical pieces, but I do think the premise of getting it down strictly and slowly opening it up is a great way to practice.