Abstract
The primary purpose of this study was to create a model to predict jazz improvisation achievement. The dependent variable was defined as jazz improvisation achievement and the independent variables were defined as: (a) self-assessment, (b) self efficacy, (c) motivation, (d) jazz theory knowledge, (e) academic achievement, (f) sight-reading ability, and (g) listening experience. A sample of high school students (N = 102) in grades 9 through 12 were chosen from 3 high schools in south Florida (n = 59) and 4 high schools in southeast Michigan (n = 43). The seven independent variables combined to account for 50% of the variance in jazz improvisation achievement. The path model revealed an adequate fit between theory and data (X² = 10.67, df= 11, p < .471), indicating that a model to predict jazz improvisation achievement can be created and statistically tested.
