The following is a suggested collection of key vocabulary, concepts, and other musical elements to introduce to beginning improvisers, then review and reinforce, over time.  It is in no way meant as an exhaustive list!

• Swing/swung rhythmic feel (contrasted with a straight 8ths feel)

• Syncopation

• Space

• Rhythmic displacement

• Ensemble roles

• Lead sheet

• Head of the tune

• Chorus

• Harmonic form

• Harmonic rhythm

• Chord symbols

• Root notes

• Neighbor tones/passing tones

• Chord tones (roots, thirds, fifths, sevenths)

• Balance/ensemble sensitivity

• Background figures

• Trading 4s

• Intro/Outro

• Arrangement