[QUOTE id=26510 time=1406116743]Jam sessions are great, especially if you're working with someone who is a higher skill level than yourself. In that situation, it's beneficial to BOTH players (the more advanced and the not so advanced). For the newer musician you're playing with someone whose skills are more advanced than yours, and it gives you a chance to learn from their knowledge and experiences. You can learn a few tricks of the trade if you will. For the more advanced of the two, you have to constantly check and adjust for the more inexperienced musician. Some things that you are used to simply happening (such as harmonizing) you have to actually put an effort into doing.http://www.nyjazzacademy.com/

I think Jam sessions are very beneficial. They can be as different as day and night but generally they help one1) personally interact with musicians of many venues, 2) technally size up against the rest,3) increase potential for filling a need, and3) you could even get your own night! The key is to be cool and learn.