With the goal of helping to create a more inclusive environment in which jazz education can flourish, the purpose of this research is to explore the experiences of female early career jazz instrumentalists. Four female jazz instrumentalists whose college experiences were based at the same large university in a Midwestern state served as the participants for this qualitative instrumental case study. Data sources included individual interviews, a focus group interview, and field notes based on observations of two participants' rehearsals and performances. Six major themes with sub-themes emerged from this study: (1) Perceptions of the influence of gender, (2) Influence of perceptions of place, (3) Influence of supportive relationships, (4) Resilience through personal characteristics, (5) Beneficial dispositions for improvisation, and (6) Salient improvisation teaching and learning approaches. Based on the findings, I recommended that music educators be cognizant of the overt and nuanced ways that gender can impact their students' experiences. This awareness could help educators recognize and minimize gendered preconceptions that could be perpetuated within their classrooms and facilitate an informed approach toward addressing gender-related challenges. Particular attention to the social dynamics among students may help to cultivate mutually respectful peer relationships. Students could benefit from both theoretical and aural approaches to improvisation learning as well as extensive opportunities to apply and enhance their abilities through performance.
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