On The Value of Collaboration by Nestor Torres

Collaboration in music, especially in the realm of Jazz, can serve as the perfect blueprint for a life well lived. Jazz artists must know how to work with other musicians by developing active listening and adaptation skills in different musical contexts. These skills are extremely valuable tools in a musical or artistic setting and in our daily lives.

Collaboration is essential for a successful and happy life. Life is collaboration. It is an endless and intricate series of collaborative interactions. In life, everything is happening all of the time without pause. For human beings, the foundation of any collaboration is dialogue.

Collaboration is defined as “a partnership; a union; the act of producing or making something together. Collaboration can take place between two people or many people, strangers, or best friends. To collaborate is to commit to the possibility of producing an outcome greater than that which could be developed on one’s own.”

Dialogue is “focused conversation, engaged in intentionally with the goal of increasing understanding, addressing problems, and questioning thoughts and actions. It engages the heart as well as the mind.”

A theme I use in my lectures and master classes is Music Is Life and Life Is Music. Students discuss how Training (learning basic skills), Preparation (developing the ability to be ready for whatever comes), Improvisation (creating and responding spontaneously), and Expression (the ability to express what we feel) are required for a successful collaboration. Rather than teaching students, or imparting knowledge and information in a oneway fashion, I conduct my classes, lectures, and workshops, through dialogue.

Whether we are on stage performing with other musicians, at home with our families, or at the negotiation table closing a deal, or agreeing to a cease-fire, dialogue is the foundation of effective and value-creating collaboration.

Of course, genuine dialogue and collaboration can be very difficult, for it requires trust and respect for self and others. Dialogue and collaboration are risky propositions indeed!

The philosopher and educator Dr. Daisaku Ikeda said, “Dialogue is the initial step in the creation of value. Dialogue is the starting point and unifying force in all human relationships.” icon Wayne Shorter said, “Playing Jazz gives us the courage to challenge and conquer difficulties, even under unexpected circumstances” (Hancock, p. 10).

From a Jazz performance perspective, it could be said that dialogue and collaboration are one and the same. An article from the Buddhist publication, World Tribune, was about how “Jazz improvisation is like a dialogue between performer and audience, and among musicians. Improvisation necessitates listening with the same intensity as playing. Our determination and efforts to create the greatest possible value in each situation are vital to musical improvisation, interpersonal dialogues, and even life itself. Whether the tune of life is upbeat or down, we can develop the improvisational skills to create harmony and peace wherever we are” (WT, 5/17/2024, p. 10).

I encourage you, dear reader, to live your life engaged in dialogues and collaborations as if you’re in a Jazz Jam session. In Reaching Beyond: Improvisations on Jazz, Buddhism, and a Joyful Life by Herbie Hancock, Jazz icon Wayne Shorter said, “Playing Jazz gives us the courage to challenge and conquer difficulties, even under unexpected circumstances” (Hancock, p. 10).