“Function Theory Was Terrible” – From Function Theory to Figured Bass: A Real Improviser’s Method

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Full Interview:    • Ep. 195 | How to Learn Classical Improvisa...  

In this segment, Szymon Jakubowski explains why traditional function theory actually slowed down his improvisation training.

After studying harmony through dense functional analysis — notebooks filled with symbols that “looked like chemistry” — his teacher told him something radical:

“Forget everything.”

Instead of stacking functions and over-labeling every chord, he shifted toward a simpler and faster model rooted in figured bass and practical harmonic patterns.

He then demonstrates the difference live at the keyboard.

Using a chromatic progression built around diminished seventh chords, he shows how improvisation thinking can be reduced to one clear guiding idea:

Every second chord diminished.
Release. Tension. Release.

From there, he connects each diminished chord, not by heavy analysis, but by immediate auditory decision-making.

No functional speculation.
No harmonic over-theorizing.
Just fast musical reaction.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by harmonic labels, this clip will completely reframe how to think at the keyboard.