As a life-long (and annoying) improviser, this was interesting. I annoyed the lead guitarist in my old church band, because he'd practice and perfect things for hours. He never improvised, while I would show up and improvise my way through it.

And I wouldn't necessarily play a song the same way twice - different instrumentation, style, etc. Maybe piano, then maybe contrapuntal synthesizer or flute or violin lines the next, or add a 'cello line for the bass. A few times, even change something verse-to-verse. (Keyboards can make so many different sounds, why not use them?)

Maybe that's why he's happy I'm NOT in the church's current band! ;-)

<https://nautil.us/heres-whats-happening-in-the-brain-when-youre-improvising-1258457/>

Anyway, what do you think? Do you improvise or 'play it as written'?

May the perfect note you need be there the moment you need it in 2026. Happymerrynewchristmasyear!