How is jazz music different than classical?


Answer: This is really hard to define, because like any art form definitions are wide across people and cultures. Some famous jazz musicians have said that you cannot define jazz.  However, some distinct features of jazz music are: 

- syncopated rhythms 
- complex harmony using scale extensions like 7ths, 11ths, and 13ths
- an acceptance of dissonant harmony 
- improvisation