What is the musical element that distinguishes jazz music from other styles?

The musical element that distinguishes jazz music from other styles is improvisation. Improvisation is the spontaneous creation of music as it is being played, rather than following a pre-written score. This allows jazz musicians to interact with each other and build on each other's ideas in real time, resulting in a constantly evolving and unique musical experience. Improvisation is often associated with solo performances, where a musician takes centre stage and performs improvised solos over a supporting chord pattern. Jazz musicians develop their improvisational skills over years of practice and study, using their musical knowledge and understanding of the underlying chord structure to create compelling and expressive melodies and harmonies on the spot.