I played trombone on Bourbon St. back in the 70's
I was very good. I got that way by turning on the jazz radio station and jamming with it every night from 12 yrs through 17 yrs old. After that I was working 3 to 5 nights a week. New Orleans didn't check ID's back then. I got good by playing all the time. The herbs worked for me and Mr Armstrong although I never found herbs as good as Mr Armstrong!!!
I read part one book on playing Jazz by Jerry Coker. When I read the line that said "If people can figure out what you are going to play next most of the time they will get bored. If people can never figure out what you are going to play next they will lose interest" I got it and pitched the book.
With that line from the book, years of playing with the radio and a few herbs I was the real deal.
I no longer play the horn or puff herbs. Music is a hobby that I am a bit of a dud at but it's better than watching TV!