head arrangement

noun

, Jazz, Popular Music.

1. a roughly outlined musical arrangement that is played from memory and is often learned by ear.

head arrangement

noun

1. jazz a spontaneous orchestration

Word History and Origins

Origin of head arrangement¹

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Based on details provided by the local bettors, the alleged ring operated by a “pay per head” arrangement that experts say is common in illicit bookmaking.

From Los Angeles Times

One great thing I learned when I played with the Jack McDuff Quartet — that’s the guy who took me out of Pittsburgh when I was 19 years old, and I was on the road with him for two and a half years — he did what you call a head arrangement on everything, something off the top of his head.

From New York Times