jazz=eargasm.
I met an old musician one time when I was on a bus. I had my electric with me back then so we conversed. He told me that when studying music you shouldn't really constrict yourself with music theory. But that doesn't mean that you shouldn't study it. Its more like it gives you a sense of understanding of how it works and the moment you could understand several aspects, you'll be able to represent emotions and meanings behind your music. He has been teaching people music for years and was already on his retirement then.
That old man was poetic and really philosophical. One of my greatest talk with a stranger and a co-music enthusiast. Cheers and good luck :D.