Women in Jazz is a descriptive term rather than a single band, used to refer broadly to female musicians, vocalists, composers and bandleaders working within jazz traditions. Originating from jazz scenes in the United States and internationally throughout the 20th century, women in jazz have participated across styles including swing, bebop, vocal jazz, cool jazz, hard bop, modal jazz and contemporary and experimental jazz. Their work encompasses roles as singers, instrumentalists (notably piano, saxophone, trumpet, bass and drums), arrangers and composers, and is characterized by a range of approaches from ensemble-oriented swing and standards interpretation to modern improvisation, virtuosity and innovative compositional techniques. The term highlights both historical contributions and ongoing activity by women in the jazz field.