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Technique | Fundamentals and Musicianship | Literature | Advanced Repertoire and Styles | Back to Catalog
The Voice Lab
An on-going class for all singers, from beginner through advanced. The focus is on the use of natural voice and conversational phrasing. Performance evaluation is combined with diagnostic techniques to correct common vocal and performance problems. Voice Lab can be repeated, or used as a review. This class is a prerequisite for Vocal Tech 1-4.
Vocal Calisthenics
A tough 2 hour vocal workout, covering 3 octaves. For serious vocalists only. Eliminates vocal breaks and smoothes out registers. Mastering optimum breathing and support. Emphasis on singing scale and chord patterns on modal, blues, pentatonic, chromatic and other scales. Guaranteed to build stamina and speed in the vocal line. Students will need to purchase Hear It and Sing It (Exploring Modal Jazz) by Judy Niemack by Hal Leonard Publishing. Order at www.sheetmusicplus.com
Warm-ups and Breathing Technique for the Beginning Vocalist
A great class for the beginning vocalist wanting to have formal training. This class will help the singer with breathing technique, range ability, and good warm-ups for the voice.
Vocal Tech 1
An introduction to the basic rudiments and the four vocal positions used in singing. Building the mask voice. Exercises to blend chest, middle and head registers. Focus on singing upbeat tunes to develop conversational placement of word, tone, and clipped phrases that swing. Understanding breath and natural support. Emphasis on singing in neutral position with compressed and soft closure tone. Handouts provided. Students sing with jazz tracks, and must purchase Hal Leonard's Jazz Tracks for Singers (male or female), book of 15 tunes and CD. Order from www.sheetmusicplus.com.
Vocal Tech 2
A focus on more advanced breathing techniques to build optimum diaphragmatic support. Tightening up of middle voice concepts and techniques. Deeper understanding of the four vocal positions with an emphasis on the cry position. Vocal exercises to extend vocal range (2 1/2-3 octaves). Working with vibrato and different volume levels. Mastering vowels and consonants. Handouts provided. Students sing with jazz tracks. Students must purchase Hal Leonard's Jazz Ballads for Singers (male or female), book of 15 tunes and CD. Order from www.sheetmusicplus.com.
Vocal Tech 3
Eliminating vocal faults. Students sing in all 4 vocal positions: neutral, cry, belt, and overdrive. Emphasis on overdrive. Adding stylistic elements to the singing voice by adding variety to attacks, sustained notes, and releases. Working for a smoother and more graceful vocal performance. Emphasis on emotion and interpretation of the lyric. Emergency care for the vocalist. Handouts provided. Students can use jazz tracks from Vocal Tech 1 and 2, but are encouraged to bring in charts to jazz tunes in appropriate keys for live performance.
Vocal Tech 4
A continuation of Vocal Tech 3: Eliminating vocal faults. Students sing in all 4 vocal positions: neutral, cry, belt, and overdrive. Emphasis on overdrive. Adding stylistic elements to the singing voice by adding variety to attacks, sustained notes, and releases. Working for a smoother and more graceful vocal performance. Emphasis on emotion and interpretation of the lyric. Emergency care for the vocalist. Handouts provided. Students can use jazz tracks from Vocal Tech 1 and 2, but are encouraged to bring in charts to jazz tunes in appropriate keys for live performance.
Creating the Mood for the Consummate Performer
Learn subtle tricks about your music and performance that will keep the audience spellbound and in the palm of your hand. This class will put everything in sync, from great vocal technique, to hot phrasing loaded with ear candy, to in-the-pocket groove. Learn the body language of the top pros, mastering eyes, hands, conversational and grand gestures -yet all honed down to look and feel natural. Each week, the singer will be responsible for 2 new songs, with music tracks to be performed back to back with appropriate patter. Singers are responsible for finding their own jazz tracks. Songs must be memorized and "gig ready." Prerequisites include classes from: Vocal Tech 1-4, Art of Phrasing 1-2, Recording Tech 1-2, and "Electric Edge" R&B Stylings for the Vocalist, or have the consent of the instructor.
The Next Level
Master Class for Vocalists w/Ron Browning
This class will identify and strengthen the unique qualities in both vocal style and performance of each singer. The emphasis will be on embracing techniques that allow the singer to think more like an artist. Prerequisites should include classes in vocal technique, phrasing, performance, and vocal style, such as the R&B Electric Edge class. By audition or instructor permission.
Developing the R&B Electric Edge to the Voice
If you want to add a more soulful interpretation to your vocals, this is the class for you. Learn to combine the modes of overdrive, cry, and belt with a touch of blues and gospel to give new life to old tunes. Some understanding and demonstration of the mask voice is necessary. Prerequisite: Permission from the instructor.
The Art of Phrasing
Focuses on packing something special into every phrase. Learn to turn a stiff vocal line into something that is instantly memorable. Master slurs, slides, stressed notes and syncopation. Developing vocal licks appropriate for the style. Singers bring in their own arrangements for the class. For Advanced Vocalists.
Recording Techniques for Vocalists 1
These classes allow the singer to record the songs they have been woodshedding in Art of Phrasing 1 & 2. Students will learn basic rudiments of recording while exploring phrasing techniques further. Being able to hear new techniques in playback builds instant confidence, as it allows them to hear when they are overdoing or underdoing new phrasing techniques. The end goal of the combined classes is to complete a demo of four jazz standards for each singer. Prerequisite: Completion of Art of Phrasing classes, or permission of instructor.
Recording Techniques for Vocalists 2
These classes allow the singer to record the songs they have been woodshedding in Art of Phrasing 1 & 2. Students will learn basic rudiments of recording while exploring phrasing techniques further. Being able to hear new techniques in playback builds instant confidence, as it allows them to hear when they are overdoing or underdoing new phrasing techniques. The end goal of the combined classes is to complete a demo of four jazz standards for each singer. Prerequisite: Completion of Art of Phrasing classes, or permission of instructor.
Beginning Stage Performance for the Vocalist
Emphasis on using good vocal technique in a live performance situation. Students perform 2-3 songs as a mini set The singer's image. Beginning microphone technique. Learning to use appropriate patter to set up a tune and work the audience. Communicating tempo and grove to the musicians. Learning to use conversational and grand gestures appropriate for the song. Understanding stage fright. Handouts provided. Students can use jazz tracks from precious Vocal Tech 1,2, or 3, but are encouraged to bring in appropriate charts for live performance. Prerequisite: Vocal Tech 1, 2, and 3.
Jazz Vocal Technique for the Intermediate to Advanced Singer
3-week mini-course
Advanced Vocal Stylings: Colors & Textures of Jazz Singing w/Sandra Dudley
This advanced class will focus on the discovery of colors and textures within the voice to communicate song text and style.
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Theory for Vocalists
Basic theory for the vocalist. Starts from the very beginning, with key signatures, meter, sight reading, and chord symbols.
How To Build a Solid Repertoire
Singers -IT'S TIME TO TUNE UP YOUR TUNES LIST!
Learn How To Build a Solid Repertoire of your BEST TUNES
If your goal is to sing and you've learned at least a handful of songs, (at
least 6) you've got a good start. If you're out gigging, you've probably got
a healthy list of tunes. But are they your BEST TUNES? Getting the best
gigs or best response from your audience means having a full selection
of your BEST SONGS, not just any old list of songs that you know. SO...
how do you build your repertoire with your BEST songs? How do you
know what songs are best for you? Bring your book of charts (or list of
songs you're working on) to this workshop and find out! Explore your
favorite tunes in a variety of styles or in your favorite style and find out
what REALLY WORKS for you. Learn how to pick songs that express
themselves easily through you, so as not to waste unnecessary time with
tunes that don't work for you.
Ear Training 1
A basic class starting with intervals, triads, 4 note chords, inversions of chords, bass lines and simple melody lines. Minimal dictation.
Ear Training 2
A continuation of Ear Training 1. A study of chordal extensions and their inversions and voicings. How to pull parts off a CD.
Ear Training 3
A continuation of ear training 2.
Chart Writing for Vocalists and Instrumentalists
A class covering the basics of notation and application to writing simple chord charts. Intros and Endings to tunes are discussed. Prerequisite: Ear Training 1.
Beginning Arranging for Vocalists
The next step after chart-writing. Course will include intros, endings, and modulations. This class can be beneficial for instrumentalists as well.
Beginning Vocal Performance Techniques Part 1
A class designed for the beginning performer who has done minimal stage work. Two songs required for the performance. Part 1 is designed to help students graduate from performances in the classroom to the actual stage situation.
Beginning Vocal Performance Techniques Part 2
A class designed for the beginning performer who has done minimal stage work. Two songs required for the performance. Beginning Performance Techniques Part 2 will cover mic technique, patter and staging.
Intermediate Vocal Performance Techniques Part 1
A continuation of Beginning Performance Techniques with more selective songs and longer sets.
Intermediate Vocal Performance Techniques Part 2
A continuation of Beginning Performance Techniques with more selective songs and longer sets.
Musicianship for Vocalists
An essential core class for the intermediate vocalist who wants to learn the musical skills needed to communicate with other musicians. Topics include communicating with the band, charts, intros and endings, developing and organizing your book, and more. Prerequisites: at least four vocal literature courses, theory, and chart-writing.
Beginning Sightreading for Vocalists & Instrumentalists
A beginning class on how to sightread charts and single lines. For all instrumentalists and vocalists.
Vocal Jazz Stylings
An intensive study of vocal jazz styles taught from an instrumentalist/vocalist viewpoint. Topics to be covered include rhythmic interpretation, using the metronome to practice, conversational phrasing with rhythm figures, and intensive study and listening to jazz vocalists/instrumentalists such as Diana Krall, Shirley Horn, and Carmen McRae.
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Introduction to Vocal Literature
A class for vocalists who want to learn jazz singing. Topics to be covered include jazz phrasing, tone, learning the correct melody to jazz standards, microphone and stage performance technique, and getting comfortable with accompanists. The class may be repeated as often as desired.
Jazz Singing 101
The next step up from "Introduction to Vocal Literature," this class introduces the vocalists to performing with a live rhythm section.
A class for vocalists who want to learn jazz singing. Topics to be covered include jazz phrasing, tone, learning the correct melody to jazz standards, microphone and stage performance technique, and getting comfortable with accompanists. The class may be repeated as often as desired.
Vocal Literature: George Gershwin Part 1
A study of the music of Gershwin. Part 1 focuses on learning song forms, lyric content, and styles. Students will sing with a band weekly.
Vocal Literature: George Gershwin Part 2
A study of the music of Gershwin. Part 2 is a continuation of Part 1. Students will learn more songs, with a special performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Cole Porter Part 1
A study of the music of Cole Porter. Part 1 focuses on learning song forms, lyric content, and styles. Students will sing with a band weekly.
Vocal Literature: Cole Porter Part 2
A study of the music of Cole Porter. Part 2 is a continuation of Part 1. Students will learn more songs, with a special performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Rodgers and Hart Part 1
A study of the music of Rodgers & Hart. Part 1 focuses on learning song forms, lyric content, and styles. Students will sing with a band weekly.
Vocal Literature: Rodgers and Hart Part 2
A study of the music of Rodgers & Hart. Part 2 is a continuation of Part 1. Students will learn more songs, with a special performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Harold Arlen Part 1
A study of the music of Arlen, with a focus on learning song forms, lyric content, and styles. Students will sing with a band weekly and give a performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Harold Arlen Part 2
A study of the music of Harold Arlen Part 2 is a continuation of Part 1. Students will learn more songs, with a special performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Duke Ellington Part 1
A study of the music of Ellington. Part 1 focuses on learning song forms, lyric content, and styles. Students will sing with a band weekly.
Vocal Literature: Duke Ellington Part 2
A study of the music of Ellington. Part 2 is a continuation of Part 1. Students will learn more songs, with a special performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Johnny Mercer Part 1
A study of the music of Mercer. Part 1 focuses on learning song forms, lyric content, and styles. Students will sing with a band weekly.
Vocal Literature: Johnny Mercer Part 2
A study of the music of Mercer. Part 2 is a continuation of Part 1. Students will learn more songs, with a special performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Jerome Kern
A study of the music of Kern, with a focus on learning song forms, lyric content, and styles. Students will sing with a band weekly and give a performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Harry Warren
A study of the music of Harry Warren, with a focus on learning song forms, lyric content, and styles. Students will sing with a band weekly and give a performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Jimmy Van Heusen
A study of the music of Van Heusen, with a focus on learning song forms, lyric content, and styles. Students will sing with a band weekly and give a performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Irving Berlin
A study of the music of Irving Berlin, with a focus on learning song forms, lyric content, and styles. Students will sing with a band weekly and give a performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Hoagy Carmichael
A study of the music of Hoagy Carmichael, with a focus on learning song forms, lyric content, and styles. Students will sing with a band weekly and give a performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Jazz Classics 1
A study of an assorted collection of great songs from the American popular songbook. Students will sing with a band weekly and give a performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Jazz Classics 2
A study of an assorted collection of great songs from the American popular songbook. Students will sing with a band weekly and give a performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Jazz Classics 3
A study of an assorted collection of great songs from the American popular songbook. Students will sing with a band weekly and give a performance at the end.
Vocal Literature: Jazz Classics 4
A study of an assorted collection of great songs from the American popular songbook. Students will sing with a band weekly and give a performance at the end.
The Great Unknown Composers
There are many great tunes which, although "under the radar," belong on everyone's set list. The names Dave Frishberg, Dietz/Schwartz, Cy Coleman and Cahn/Van Heusen may not be household words, but their songs - Blizzard of Lies, Alone Together, It Amazes Me, The Tender Trap and many more - beg to be explored. Now's the time to do it!
Vocal Literature: The Blues
This class will cover different elements and styles of the blues, repertoire, and getting the right sound. Intermediate and advanced sections will be offered. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
Vocal Literature: Music of Antonio Carlos Jobim Part 1
A study of the music of Jobim. Part 1 focuses on learning song forms, lyric content, and the bossa nova style. Students will sing with a band weekly. Songs will be performed with original Portuguese lyrics.
Vocal Literature: Music of Antonio Carlos Jobim Part 2
A study of the music of Jobim. Part 2 is a continuation of Part 1. Students will learn more songs forms, with a special performance at the end.
French Chansons: French Jazz Literature
This 12-week performance course for vocalists covers some of the most popular French jazz songs to cross the Atlantic. All songs will be sung in French, so some prior knowledge of the French language is recommended. Performers and composers covered will include Edith Piaf, Michel LeGrand, Yves Montand and Blossom Dearie. Songs will include "La vie en rose," "La mer" (Beyond The Sea), "Les feuilles mortes," (Autumn Leaves), and many others.
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Uptempo Tunes for Vocalists 1
A study of uptempo tunes. Part 1 focuses on repertoire, styles, approaches, and phrasing.
Uptempo Tunes for Vocalists 2
A continuation of Part 1. Part 2 is a more in-depth focus on phrasing, styles, and lyric interpretation. Prerequisite: Part 1.
Advanced Vocal Literature: Ballads 1
A study of jazz ballads. Part 1 focuses on repertoire, styles, approaches, and phrasing.
Advanced Vocal Literature: Ballads 2
A continuation of Part 1. Part 2 is a more in-depth focus on phrasing, styles, and lyric interpretation. Prerequisite: Part 1.
Vocal Styles & Literature: Peggy Lee/Chet Baker Part 1
A study of music associated with Peggy Lee and Chet Baker. Part 1 focuses on repertoire, styles, approaches, and phrasing.
Vocal Styles & Literature: Peggy Lee/Chet Baker Part 2
A study of music associated with Peggy Lee and Chet Baker. A continuation of Part 1, Part 2 is a more in-depth focus on phrasing, styles, and lyric interpretation. Prerequisite: Part 1.
Advanced Vocal Literature: Vocal Stylings of Sarah Vaughn
Vocal Styles & Literature-Ella Fitzgerald & Mel Torme 1
A study of music associated with Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme. Part 1 focuses on repertoire, styles, approaches, and phrasing.
Vocal Styles & Literature-Ella Fitzgerald & Mel Torme 2
A study of music associated with Ella Fitzgerald and Mel Torme. A continuation of Part 1, Part 2 is a more in-depth focus on phrasing, styles, and lyric interpretation. Prerequisite: Part 1.
Advanced Vocal Literature: Carmen McRae
This class covers original material written by Carmen, as well as stylistic characteristics, phrasing and vocal inflections.
Advanced Vocal Literature-Marilyn & Alan Bergman
A 12-week advanced vocal class focusing on the compositions of Marilyn & Alan Bergman. The class covers repertoire, styles, and lyric interpretation.
Advanced Vocal Literature: Brazilian Classics
A class covering some of Brazil's greatest classic songs, featuring writers such as Edu Lobo, Ivan Lins, Oscar Castro-Neves, Baden Powell and many more.
Pre-requisites- Jobim 1 & 2 or permission of instructor.
Vocal Improvisation 1
Students will learn the basic concepts of improvisation. Topics to be covered include rhythmic syllables and spoken scat, basic root motion and guide tones, stylistic approach, and use of melody for soloing. Students will also be introduced to basic chord types, their function, and recognition of chord spellings. They will begin to improvise over 12-bar Blues progressions. Intermediate level
Vocal Improvisation 2
Students will continue to explore basic chord progressions, and be introduced to the concept of 'II-V-I' turn-arounds, major and minor diatonic progressions, and 'rhythm changes'. Students will learn about solo development (including use of space, sequence, melodic motifs, etc.), and begin to experiment with standard tunes. Intermediate level. Pre-requisite- Vocal Improv 1.
Transcription for Vocalists
Advanced Vocal Literature: Vocalese
Scattin' with Duffy
Study scat singing with a Jazz Master! Besides working in the big bands of Lionel Hampton, Count Basie, and many others, drummer/multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Duffy Jackson has worked with such vocal greats as Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, and Lena Horne. Learn to build a melodic and rhythmic vocabulary starting with the blues. Become fearless.
Get in the Pocket for Vocalists
An intensive study of how to be inside the time, how to really swing. Students will perform tunes with just drums, to strip down where the time is laying. An essential class.
The Art of the Duo
A class on how to play as a duo. In different playing situations, you may have piano and voice, guitar and voice, and horn and bass with either piano and voice. Learn how to play in all these situations. Advanced level required. For vocalists and instrumentalists.
Master Class for Vocalists w/Annie Sellick
Students will bring in their own tunes to work with a master of phrasing and musicality. Advanced level only.
Grow Your Show: Advanced Vocal Performance Class, w/ Connye Florance
This class will identify, develop and strengthen the unique qualities in both vocal style and performance of each singer. The emphasis will be on identifying and developing strength in musical expression, stage presence and performance techniques. Vocalists will learn how to be more in charge of themselves on stage and think more like an artist in developing materials for performance. Students will learn to be more in touch with their musicianship and discover the internal triggers that drive their personal song choices and dynamics in expression of the music. Prerequisites should include classes in Vocal Repertoire, (minimum of 6 classes) Vocal performance I or II, Musicianship for Vocalists and Chart Writing. Singers should be prepared to have individual books for Piano, Bass and Drums. By audition or instructor permission.
Advanced Vocal Performance Techniques
This class will identify, develop and strengthen the unique qualities in both vocal style and performance and vocal style an of each singer. The emphasis will be on identifying and developing strength in musical expression, stage presence and performance techniques. Vocalists will learn how to be more in charge of themselves on stage and think more like an artist in developing materials for performance. Students will learn to be more in touch with their musicianship and discover the internal triggers that drive their personal song choices and dynamics in expression of the music. Prerequisites should include classes in vocal technique, phrasing, Vocal performance I or II, and vocal style, such as the R&B Electric Edge class. By audition or instructor permission.
The Vocal Showcase
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