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Technique | Fundamentals and Musicianship | Literature | Advanced Repertoire and Styles | Back to Catalog
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jazz Vocal Technique for the Intermediate to Advanced Singer
3-week mini-course
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
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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.
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.
Chart-Writing for Vocalists
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.
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.
Anyone Can Improvise
3-week mini-course
Easy Jazz Guitar
Class is designed for beginning jazz guitarists, advanced beginners, and players versed in other styles who want to make the transition to jazz. Focus is on simple chord shapes and rhythms to get a jazz sound; chord voicings; comping rhythms; and guide tones.
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 Jazz Literature
An introduction to the standard vocal jazz literature for the beginning vocalist. Students will learn 10 to 12 songs with a small performance at the end of the 6 weeks.
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.
Test Course 100
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Test Course 101
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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
Vocal Literature: Jazz Classics 2
Vocal Literature: Jazz Classics 3
Vocal Literature: Jazz Classics 4
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 styles. Students will sing with a band weekly.
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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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.
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 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.
Vocal Improvisation 3
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.
Vocal Styles & Literature: Sarah Vaughn/Joe Williams Part 1
A study of music associated with Sarah Vaughn and Joe Williams. Part 1 focuses on repertoire, styles, approaches, and phrasing.
Vocal Styles & Literature: Sarah Vaughn/Joe Williams Part 2
A study of music associated with Sarah Vaughn and Joe Williams. 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-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-Marilyn & Alan Bergman
An advanced vocal class focusing on the compositions of Marilyn & Alan Bergman. The class covers repertoire, styles, and lyric interpretation.
Advanced Vocal Literature: Carmen McRae
This class covers original material written by Carmen, as well as stylistic characteristics, phrasing and vocal inflections.
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.
Advanced Vocal Literature: Billy Strayhorn & Bill Evans
An advanced vocal class focusing on the compositions of Billy Strayhorn and Bill Evans. The class covers repertoire, styles, and lyric interpretation.
Advanced Vocal Literature: Billie Holiday
A study of the repertoire and stylistic approach that made Billie Holiday'’s voice one of the most distinct voices of The Golden Era of jazz. Students listen, learn and perform some of her most popular recorded works.
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.
Sight Singing for Vocalists
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!
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!
Advanced Vocal Literature: Bebop and Beyond
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.
Advanced Vocal Literature: Vocalese
Transcription for Vocalists
Vocal Jazz Ensemble
By audition only. A selected group of advanced vocalists performing original and standard material.
Vocal Jazz Ensemble 1
By audition only.
Vocal Jazz Ensemble 2
Students will participate in a small group ensemble consisting of 6-8 persons (mixed male and female). They will learn and perform standard vocal jazz repertoire as well as original music. Studies will include proper microphone technique for group singing, stylistic approaches, blending, and performing as a cohesive unit. This is a performance class accompanied by a rhythm section consisting of piano, bass and drums.
Advanced Vocal Performance Techniques Part 1 & 2
The full package. Covers stage presence, image, developing a book, and working with a band.
Master Class for Vocalists
This class focuses on addressing individual problems of advanced vocalists dealing with vocal technique and phrasing. Expand the boundries of your instrument with in-depth technical study. The purpose of this class will be to address problems and tackle them on the spot, allowing the progress to begin immediately.
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.
Advanced Vocal Literature: Vocal Stylings of Sarah Vaughn
The Vocal Showcase
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