'Keep doing what you do. It works!'
– C. O'Brien
'Enthusiastic teacher, great song choices, good introduction to the subject of jazz.'
– G. Ryder
'I had a great time enjoying my passion for singing in a friendly atmosphere, and discovering new skills step by step with a very patient teacher who brings you as high as possible. An experience I advise for anyone interested in singing.'
– Y. Lotte
'I was hoping to gain some knowledge of jazz music, chords and song structures and improv. singing. I gained exactly that – while hugely enjoying my time here!'
– J. McMahon
'Just a great, beneficial course. I'm loving it!'
– O. Pugh
'Please do yourself a favour and go to this course....'
– K. Nangle
Always wanted to sing jazz? The Jazz Vocal Workshop provides an intensive introduction to the wide range of skills and techniques required.
Jazz is as much an approach to as a style of music, and this course concentrates equally on understanding and interpreting jazz from the inside as it does on the techniques of singing it. Topics covered include:
- Physical and vocal warm-ups
- Voice technique
- Listening exercises and harmonies
- Defining your vocal range
- Rhythm work
- Jazz-style phrasing and expression
- Singing in various styles, including swing, Latin, bebop, ballads and the blues
- Basic improvisation
- Choosing repertoire and exploring jazz standards, including the songs of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Rogers & Hart, etc.
- Using a microphone
- Developing your own unique style
The workshop will also include preparation with a professional jazz trio (piano, bass and drums), and the entire group will showcase some of the material they have worked on in a final performance, open to the public. Participants are encouraged to invite family and friends along!
Although this workshop is an introduction to jazz singing, it is not intended for voice beginners. (Go to Introducing Singing for Adults for information on our beginners course.) Participants in the Jazz Vocal Workshop should have some previous experience singing in choirs or musicals or have taken at least a term of private or group singing lessons; some musicianship (knowledge of scales, chords and rhythms) is helpful but not required.
Jenna is available to meet with interested students to discuss the course and what it entails, and to answer any questions you may have, on Wednesday, September 29, 6.30-7.30 pm.
The Jazz Vocal Workshop is one of our group courses. Private and intensive lessons in jazz voice (singing) are also available. See Departments & Faculty - Voice (Singing) for more information.
First Term Schedule & Fee
10 weeks, October 6 – December 15, 2010
(No class on October 27)
Wednesdays 6.30 – 8 pm
Performance on Wednesday, December 15
Tuition Fee: €270
Payment Plan: €139 deposit; one payment (November 1) of €139
Jenna Harris, Teacher
Jenna Harris is part of an emerging coterie of musicians that look set to invigorate the Irish jazz scene. Hers is a voice to mark, the phrasing broad and laid back, the register warm and saturated. Jenna began her music studies with classical voice until she discovered her passion for jazz. She now holds a certificate in Professional Musicianship, a diploma in Jazz Performance awarded by London Guildhall and an honours degree in Jazz Performance from Newpark Music Centre. As well as being a member of the vocal faculty at the New School, she also facilitates vocal laboratories at Newpark School of Music. Jenna regularly performs with her own quintet.
Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and either full payment of tuition fees or deposit and post-dated cheque or credit/Laser card details for those students opting for payment plans. Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places in each workshop are limited to twelve.
Purchasing this course as a gift? Download a gift certificate booking form.
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