Performance Classes

The Jazzschool’s vocal performance classes provide students with a hands-on opportunity to learn valuable performance techniques from professional vocalists. Students sing with professional accompanists in preparation for an end-of-quarter performance open to the public. Classes focus on a variety of styles including jazz, Latin, r&b and blues. Students interested in learning how to make charts, select repertoire, establish keys and count off tunes are encouraged to start with the beginning level vocal jazz performance classes. This will create a solid foundation for all genres. Students may consult directly with the instructors or contact the vocal program director with any questions about classes and workshops by emailing laurie@jazzschool.org.

 

Jazz

The vocal jazz performance classes focus on repertoire and use class time to develop interpretation, phrasing, improvisation and interaction with accompanists while preparing for an end-of-quarter student performance.

 

Vocal Jazz Performance (Beg.)

Sec. I

Thursdays 6:30 – 8 pm

SPRING: 4/4 – 6/6 (10 weeks)

Ellen Johnson (w/pianist)  $395

 

Sec. II

Saturdays 3:15 – 4:45 pm

SPRING: 4/6 – 6/8 (10 weeks)

Joyce Pricco (w/pianist)  $395

 

The Contemporary Jazz Singer

Jazz has always changed with the times, and contemporary jazz singers (Becca Stevens, Theo Bleckmann, Esperanza Spaulding and Gretchen Parlato, to name a few leading lights) are no exception: mixing genres, improvisation and stylistic approaches to create a new sound – leading critics and listeners to sit up and take notice.

This performance course addresses a comprehensive array of creative jazz singing skills and concepts including developing a unique repertoire, communicating with the rhythm section and learning to create arrangements on the spot. The instructor guides students with phrasing, improvisation, interpretation and in developing an authentic and unique sound – the trademark of any artist.

A world-class rhythm section is provided, and students are encouraged to bring in songs of their choice, write original lyrics or use material provided by the instructor.

Max enrollment: 6

Sec. I

Wednesdays 6:30 – 8 pm 

Sec. II

Wednesdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm 

SPRING: 4/3 – 6/5 (10 weeks)

Laurie Antonioli (w/trio)  $415

A consultation or audition is required for enrollment in this class. Please email info@jazzchool.org or call 510-845-5373 for more information on how to register for this class.

 

The Definitive Jazz Singer

An intermediate level course for singers who want to increase their knowledge of jazz vocabulary and performance skills. This course incorporates vocal warm-up exercises to promote healthy vocal technique, ear training to assist in hearing chord progressions, improvisational skills, preparing lead sheets (charts), transcriptions and effective microphone technique. A professional rhythm section will be available to reinforce the craft of directing and communicating effectively with multiple musicians on stage. Students build repertoire while preparing songs in contrasting jazz styles for an end-of-quarter public performance.

Maximum enrollment: 6

Spring: 4/4/13 – 6/6/13 (10 weeks)

Thursdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm

Ellen Johnson (w/trio) $415

A consultation or audition is required for enrollment in this class. Please email info@jazzchool.org or call 510-845-5373 for more information on how to register for this class.

 

Jazz Standards for Jazz Singers

Learn the techniques that provide the foundation for a confident and expressive vocal performance. This class focuses mainly on tunes from the “great American songbook,” but is not limited to it. It is aimed at singers who want to build their interpretative skills, expand their repertoire, improve their understanding of jazz rhythms and phrasing, and develop better band leading and communication with musicians and the audience. In this supportive and challenging environment, students work on these skills and more, create arrangements for songs and are supported by a professional trio, culminating in an end-of-quarter performance. Students also have access to instructor Maye Cavallaro’s website which provides extensive practice tools including exercises and backing tracks.

Prerequisites: consent of instructor-telephone consultation required.

Sec. I (beg/int)

Tuesdays 6:30 – 8 pm

 

Sec. II (int/adv)

Tuesdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm

 

Spring: 4/2/13 – 6/4/13 (10 weeks)

Maye Cavallaro (w/trio) $415

A consultation or audition is required for enrollment in this class. Please email info@jazzchool.org or call 510-845-5373 for more information on how to register for this class.

 

For the Love of Singing

Aspiring singers and re-entering fledglings work on breathing and vocal techniques necessary to sing any genre of song including blues, jazz, American songbook or cabaret, and apply those techniques to loved songs of their choice. Students make friends with a microphone and learn basic performance skills in a safe and supportive learning environment. Especially recommended for those who may have had to put aside their vocal dreams due to education, career or family obligations. Music is available but students should feel free to bring in songs of their choice.

SPRING: 4/6 – 6/8 (10 weeks)

Saturdays 10:00 – 11:30 am

Faith Winthrop (w/pianist)  $395

 

Latin

 

Latin Standards

A class for intermediate- to advanced-level vocalists interested in developing a repertoire of Latin American folk songs. Students sing lush boleros, cha-chas, guarachas, son, milongas, Argentinian zambas, and other Latin American classics performed by vocalists including Omara Portuondo and Eliades Ochoa from the Buena Vista Social Club. Class focuses on phrasing, interpretation, melodic alternatives, lyrics, emotional and creative expression, as well as ensemble and individual singing. Trio accompaniment provided.

SPRING: 4/1 – 6/10 (10 weeks) no class 5/27

Mondays 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Maria Marquez  (w/trio)  $415

A consultation or audition is required for enrollment in this class. Please email info@jazzchool.org or call 510-845-5373 for more information on how to register for this class.

 

Salsa Singing

This class introduces a basic repertoire of songs to singers of all levels to learn the style, rhythm and technique of salsa vocal music, with a focus on Spanish language pronunciation. Students also learn to play some basic percussion while singing. Instructor provides instruments such as the guiro, maracas and claves to use every week as part of the class. An accompanist on piano or guitar works with students to learn the songs. Later in the term, the class joins up with the Jazzschool Salsa II instrumental ensemble under the direction of David Belove and works toward an end-of-quarter performance at the Jazzschool! Songs include: Tres Días de Carnaval (Celia Cruz), La Rebelión (Joe Arroyo) and Brujería (El Gran Combo) providing students with a great foundation to build their salsa repertoire. All songs are in Spanish but students need not be fluent to participate.

Open to all levels. Prerequisites: none

SPRING: 4/2 – 6/4 (10 weeks)

Tuesdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm

Edgardo Cambón (w/accompanist)  $395

 

Blues

Blues Vocal Funshop (Beg./Int.)

Feel like singing the blues? Open up your most soulful self in this nurturing and instructive class. Whether you are already singing and looking to rub some grit on those chops and or whether you are solely a ‘shower’ singer– you will learn so much about the roots of much American music – blues.  Each session is taught with blues & jazz singer Pamela Rose and guitarist Danny Caron. No previous music experience necessary – but you will walk out of this class with much insight into basic music form and chord structure. Students learn to moan, wail, croon, shout and sing the blues with confidence and abandon! Continuing students will get a chance to develop and arrange repertoire at a quicker pace. Special attention will be paid this quarter to developing vocal tone and strength.

Prerequisites:  none

Max enrollment: 6

SPRING: 4/4 – 6/6 (10 weeks)

Thursdays 8:15 – 9:45 pm

Pamela Rose (w/guitarist)   $395

 

Blues Vocal Advanced Lab

You’ve studied the blues form, blues scale, and have started to learn how to cue the band in a jam session.  Now you are ready to build repertoire, and develop arrangements sculpted to fit your unique and soulful voice with a live band!  Special focus this quarter will be on vocal strength and tone.

Blues and jazz singer Pamela Rose leads this incredibly fun and intense lab for the singer looking to build confidence, performance skill and real gig knowledge.  Students work with Rose and guitarist Danny Caron for the first 2 weeks and are joined by bass and drums for the remaining 7 weeks.

Prerequisites:  Blues Vocal Funshop (at least once) and permission of instructor.

SPRING: 4/11 – 6/6 (9 weeks)

Thursdays 6 – 8 pm

Pamela Rose (w/trio)  $460

A consultation or audition is required for enrollment in this class. Please email info@jazzchool.org or call 510-845-5373 for more information on how to register for this class.

 

R&B and Pop

R&B Vocal Performance

This exciting new vocal performance class focuses on music in the style of old school motown, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and contemporary young artists like Adele and Beyoncé. Instructor Raz Kennedy (of Bobby McFerrin’s Voicestra) draws from a selection of R&B and pop material to work on solos, harmonies and overall vocal expression. Students are also welcome to bring in their own songs to work on.

Strengthen your voice, increase your dynamic range, and energize your performances by learning specific techniques to expand vocal range and increase vocal resonance. Learn to “belt” without tension and to sing freely with a safe vocal method developed as a result of instructor Raz Kennedy’s own professional experience singing in high-energy musical theater and large-scale pop and swing bands.

The quarter ends with a student performance open to the public with a live band. Maximum enrollment: 8

Sec. I

SPRING: 4/1 – 6/10 (10 weeks), no class 5/27

Mondays 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Raz Kennedy   $395

 

Sec. II

SPRING: 4/2 – 6/11 (10 weeks)

Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Raz Kennedy   $395

 

Concert Preparation and Performance

A mentor program offering a unique opportunity for aspiring professional singers to create and present a concert at the Jazzschool.

This individually customized course is designed to guide singers from concept to performance. Concert dates are available throughout the year.

Includes the following:

•  A concert in the Jazzschool Concert Series
•  A professional sound technician and quality live recording of your performance
• Guidance in marketing and promotion, including how to prepare publicity materials
•  Advertising and marketing in Jazzschool media outlets used for Jazzschool performances, and preparation and printing of in-house publicity
• Students receive a percentage of the door/ticket sales

Personal coaching in:

• Defining your style and image
• Choosing material
•  Musical arrangements
•  Putting together a compelling show
• Connecting with the audience
•  Choosing musicians
• Hiring and rehearsing a band
• Building a fan base

Instructor Maye Cavallaro has been teaching at the Jazzschool for 10 years and has experience as a vocalist, educator and producer.

 

Maye Cavallaro Tuition:  $850

Contact mcavallaro@jazzschool.org for additional information