RJS – Jazz Vocal Advanced

About this course

The course develops jazz vocal performance across ballads, medium and fast swing, bossa nova and other grooves. Sessions address warm-ups, rhythmic phrasing, vocal inflection, dynamics, articulation, lyric interpretation and spontaneous improvisation. Learners rehearse class material, perform individually and receive feedback from the tutor and other participants. The course also covers shaping mini-sets, developing arrangements, preparing lead sheets and parts for accompanying musicians, and using online and mobile resources to source songs and build a repertoire.

What you'll learn

• Apply rhythmic phrasing, dynamics, articulation and vocal inflection in jazz performances
• Improvise with greater spontaneity across different jazz styles, tempos and grooves
• Interpret lyrics and shape songs for performance
• Prepare lead sheets and musical parts for accompanying musicians
• Develop song arrangements and organise material into mini-sets

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for Improver-level and advanced jazz singers who can already perform several songs. Previous participation in a jazz vocal performance course may be relevant, as may experience of open mics or gigs. Basic music theory and Level 1 literacy are described as advantages rather than formal requirements.

• Individual performances take place in each class
• Participants rehearse and perform both class songs and prepared material
• Regular feedback comes from the tutor and other learners
• Learners should have a selection of songs they know well and be able to perform in different styles and tempos

Before you go

• Learners should prepare a selection of familiar songs for performance and complete homework connected with class work.
• Written handouts, notes and texts are used during the course; Level 1 literacy is described as an advantage.