Singing: jazz vocal skills and repertoire

About this course

The course explores jazz style through vocal health and warm-up exercises, interpretation of standards and introductory blues and jazz improvisation. Repertoire includes ballads, medium-tempo and uptempo songs, as well as bossa nova material. Learning combines demonstrations, discussion, listening and analysis, group music-making, individual practice and supporting online materials. Practical activities are accompanied by verbal and written feedback, with suggestions shaped around participants’ goals.

What you'll learn

• Apply vocal health and warm-up practices relevant to singing
• Interpret jazz standards in contrasting styles, including ballads, uptempo songs and bossa nova
• Use basic techniques for blues and jazz improvisation
• Analyse jazz singing through listening activities and discussion
• Extend knowledge of jazz repertoire through recommendations and practice

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for Intermediate singers. The source describes it as suitable for learners who have taken several singing courses or have equivalent experience, and for those with existing jazz singing experience. Sessions involve both group music-making and individual practice, with feedback and opportunities to perform in end-of-term concerts.

• Existing jazz singers can revisit core principles while working on new repertoire
• Some practice outside class is recommended, although no homework is set
• The course includes both individual and group musical activities

Before you go

• No homework is set, but practising songs outside class is recommended.
• Supporting online materials are used during the course.