Jazz Pedagogy - An overview of the main elements of teaching jazz voice

In this short course, jazz vocalist Claire Martin OBE will talk about, and demonstrate, how to approach the main elements needed to teach jazz voice. The themes covered will be; vocal tone, time feel and understanding the fundamental basics of jazz harmony. Claire will discuss how to approach repertoire with a ‘jazz singer’s ear’ and how to put an individual stamp on songs from the Great American Songbook and beyond.

The course will also look at vocal range and where to place the voice when approaching this genre. Discussion around the idea of ‘speech quality’ singing will be encouraged. Phrasing is an essential part of singing jazz and Claire will demonstrate ideas around late phrasing, phrasing across the bar line, adding vocal licks and embellishments and touching on the idea of adding scat singing into the mix!