Jazz Pedagogy - through the vocalist's lens!
Friday 23rd January 2026, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (London Time)
Jazz pedagogy, when viewed through the lens of the vocalist, offers a unique and vital perspective on the development of both technical skills and musical expression.
For vocalists, jazz singing involves more than just mastering the fundamentals of melody and harmony; it encompasses the ability to navigate improvisation, phrasing, and vocal technique in a genre that values creativity and spontaneity. One key aspect of jazz pedagogy for vocalists is understanding the importance of vocal phrasing, which is often informed by the rhythmic and harmonic patterns established by instrumentalists. In this context, the vocalist’s ability to "speak" through their voice, mimicking the improvisational language of the jazz ensemble, is crucial. This short course will focus on the voice in speech quality phrasing in a very conversational way.
Additionally, jazz vocalists must develop a deep understanding of jazz standards, often interpreting them in a way that reflects their own personal style while honouring the tradition of the genre. This balance between tradition and innovation is central to jazz pedagogy for vocalists, as it encourages students to explore their unique vocal identity while still respecting the foundational elements of jazz music. The study of scat singing, for instance, is another important pedagogical component. This technique not only enhances the vocalist's improvisational skills but also facilitates a deeper connection to the music's inherent rhythms and phrasing. We will discuss the important synergy between the singer and the pianist and how to develop that as a band leader in the jazz trio context.
🏷️ Price £30 (UK VAT inclusive)
🎥 Recording automatically sent to all who book (even if you cannot attend live)
▶️ Rewatch as many times as you like
📜 Certificate of attendance available
Claire Martin OBE
Claire Martin OBE has established herself as a tour de force on the UK jazz scene, gaining many awards including winning the British Jazz Awards eight times during her career which spans over three decades. In 2018, she was the proud recipient of the BASCA Gold Badge Award for her contribution to jazz.
Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.
Learn MoreSorry, this is an archived short course...
We have plenty of upcoming short courses coming soon. See details of some of them below or look at the full list of short courses.
Monday 16th November 2026
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
(London Time)
Introduction to Postgraduate Academic Skills (IPAS): Online Information Session & Q&A
Debbie Winter
Interested in developing your academic skills or exploring a pathway onto our MA Voice Pedagogy? Join our free online information session to learn what IPAS involves, how it works and whether it's right for you.
Tuesday 17th November 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
A (Very) Brief Course in Linguistics!
Miranda Guettlein
Join Miranda Guettlin (editor of the Voice and Speech Review) for an empowering introductory course in linguistics designed specifically for voice and speech practitioners. She will break down the six major subfields (phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics) in order to provide voice and speech practitioners in with a more clear understanding of the components of language and usable tools to incorporate into their teaching.
Wednesday 18th November 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Expiratory Pressure Regulation for Power, Pitch and Vocal Health
Barbara Tanze
How does the pressure beneath your vocal folds affect your sound? And how can you learn to regulate it efficiently and make sense of what it means to “support your voice”? Join Barbara Tanze for this practical short course exploring the role of expiratory pressure regulation in singing and its relationship to vocal power, pitch control, efficiency and vocal health. Learn how singers can develop a more precise understanding of the interaction between respiratory activity, subglottic pressure and vocal fold function!