Short Courses & Events / Archive

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.

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Attend this course for as little as £22 as part of the Voice Professional Training CPD Award Scheme.

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Sorry, 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.

The Vocal Health Challenges for Actors and Singers!
Monday 2nd November 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday 3rd November 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

The Vocal Health Challenges for Actors and Singers!

Leda Scearce

Two part course! Vocal health principles are inextricably and symbiotically linked with singing and acting voice pedagogy: Good vocal health allows the singer and actor to more easily and effectively achieve their technical and artistic goals, and good teaching reinforces vocal technique that diminishes the risk of vocal injury. We now also recognize the necessity for singers and actors to understand how their instruments work, how to take care of their voices, and what to do when something goes wrong. Singing and acting teachers are indeed on the front lines of vocal health!

Neurodivergence and Critical Disability Theory
Friday 6th November 2026
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(London Time)

Neurodivergence and Critical Disability Theory

Dr David Cane

Hosted by our very own Dr David Cane, this two-hour session offers a timely and reflective opportunity to explore disability and neurodivergence within the voice teaching studio. Grounded in the field of critical disability studies, it will be of particular interest to voice professionals who wish to foster a more inclusive, reflexive and accessible practice.

Kodaly and Dalcroze - inspired Learning for Choir Leaders!
Thursday 12th November 2026
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)

Kodaly and Dalcroze - inspired Learning for Choir Leaders!

Amy Bebbington

Enhance your choral leadership by grounding vocal direction in physical, experiential movement. Drawing from the pioneering methodologies of Zoltán Kodály and Émile Jaques-Dalcroze, join Amy Bebbington for this practical and highly engaging session exploring how kinaesthetic gestures can revolutionize the way you lead singing.