Singing Jazz & Blues Course

Raise your voice with Louise Messenger! 6-week course studying the art of jazz & blues vocals
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Have you ever found yourself on the dancefloor absent-mindedly humming along to C-Jam Blues or Shiny Stockings? Maybe you hang out at Tiger Rag or The Jago and wish you could join in the late night jam? Or maybe you already sing confidently but want to develop your vocal practice, work on your phrasing and technique?

Our 6-week singing courses are aimed at developing vocal confidence, improving technique, pitch & body awareness, exploring the repertoire and understanding the history of jazz & blues music.  Crafted to suit a wide range of experience levels, from the complete beginner to the more experienced vocalist. If you attend a course that corresponds with the end of our school’s term, you will have the option to perform with your classmates at our end-of-term party with a live jazz band!

Course Length: 6-week course (90 minute classes) 

Location: Academy Studios, 15 Pratt Mews, Camden NW1 0AD

Cost: £90 per person

 

2020 courses

This course will be run six times in the year:

  • Starting 13th January: 7.30pm every Monday from 13th January to 17th February. Course theme: The Birth of the Blues. SOLD OUT!
  • Starting 24th February: 7.30pm every Monday from 24th February to 30th March (with option to perform with live band at our end-of-term party on Wednesday 1st April). Course theme: Heavenly Harmonies. SOLD OUT!
  • Starting 27th April: 7.30pm every Monday from 27th April to 1st June. Course them: The Great American Songbook. PLACES AVAILABLE.
  • Starting 8th June: 7.30pm every Monday from 8th June to 13th July (with option to perform with live band at our end-of-term party on Wednesday 22nd July). PLACES AVAILABLE.
  • Starting 7th September: 7.30pm every Monday from 7th September to 12th October. PLACES AVAILABLE.
  • Starting 19th October: 7.30pm every Monday from 19th October to 23rd November (with option to perform with live band at our end-of-term party on Wednesday 2nd December). PLACES AVAILABLE.

location

Address: Academy Studios, 15 Pratt Mews, Camden NW1 0AD
On arrival: Press the buzzer to be let in. If you are early, wait in the lounge area on the ground floor. When it is time for class, head up to the top floor studio. There are toilets/changing rooms on the top floor.
Closest tube stations: Camden Town, Camden Road.
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what will I learn?

Each lesson will be presented in an enjoyable workshop style, beginning with vocal exercises and warmups aimed at developing pitch, range and jazz language. We will then move on to learning repertoire, where as well as learning songs we will explore aspects of jazz singing such as phrasing, musicality, singing in harmony, understanding jazz conventions, and of course, performance skills! And so we get to put our newfound skills into practice, each group participating in the course will have the option to perform at our end-of-term party with a live band. Trust us, it’ll be fun, you’ll love it!

Who is this course for?

Everyone! Male and female voices are both welcome. This course has been carefully crafted to suit a wide range of experience, from the absolute beginner to the more experienced vocalist. Beginners will be introduced to fundamental technique, and more experienced singers will be pushed and challenged. You should be willing to work in a group as well as perform solo, and be willing to try improvising. As long as you are able to hear notes from the piano and sing them back in the correct pitch, you are ready for this course!

About Louise Messenger

Louise Messenger has been a professional vocalist and singing teacher for 20 years. Beginning her career as a contemporary vocalist, Louise quickly turned her attention to jazz in her mid-twenties. Around the same time she developed a passion for teaching, which led her to the Elder Conservatorium Adelaide to study a Bachelor of Music Education with a major in Jazz Voice. As well as her education background Louise has a solid grounding in technique, being a strong advocate of the Estill model, using it extensively in both her teaching and her own performance.

Louise’s experience as a vocal coach is extensive, including leading her own singing school, head vocal coach at Voicestyle Studios, The Voice Kids (Australia), plus workshops & private tuition for numerous organisations, including the Royal Acadamy of Dance.  As an educator Louise has tutored students from ages 4 to 74, from absolute beginners to experienced vocalists. When not teaching, Louise is a full-time working jazz singer and can be found performing gigs around London and overseas with her own combo, or singing with the Gordon Webster Orchestra, London Dance Orchestra, Palace Avenue Swing and others.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear/bring?
Wear warm, comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Bring a notepad and pen, a bottle of water and your phone to record vocal exercises.
What is the level of this course?
All levels are welcome. This course has been carefully crafted to suit a wide range of experience, from the absolute beginner to the more experienced vocalist. Beginners will be introduced to fundamental technique, and more experienced singers will be pushed and challenged. You should be willing to work in a group as well as perform solo, and be willing to try improvising. As long as you are able to hear notes from the piano and sing them back in the correct pitch, you are ready for this course!
What if I have to miss one of the classes?
Don’t worry! Each class in the course is run in workshop-style, so it’s no problem if you have to miss one.  Your teacher will help catch you up in the next class if needed.
Can I drop-in to this course?
No, this is a progressive 6-week course. You must sign up for the whole program.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, if you are unable to pay the course fee in full now, then email info@jazzmad.co.uk to arrange a payment plan.
I took this course last term. Will it be different this term?
Yes, we cycle through topics and material over the year and use different songs in each course. We encourage you to take back-to-back courses, so that Louise can work progressively with your voice. But each course is independent, and you can start any time.
What are the different course themes?

Each course throughout the year has a slightly different theme, so that continuing students are introduced to a variety of jazz & blues repertoire, learn different skills and study different aspects of jazz music history. But each course is independent and you can start anytime. Every course will introduce new students to fundamental technique & style.

Starting 13th January: “The Birth of the Blues”

Starting 24th February: “Heavenly Harmonies”
In the swing era, jazz harmony groups reigned supreme. Groups like the Boswell Sisters, the Rhythm Boys, the Mills Brothers and of course the Andrews Sisters dominated the airwaves with their fabulous, swinging harmonies and synchronised movements. In this 6 week course we will be focusing on using our voice as part of a trio/quartet, as well as developing our knowledge of voice production and continuing to develop confidence as a singer! An opportunity to perform one of our pieces at the JazzMAD Spring Swing Ball is part of this course!

Starting 27th April: The Great American Songbook.

Starting 8th June: description coming soon

Starting 7th September: description coming soon

Starting 19th October: description coming soon

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