SJW’s vocal programs offer a substantive vocal jazz curriculum tailored to each student’s individual needs and abilities, taught by world-class professionals on the beautiful Stanford campus. Week 1 and Week 2 Jazz Camp is for singers 12 – 17 years of age with no audition requirements, while Week 3 Jazz Residency is designed for adults and advanced youth by audition.

Jazz Camp

Week 1: July 15 – 20, 2012
Week 2: July 22 – 27, 2012
Ages 12-17, no audition requirement

In addition to a solid grounding on singing fundamentals, every Jazz Camp vocal student learns a basic repertoire of jazz material, improvisation, and how identify which keys are best for their voice. Phrasing, improvisation and interpretation will be covered in depth. Singers will also become familiar with charts and arranging, and learn to communicate with the band. Basic vocal technique will also be covered, as will mic technique. It’s all about singing, and there are plenty of opportunities for that with daily combo practice and jam sessions in the late afternoon. Jazz Camp vocal faculty have tremendous experience performing and recording, and they create a collegial atmosphere in which every student is encouraged to find their own voice.

Jazz Residency

Week 3: July 29 – August 3, 2012
For adults and advanced young singers; audition required

To be admitted to the Jazz Residency Vocal Program, applicants do not necessarily have to have sung jazz before, but a good sense of rhythm and pitch are a must. Vocal Program Director Madeline Eastman offers students the opportunity to take their singing to the next level by developing their own unique style. Participants will sing with a professional trio every day, attend masterclasses such as Scat Lab, and will be placed in a theory class appropriate to their skill level, from basic to advanced.

Vocalists in Combos

This special part of the Vocal Program integrates a limited number of advanced singers into the combo program, where they will join fellow student instrumentalists in daily combo rehearsals. The program is designed for vocalists who wish to explore and practice small ensemble material in a role comparable to that of an instrumentalist. Singers must demonstrate proficiency at sight-reading and improvisation to participate; auditions will be held on the first day of Jazz Residency. “Vocalists in Combos” students may also participate in the regular curriculum of the Vocal Program, and have the option of attending advanced elective classes.

In the Jazz Residency Vocal Program, students will work both individually and in groups in a series of classes and activities which include the following:

• Theory: A daily theory class tailored specifically for vocalists is offered along with beginning, intermediate, and advanced jazz theory.
• Daily Specials: Daily presentations by world-class SJW faculty include Latin rhythms and percussion, the business of music, creating your own book of charts, songwriting, improvising, stage presence, and more.
• Lectures: Visiting national artists will speak to the vocal class about their experiences in jazz.
• Singing with a trio: Each day includes an opportunity to sing with a professional trio.
  Jam: Nightly jam sessions led by SJW faculty in Campbell Recital Hall.
• Performance: There is an optional student performance on Thursday night, friends and family are encouraged to come.
• Shed with Fred: Each singer has an individual session with a pianist.
• Masterclass: At each morning session you’ll explore a variety of topics including:
  • Improvisation
  • Writing your own charts
  • The fundamentals of singing
  • CD listening
  • The business of music
  • New ways to approach old tunes
  • How to communicate with a band

Jazz Residency Vocal Program Daily Schedule

First-time applicants: How to audition

Once you're submitted your completed oline application for Jazz Residency, we ask that you prepare and submit a recorded audition. The audition for the Jazz Residency Vocal Program consists of a performance of any two songs of your choice, in contrasting styles and tempos (e.g., Latin, swing, ballad, etc.). All backgrounds are acceptable: piano, rhythm section, “play-along” recording, etc. The quality of the accompaniment will not affect the applicant’s evaluation.

An audio CD submitted by mail, or an MP3 file sent by e-mail to registrar@stanfordjazz.org are the accepted formats for this recording. Recordings must clearly feature the singing of the applicant. While recordings must be audible, the overall recording quality does not affect an applicant’s evaluation. Applicants may play solo, with other musicians, or use “play-along” materials.

Audition CDs can be mailed to Stanford Jazz Workshop, PO Box 20454, Stanford CA 94309 Attn: Registrar.

Questions? Email registrar@stanfordjazz.org or call 650-736-0324 x303.