Arrive sunday 17th from 5.30 pm / Depart friday 22nd August at 3pm
The course welcomes vocalists with a wide variety of backgrounds and experience who want to develop and improve their jazz singing.
Two of the most distinguished and experienced UK jazz vocal teachers will be leading the faculty: Anita Wardell and Angela Elliott.
The course is organised by Tristan Mailliot who will take care of the day to day running of the course as well as playing drums and leading rhythm workshops. This is the fourth vocal summer school organised by Tristan at the Domaine de Bel Air.
Accompanists and other faculty include pianists Rob Barron and Barry Green who have participated in previous vocal summer schools from 2004 to 2007 and have a wealth of experience working with singers. Returning participants will be familiar with local bass player Marie Boisseau.
There is a strong emphasis on practical skills and participants have the opportunity to prepare songs for performance in the evenings with professional accompanists. See also tutor biographies.
Typical day's activities:
- The day starts with breakfast around 8.30 am followed by warm up and jazz choir from 9.30 to 10.30am.
- From 10.45am, students will split into two groups and work with Anita or Angela until lunch at 1 pm.
- Afternoons will consist of a series of masterclasses covering a wide range of topics. Each student will be allocated individual rehearsal time with a pianist to prepare songs for performance in the evening concerts.
- 4.45pm until 7.30pm: free time for rest, recreation or practice.
- Everyone regroups at around 7.30 for an aperitif before dinner at 8.00opm.
- The evening continues with a concert from 9.30 to 11.30pm at which point the notorious Belair disco will take you through into the early hours ! So far the record is a 4 am finish !
Study topics:
Jazz phrasing: swing quavers, timing, space, word painting.- Performance techniques: acquiring confidence, choosing tempos, style and feel.
- Singing ballads. Working with a drummer, counting in etc.
- Improvisation: Scat vocabulary. How to develop and build solos. Use of dynamics.
- Theory/harmony: Aural skills, understanding chord symbols. Chord/scale relationships, ear training.
- The program is completed by some open question and answer sessions where students can quiz the faculty about any area of jazz performance they are interested in.
Excursion: After several days of serious study it's nice to have a little break so we organise a half-day trip to a nearby place of interest ie Le Lude ( with visit to the stunning chateau) or the picturesque town of La Fleche. It's an opportunity to sample french cuisine, culture and shopping .
For course fees please go to the accommodation page.