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Feel comfortable, connected and in charge when you sing.

Working with
the Rhythm Section

with Sarah M. Greer

Saturday, November 5th from 1:30 to 4:30 pm

Jazz Central Studios • 407 Central Ave SE • Minneapolis • 55415

Hi, I’m Sarah,

For many years of my singing career, I sang a cappella (without accompaniment). And while working solely with singers did great things for my vocal technique, ears and ability to blend, when I returned to working with players, it was ... well ... different.

Verses didn’t seem to mean the same thing and knowing a song’s form became very important. So did knowing my keys and using a microphone in rehearsals.

In this 3-hour workshop, participants practice singing songs with a 3-piece rhythm section. The workshop space offers a PA so we can work on mic technique as well.

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Working with the rhythm section

Plainly put, the rhythm section is the part of the ensemble responsible for maintaining the rhythm. (I’d argue this is the job of every member of an ensemble, but anyhoo ... )

The rhythm section includes the drums/percussion, bass and often piano or guitar. The musicians who play these instruments provide the underlying pulse and have a big impact on the “feel” or “groove” of the music.

In many pop and jazz ensembles, the rhythm section is the entire band. For this workshop, our rhythm section is comprised of drums, bass and guitar.

What will I learn?

This workshop is less about what you sing and more about understanding the roles of the players in the section and how you, as a singer, interact with each of them. Working with the rhythm section, we can discuss and practice:

*This is an excellent place to practice implementing the skills we teach in the Scat Singing Fundamentals I and Scat Singing Fundamentals II workshops. Singers who want to learn to scat sing are highly encouraged to attend both workshops.

Who can attend?

This workshop is open to singers of all levels, from beginners to professionals. Previous experience singing with a rhythm section is NOT necessary, however, singers should feel comfortable singing alone in a group setting and have basic rhythm and pitch skills.

Each singer receives personal coaching, support and feedback.

What would I sing?

One of the key elements to working well with a rhythm section is preparation.

To assist you (and our players), here is a selection of songs the rhythm section will be prepared to play.

Already have a song you would prefer to sing? Please get in touch to make arrangements.

“I would take this class again in a heartbeat! Working with the combo was wonderful, especially their input. A huge THANK YOU.”

Do I need to bring anything?

Please bring a notebook, pen or pencil and water bottle with you. You are also welcome to bring a recorder.

How do I register?

Simply complete the form below to begin the registration process. After you enter your contact information, you will be sent to a page to submit your secure online payment via PayPal.

If you prefer to mail a check, please get in touch to register. NOTE: you should complete the form below even if you plan to mail a check - completing this form gets you on the workshop mailing list for important course info and updates.

Enrollment is limited to 6 singers.


Still have questions?

I am happy to answer your questions; please get in touch.

608-338-6840
sg@sarahmgreer.com


About Sarah M. Greer

sarah greerSarah M. Greer is a vocalist, instructor and improviser. Based in the Twin Cities, Sarah has performed on local and international stages. She regularly takes the stage with jazz quintet BLU-7, Jay Young’s nine-piece band The Lyric Factory and the a cappella ensemble Give Get Sistet.

Sarah loves singing, performing and co-creating with other singers and instrumentalists. She has a degree in vocal performance and has studied vocal improvisation for over a decade and with singers from around the world.

Sarah is passionate about singing and helping singers trust, develop and enjoy their unique instruments.

Get in touch: 608-338-6840 or sg@sarahmgreer.com.

About the Rhythm Section

John Iden (bass) began his career in Florida, playing with Jay Whitney in a variety of R&B and blues bands, and recording original music. He has shared the stage with Katie Webster and James Cotton. Since moving to Minnesota in the early ’90s, John has worked steadily with Willie Murphy, Joe Juliano, Tom Hunter, Paul Mayasich, Jim Ouska and Scottie Miller. John currently plays in RAMM and BLU-7.

Jim Ouska (guitar) has been writing, singing, and playing for over four decades, specializing in acoustic roots music, electric blues, and straight ahead jazz. Jim won the WBSM/Jerome Foundation Jazz Composer Grant in 1991 and has been nominated for Minnesota Music Academy Guitarist of the Year and Band of the Year awards in the Jazz, R&B and Bluegrass categories.

Dean White (drums) moved to Hollywood to attend Musician’s Institute after graduating from UW–Superior with a bachelor’s degree in percussion performance. Since returning to the Twin Cities, Dean has performed with The Good, the Bad and the Funky, The Auto Body Experience, Century Big Band, The Nova Jazz Orchestra, The Big Time Jazz Orchestra, sHorn hortZ, Power of 10, Jack Knife and the Sharps, Tubby Esquire, Hennessy Brothers jazz and many others.

About Jazz Central Studios

Jazz Central Studios is located on Central Avenue Southeast directly across from the Aveda Institute. The JCS studio space is on the lower level. (There is not an elevator.)

Metered street parking is available on Central Avenue.

Songtaneous Workshops
PO Box 7054 Mpls MN 55407
© Sarah M. Greer.