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Learn to sing and listen deeply at the same time.

Scat Singing Fundamentals II:
Beyond the Basics

with Sarah M. Greer & Jennifer Parker

Saturday, May 20th from 3:00 to 5:30 pm

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

Hello. We are Sarah and Jen.

We invite you to join us for Scat Singing Fundamentals II. This second scat singing workshop provides time and space for more advanced practice and exploration.

While we continue to practice the skills taught in Scat Singing Fundamentals I (vocal colors, personal language, front/back phrasing, etc.), we will add working with song forms, specifically the 12-bar blues and rhythm changes.

This workshop allows you to practice and improve your scat singing with the aid of two experienced coaches and other supportive singers.

In addition, Jen and Sarah will coach three (3) participants during the workshop on a song of their choice. If you are interested in bringing a prepared song for coaching, please check the box on the registration form below. (Personal coaching is first come, first serve.)

Building skills and confidence

As in Scat Singing Fundamentals I, we work individually and in ensemble to help you develop tools to improve your scat singing. We will continue to work with the tools and methods from the first workshop while expanding our focus to include:

Working with song form and singing over changes (i.e. counting bars)
Melodic development and embellishment
Reinterpreting the lyric and lyric improvisation
Improvising lyrics and stories
Building a sense of direction in your scat solos

With a few new approaches and exercises, you can scat sing better and breathe new life into your songs (even the ones you have been singing for years).

What are the benefits of learning to scat sing?

Technically, scat singing lets us practice many musical skills at once. Through scat singing we can further develop our harmonic and rhythmic skills; learn to count bars and sing over changes; and expand ours use of vocal range and colors.

Artistically, scat singing invites us to explore what we sing and share our purpose for singing it. Through scat singing and lyric improvisation, we can deepen our understanding of the relationships between melody and lyric and soloist and ensemble.

Overall, the ability to improvise builds trust in your self, your voice and your abilities. When you trust your voice, you can trust your ensemble. You can listen deeply and sing at the same time.

“I would absolutely take this class again and again. So much to learn and practice. You made the environment so safe and fun and adventurous.” — Lynette

Who can attend?

This workshop is for singers who want to practice scat singing and improvising in songs and other standard forms.

It is suitable for singers who have attended Scat Singing Fundamentals I or who have other jazz or scat singing experience.

It is suitable for adults and teens who like to sing, who are comfortable singing in a group setting and who have good rhythm and pitch skills and a familiarity with song forms.

Each singer receives personal attention and feedback.

Do I need to bring anything?

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

How do I register?

Please complete the form below to start 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 10 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

“I have spent a decade studying vocal improvisation and the gifts have been many. I witnessed my singing and performing open and expand. I feel confident and inspired in varied performance settings and that I can really “say what I mean” when I sing. Most important, my voice feels flexible and available. I want to share these gifts with other singers.” ~sg

Sarah M. Greer is a performer, instructor and improviser who combines vocal improvisation, education and performance. Based in the Twin Cities, Sarah has invented music on local and international stages. She loves performing and co-creating with other singers and instrumentalists.

She has studied improvisation with singers from around the world and learned circle singing from Rhiannon, a member of Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra.

Sarah is passionate about the art of improvisation and helping singers trust, develop and enjoy their unique instruments.

About Jen Parker

Jennifer Parker head shot Jennifer Parker has taught at McNally Smith College of Music since 2008 as a vocal instructor and vocal jazz director. Her degrees include: M.M. Vocal Performance, Western Michigan University, and B.A. University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.

With her heart in education, Jennifer spends a great deal of time as a guest artist and clinician. Her professional highlights include directing the SSA Colorado All State Jazz Choir, the International Music Camp vocal jazz groups and adjudicating the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.

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.