Vocal Foundations of Jazz

This relaxed, informal day-long vocal workshop at the Verdict Jazz Club in Brighton features expert coaching and feedback from award-winning jazz singer Claire Martin OBE and an introduction to Estill Voice Training especially tailored for jazz singers with voice teacher Stefan Holmström MFA, Estill Master Trainer.

We will explore both the voice and stagecraft in a supportive environment, then apply what we've learned to a selection of five songs from the standard repertoire.

Twelve active participants will have the opportunity to perform their selected song on stage accompanied by one of the most in-demand jazz pianists on the UK jazz scene.

What you'll learn

How your voice works
Tools to express yourself as you choose, not as dictated by habits
How to warm up and cool down your voice with the siren
Stagecraft (microphone technique, storytelling & stage presence)
How to count in
How to ad lib
How to cope with nerves

When

Next date to be confirmed

Venue

Verdict Jazz Club

159 Edward St

Kemptown

Brighton

BN2 0JB

Cost

£130 (active participant)

£60 (observer)

How to register

Please check back.

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When

Next date to be confirmed

10:00 am to 5:00 pm UK

Where

Verdict Jazz Club, 159 Edward St, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 0JB

Who it's for

Jazz singers - beginner to intermediate level.

Observers

Ten observers will take part in the introduction to Estill Voice Training and group exercises throughout the morning. In the afternoon, they will watch and learn from the feedback that active participants receive during performance and one-to-one coaching.

Active participants

Like the observers, twelve active participants will also take part in the introduction to Estill Voice Training and group exercises. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to perform a song they have selected from the standard repertoire and receive personal coaching and expert feedback with special focus on how to ad lib. Song choices are:

God Bless the Child
All of Me
Autumn Leaves
Summertime
Blue Skies

Please select your song when you book.

Cost

£130 per person for active participants

£60 per person for observers

About the trainers

Claire Martin OBE is a critically acclaimed Brighton-based jazz singer. She has won the British Jazz Awards 8 times and is a proud recipient of the BASCA Gold Badge Award for her contribution to songwriting. Claire has released 21 CDs and is currently working on her next album project, a collaboration with the American conductor and pianist Scott Dunn and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra celebrating the songs of Sir Richard Rodney Bennett.

Stefan Holmström, MFA and Estill Master Trainer (EMT), is a professional opera singer and voice teacher. Following a career performing at Glyndebourne, Grange Park Opera, Opera Holland Park and as a member of the Phantom of the Opera Company at Her Majesty's Theatre in London, Stefan offers expert vocal training and workshops to a wide range of singers and speakers from his studio in central Brighton.

About Estill Voice Training

Estill Voice Training (EVT) is a scientific, evidence-based system for vocal development. It is a life-changing approach that can help you become a stronger and more emotional performer by giving you effective tools to improve your craft. With EVT, simple everyday sounds are used to identify structures in the larynx and in the vocal tract (i.e. throat, mouth and nose). These are then trained in detail to give conscious, predictable and reliable control of your voice.

About the venue

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, The Verdict is Brighton's only purpose jazz club. It has been named as one of the 10 top jazz clubs in Europe by The Guardian.

Parking

Parking in Brighton is notorious, so be sure to have a plan in place before you set off for the workshop. You have a few options:

Paid parking (aka pay & display street parking) is available nearby, but it may be difficult to find a space on a Saturday morning.
Public car parks are within easy walking distance of the venue.
- Chapel Street Car Park in Kemptown is closest (approx 4 mins)
- Lanes Car Park near Old Steine is a little further away (approx 6 mins).
Private car parks within walking distance include:
- NCP Brighton Theatre (approx 9 mins)
- RCP Parking North Road (approx 11 mins)
- NCP Brighton Centre Russell Road (approx 15 mins).
- We don't recommend any one of these in particular, but please note that RCP Parking North Road offers Early Bird parking for £9.50 (entry between 6:00 am and 9:00 am with exit before midnight).
Park & Ride is available north of the city. If you want to avoid traffic and parking in the city centre, you can park for free at Withdean Sports Complex and buy a bus ticket into the city. The bus journey takes approximately 25-30 minutes. You can either:
- hop on a 27 bus from Withdean Sports Complex bus stop to Sea Life Centre (Stop K) and walk 4 mins to The Verdict OR
- walk approx 3 mins from Withdean Sports Complex to Tongdean Lane East bus stop in London Road and hop on a 5 or 5A bus. Alight at Old Steine and walk approx 5 mins to The Verdict.

Accessibility

Unfortunately this venue is not accessible to wheelchair users. Access to the basement workshop space is via one flight of stairs.

Refreshments

Coffees, teas, pastries and snacks can be purchased from the venue's café. Bring a packed lunch or pop out to one of the many shops or cafés nearby. The Verdict has direct access to Dorset Gardens, a truly lovely park. You are welcome to eat lunch and mingle here in the Verdict's outdoor dining area.

How to register

Online booking will open in May 2023.

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact Stefan.