Why I Teach Vocal Jazz

I arrange vocal jazz because I love it. I sang in vocal jazz ensembles throughout school and listen to vocal groups all the time because I love it.

I teach it because I believe in it.

I believe that learning to sing the close harmony we encounter in vocal jazz is the best way to develop:

  • a strong ear
  • the best reading skills
  • an intuitive sense of blend and balance
  • an appreciation and understanding of a century of American art music
  • part independence and confidence
  • an adaptive vocal tone that can adjust to a wide variety of situations.
  • a good balance of intellect and heart in musical interpretation
  • a deep esteem for the benefits of community and trust in an ensemble
  • a personal practice work ethic

Singing close harmony is also incredibly fun, don’t get me wrong. I hope that’s why my students sing it. It’s why I love it – it’s thrilling, engaging, entertaining, and challenging. Fun.

But that’s not why I teach it. I teach it because I believe in it as a modality for learning.

You can learn everything I mentioned above in any ensemble. I happen to think singing in a vocal jazz group is the most efficient.