The backbone of CJC’s Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies Vocal Track is Vocal Performance. Repertoire driven, this unique four-semester, 12-credit requirement is essential to the aspiring professional jazz vocalist.
In the first semester of Vocal Performance, students focus on learning standard jazz repertoire drawn primarily from the Great American Songbook, addressing interpretation of lyrics, improvisation, group protocol and creating arrangements.
In subsequent semesters, repertoire covered in Vocal Performance ranges from the Great American Songbook, to late 20th and 21st century composers, to students’ original compositions, arrangements and lyrics.
Most importantly, students in Vocal Performance learn to use the voice instrumentally, within the context of the small jazz ensemble.
Vocal students experience the invaluable, hands-on opportunity to sing with the Bay Area’s top jazz musicians each and every week, providing them with the real-time training they need to become professionals.
Vocal Performance also covers stage presence, on-stage “patter” and mic technique – vital performance skills for the professional singer.
Vocal Performance faculty inevitably includes anecdotes in their teaching – compelling stories about jazz musicians, clubs, and tours that are invaluable to the up-and-coming artist. They also share their viewpoints on practice methods and the time investment necessary to develop artistic expertise.
Students in Vocal Performance are required to attend concerts and workshops, many of which are presented at the CJC and feature visiting artists, CJC faculty and students. In addition, students are required to present written and oral reports.
At the end of each semester, students are featured in the rousing CJC Student Performance Series!
Click on the links below for more information on other unique vocal course offerings:
Great American Songbook: The Jazz Standard
