Vocal Jazz


limited # of participants

Sheila Jordan, Jay Clayton co-directors

Guest Instructor – Camille Thurman

Participants will:

  • Work with NEA Jazz Master Sheila Jordan (Monday and Tuesday), Jay Clayton (Monday – Friday) and Camille Thurman (Wednesday – Friday)
  • Learn how to interpret jazz standards in an authentic style
  • Masterclasses will discuss how to develop skills in
    • scat singing and improv skills
    • creating a lead sheet
    • choosing repertoire
    • stylistic interpretation
    • relating authentically to the jazz legacy
    • tips on working with a rhythm section and horn players
    • developing a jazz vocabulary
  • Work with backing tracks and receive coaching on singing jazz standards

Other highlights for participants include a choice of jazz theory classes and evening sessions on topics including jazz, gender and race (for more information, see SCHEDULE).

Sheila Jordan and Jay Clayton create a safe place for emerging and professional vocalists to develop their skills, make mistakes and discover their authentic selves. In 202 we are delighted to welcome Camille Thurman (Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, Independent Music Award winner) for the Singing the Standards portion of the program on Wednesday through Friday.

“As a student relatively new to jazz, I got everything I need, and so much more. This five-day immersion incorporates the essentials of music learning – from theoretical to playing.”

—Bidi Dworkin, workshop participant, 2010

“VJC is a unique opportunity to listen to and learn from an amazingly diverse group of masters, all of whom are there to share their knowledge in a variety of settings. I also learn plenty from other students.”

— Sally Station, Workshop participant 2018