Learn some approaches to improvisation over jazz tunes, what to listen for and what to study. You should already be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom. Develop confidence and 'know how' that will enable you to enjoy improvising. A vital supplement to the jazz singing courses.
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Develop approaches to improvising with jazz tunes and singing over standard chord sequences. There will be regular practice in class to build your improvising confidence and expertise.
What will we cover?
- Some standard chord changes (this will require preparation) and standard tunes. - Developing your ear and understanding of jazz harmony, time feel and rhythm. - Learning sample patterns and melodies (this will involve reading notation as well as working by ear). - Applying the principles of improvising to your interpretation of jazz melodies.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
- receive constructive feedback on your efforts - enjoy being adventurous in a supportive group of musicians - internalise jazz language, scales and patterns - use ideas, strategies and devices to enhance your performance.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You should be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom, and will need a good standard of musicianship: sensitivity to time and feel; the ability to follow (and keep up with) a chord progression; and an understanding of technical terms and matters (e.g. major/minor scale, Latin feel).
You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Vocal and physical warm up. Some listening to recordings and some discussion, but mostly demonstration and practical involvement in group singing tasks and solo efforts. Follow and respond to your tutor and the piano.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Lead sheets, backing tracks, and other learning resources will be supplied.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Jazz harmony and ear training, Jazz and Blues singing courses.
Laura is a highly regarded teacher of jazz and popular singing. Although specialising in Jazz, Laura has studied with some of the top vocal teachers nationally and internationally, giving her an in-depth understanding of the techniques applicable to many vocal styles. She has experience of working with top laryngologists, speech therapists, osteopaths and physiotherapists all working in the field of vocal health. Laura has been featured in an article in the Guardian Arts Section, giving instruction in the art of jazz singing and also in the Sunday Telegraph Lifestyle section, helping someone get over their fear of singing. Laura studied jazz and popular singing at Middlesex University and in New York with Nancy Marano from the Manhattan School of Music. Well established on the London jazz scene, Laura has released four well-received albums, each curating fresh and classy readings of the Great American Songbook alongside unexpected pop tunes. She now collaborates with composer Martin Pyne, writing original material for her recently released EP.
Cerys Hogg is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and improviser. Whilst studying Fine Art, specialising in performance art and installation, she developed her musical skills as a jazz vocalist, drummer and pianist. A scholarship allowed her to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama on the post-graduate Jazz and Studio Music course. She specialised in jazz voice, developing a personal approach to improvisation, harmony and arranging. Cerys combines her work as multimedia artist, composer and musician in KOGG, an experimental electronic duo with fellow City Lit tutor, Selena Kay. They create music by sampling vocals, sound objects, and home-made instruments, combining composed and improvised material with live and manipulated video. KOGG perform in the UK and Europe and have played festivals including Aldeburgh and Huddersfield Contemporary Music. Cerys is an experienced teacher, with a PGCE from the Institute of Education, who has taught at City Lit since 2003. She has a reputation for delivering active, entertaining and engaging classes, and a drive to demystify the elements of music, making it an accessible and enjoyable for all.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/jazz-vocal-improvisation392758Jazz vocal improvisationhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/sing-musical-theatre-1024.jpg279279GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Performing arts/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Courses/Performing arts/Music/Singing22851314135113611228513141351Learn some approaches to improvisation over jazz tunes, what to listen for and what to study. You should already be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom. Develop confidence and 'know how' that will enable you to enjoy improvising. A vital supplement to the jazz singing courses.002990039Jazz vocal improvisation279279https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/sing-musical-theatre-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses11 weeks or longerWeekend2026-04-25T00:00:00+00:00Some experience, AdvancedApr 2026Performing artsMF656279279Jazz vocal improvisation279195279Laura Zakianjazz-vocal-improvisation/mf656-2526Learn some approaches to improvisation over jazz tunes, what to listen for and what to study. You should already be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom. Develop confidence and 'know how' that will enable you to enjoy improvising. A vital supplement to the jazz singing courses.0000-Available|2026-04-25 00:00:00Develop approaches to improvising with jazz tunes and singing over standard chord sequences. There will be regular practice in class to build your improvising confidence and expertise.Learn some approaches to improvisation over jazz tunes, what to listen for and what to study. You should already be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom. Develop confidence and 'know how' that will enable you to enjoy improvising. A vital supplement to the jazz singing courses.- Some standard chord changes (this will require preparation) and standard tunes.<br/>- Developing your ear and understanding of jazz harmony, time feel and rhythm.<br/>- Learning sample patterns and melodies (this will involve reading notation as well as working by ear).<br/>- Applying the principles of improvising to your interpretation of jazz melodies.- receive constructive feedback on your efforts<br/>- enjoy being adventurous in a supportive group of musicians<br/>- internalise jazz language, scales and patterns<br/>- use ideas, strategies and devices to enhance your performance.You should be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom, and will need a good standard of musicianship: sensitivity to time and feel; the ability to follow (and keep up with) a chord progression; and an understanding of technical terms and matters (e.g. major/minor scale, Latin feel). <br/><br/>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.Vocal and physical warm up. Some listening to recordings and some discussion, but mostly demonstration and practical involvement in group singing tasks and solo efforts. Follow and respond to your tutor and the piano.Lead sheets, backing tracks, and other learning resources will be supplied.Jazz harmony and ear training, Jazz and Blues singing courses.MusicSingingvirtual3004045Jazz vocal improvisation5959https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/sing-musical-theatre-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2026-07-18T00:00:00+00:00Some experience, AdvancedJul 2026Performing artsMF6695959Jazz vocal improvisation595959Cerys Hoggjazz-vocal-improvisation/mf669-2526<p>Learn some approaches to improvisation over jazz tunes, what to listen for and what to study. You should already be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom. The aim in these two sessions is to increase your confidence and 'know how', and to enable you to enjoy improvising.</p>0000-Available|2026-07-18 00:00:00Develop approaches to improvising with jazz tunes and singing over standard chord sequences. There will be practice in class to build your improvising confidence and expertise.<p>Learn some approaches to improvisation over jazz tunes, what to listen for and what to study. You should already be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom. The aim in these two sessions is to increase your confidence and 'know how', and to enable you to enjoy improvising.</p><p>- Some standard chord progressions.<br/>- Developing your ear and understanding of jazz harmony, time feel and rhythm.<br/>- Learning sample patterns and melodies (this will involve reading notation as well as working by ear).<br/>- Applying the principles of improvising to your interpretation of jazz melodies.</p>- have a sense of know-how and confidence<br/>- get constructive feedback on your efforts<br/>- enjoy being adventurous in a supportive group of musicians.<p>You should be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom, and will need a good standard of musicianship: sensitivity to time and feel; the ability to follow (and keep up with) a chord progression; and an understanding of technical terms and matters (e.g. major/minor scale, Latin time feel).<br/> </p>Vocal and physical warm up. Some listening to recordings and some discussion, but mostly demonstration and practical involvement in group singing tasks and solo efforts.Lead sheets will be provided. A machine to record parts of the class would be useful..MusicSingingvirtual279,59279,59195,59MF656,MF669NONESat25/04/26 - 04/07/2610:30 - 12:0010:3012:0011 sessions (over 11 weeks)1111 weeks or longer,1 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetLaura Zakian,Cerys HoggSome experience, AdvancedAvailable courses2026-04-25T00:00:00+00:00,2026-07-18T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2026,Jul 2026Performing arts59279,59Jazz vocal improvisationjazz-vocal-improvisation/mf656-2526,jazz-vocal-improvisation/mf669-2526Learn some approaches to improvisation over jazz tunes, what to listen for and what to study. You should already be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom. Develop confidence and 'know how' that will enable you to enjoy improvising. A vital supplement to the jazz singing courses.,<p>Learn some approaches to improvisation over jazz tunes, what to listen for and what to study. You should already be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom. The aim in these two sessions is to increase your confidence and 'know how', and to enable you to enjoy improvising.</p>0000-Available|2026-04-25 00:00:00Develop approaches to improvising with jazz tunes and singing over standard chord sequences. There will be regular practice in class to build your improvising confidence and expertise.,Develop approaches to improvising with jazz tunes and singing over standard chord sequences. There will be practice in class to build your improvising confidence and expertise.Learn some approaches to improvisation over jazz tunes, what to listen for and what to study. You should already be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom. Develop confidence and 'know how' that will enable you to enjoy improvising. A vital supplement to the jazz singing courses.,<p>Learn some approaches to improvisation over jazz tunes, what to listen for and what to study. You should already be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom. The aim in these two sessions is to increase your confidence and 'know how', and to enable you to enjoy improvising.</p>- Some standard chord changes (this will require preparation) and standard tunes.<br/>- Developing your ear and understanding of jazz harmony, time feel and rhythm.<br/>- Learning sample patterns and melodies (this will involve reading notation as well as working by ear).<br/>- Applying the principles of improvising to your interpretation of jazz melodies.,<p>- Some standard chord progressions.<br/>- Developing your ear and understanding of jazz harmony, time feel and rhythm.<br/>- Learning sample patterns and melodies (this will involve reading notation as well as working by ear).<br/>- Applying the principles of improvising to your interpretation of jazz melodies.</p>- receive constructive feedback on your efforts<br/>- enjoy being adventurous in a supportive group of musicians<br/>- internalise jazz language, scales and patterns<br/>- use ideas, strategies and devices to enhance your performance.,- have a sense of know-how and confidence<br/>- get constructive feedback on your efforts<br/>- enjoy being adventurous in a supportive group of musicians.You should be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom, and will need a good standard of musicianship: sensitivity to time and feel; the ability to follow (and keep up with) a chord progression; and an understanding of technical terms and matters (e.g. major/minor scale, Latin feel). <br/><br/>You will need to follow written and verbal instructions in English and engage in class discussions.,<p>You should be accustomed to singing in the jazz idiom, and will need a good standard of musicianship: sensitivity to time and feel; the ability to follow (and keep up with) a chord progression; and an understanding of technical terms and matters (e.g. major/minor scale, Latin time feel).<br/> </p>Vocal and physical warm up. Some listening to recordings and some discussion, but mostly demonstration and practical involvement in group singing tasks and solo efforts. Follow and respond to your tutor and the piano.,Vocal and physical warm up. Some listening to recordings and some discussion, but mostly demonstration and practical involvement in group singing tasks and solo efforts.Lead sheets, backing tracks, and other learning resources will be supplied.,Lead sheets will be provided. A machine to record parts of the class would be useful.Jazz harmony and ear training, Jazz and Blues singing courses.,.MusicSingingconfigurable
