Women in Jazz and World Music Graduating Concert June 30th, 2023

Women in Jazz and World Music (WJWM) is a month long, twice weekly course for high school students ages 15 - 18 years who have an aptitude for singing and who want to develop better techniques and understanding to further their abilities as vocalists. The course is open to those with both professional aspirations and recreational interest.

WJWM will be led by Professor Dee Spencer from San Francisco State University along with a number of guest lecturers who are professional women singers.

The course includes:

An introduction to the physiological and psychological mechanics of singing.

Techniques of vocal instruction and comparative methods of developing vocal techniques and repertoire.

Exercises in musical improvisation.

Technical problems and performance practice of vocal repertoire.

Sharing historical context and background on jazz and various world music forms. The course focuses on the contributions of underrepresented women artists who have often been omitted from the historical narrative.

Course subjects will include Ma Rainey, Bessie Smith, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone.

The nine sessions will explore the unique career trajectories and highlights of historical figures by imparting biographical information and hearing their first and subsequent recordings. Students will learn about the artists' educational backgrounds and (where relevant) any significant social or political movements they belonged to, and the communities and artists who influenced them.

Students will also learn about the professional paths of guest artists through small group discussions about careers in music. They will also learn about the importance of establishing disciplined music practice and rehearsal routines.

For questions about the course and enrollment, contact Course Coordinator, Michelle Jacques [email protected].

Others Details

Artists: Michelle Jacques , Dee Spencer ,

Category: Arts | Performing Arts | Music