Jazz Voice

​​​​​​DePaul’s jazz voice studio is the newest addition to the Jazz Studies program. Students will advance their skills in jazz related topics, contemporary vocal technique, improvisation, and musicianship to enhance their artistic development in the jazz genre. Individual instruction provides a supportive, personal environment where the student is encouraged to develop and define their unique artistic and creative abilities. A holistic pedagogical approach is emphasized where students are engaged with a full understanding of the physical, psychological and emotional training of the singing voice and the artistry of performing a song. Students will enter the professional world with an advanced skill set in jazz singing and contemporary singing techniques that will provide them with career opportunities as a solo artist, back-up vocalist, band leader, session singer, teacher, composer, arranger, and lyricist. 

  • Abigail Riccards
    Faculty, Part Time
    Music Performance
    Adjunct Lecturer

Private Lessons

Private instruction consists of weekly or bi-weekly 60-minute lessons. Students will research and perform jazz music through the study of tonal experimentation, style and phrasing, rhythm and groove, harmony, improvisation, the art of scatting, ear training, sight-reading, transcription, song analysis, and artistic development including stage presence and band leading skills. Vocal technique and pedagogical practices are taught and emphasized to provide the freedom of artistic expression along with maintaining vocal health. Students are expected to be self-motivated, creating a disciplined practice schedule, book off campus performances, and meet all course requirements and deadlines.
 

Ensemble Opportunities

The DePaul Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Kathryn Sherman​, is the newest addition to the Jazz program. The ensemble consists of ten to twelve vocalists and a rhythm section comprised of piano, bass and drums. Students rehearse and perform repertoire culled from classic vocal jazz ensembles and arrangers (Mattson, Puerling, Meader, Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, The New York Voices, Manhattan Transfer, The Swingle Singers, Singers Unlimited, Take Six etc.), as well as newly commissioned works from today’s leading composers and arrangers and new student works.​​

 

Performance Opportunities

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Chicago has a vibrant and abundant live music scene. Students will have opportunities to perform in local clubs, festivals, performing arts concert settings, private events, along with numerous cultural and educational opportunities.​