Jazz Improvisation: The Voice Teacher's Challenge

Edited book (chapter)


Hargreaves, Wendy. 2010. "Jazz Improvisation: The Voice Teacher's Challenge." Harrison, Scott (ed.) Perspectives on Teaching Singing: Australian Vocal Pedagogues Sing Their Stories. Bowen Hills, Australia. Australian Academic Press. pp. 259-275
Chapter Title

Jazz Improvisation: The Voice Teacher's Challenge

Book Chapter CategoryEdited book (chapter)
ERA Publisher ID1244
Book TitlePerspectives on Teaching Singing: Australian Vocal Pedagogues Sing Their Stories
Authors
AuthorHargreaves, Wendy
EditorsHarrison, Scott
Page Range259-275
Chapter Number16
Number of Pages17
Year2010
PublisherAustralian Academic Press
Place of PublicationBowen Hills, Australia
ISBN9781921513732
9781921513749
Web Address (URL)https://www.australianacademicpress.com.au/books/details/175/Perspectives_on_Teaching_Singing_Australian_Vocal_Pedagogues_Sing_Their_Stories
Abstract

This chapter discusses the difficulties singing teachers face in addressing one of the most cognitively complex musical skills. It presents six key learning areas for vocalists that were uncovered during the author’s journey as a student, teacher and researcher of improvisation. This personal experience is combined with a discussion of recent literature and current data gathered from a landmark survey of Australian jazz performers. By addressing fear, engaging referents, fostering an ideas bank, developing a scat syllable vocabulary, redefining the vocalist’s role and simply practising improvising, a framework is established for a well rounded and effective curriculum. The key learning areas blend tried and tested methods of teaching instrumentalists with insight into the unique characteristics of singers. Examples of teaching strategies given in the chapter provide more detailed direction for those choosing this path. In all, a balanced examination of curriculum and strategies provides valuable tools and structure for voice teachers to address boldly the challenge of jazz improvisation.

Keywordsimprovisation, jazz, singing, education, voice, teaching
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020360304. Music performance
360302. Music composition and improvisation
360303. Music education
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Byline AffiliationsGriffith University
Journal TitlePerspectives on Teaching Singing
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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