Vocal Jazz Masters at Berkeley's Jazzschool in 2007

Berkeley, CA, January 5, 2007 -- The Jazzschool's popular Vocal Studies Program, under the direction of department chair Laurie Antonioli, has greatly expanded its offerings in 2007 with workshops by major vocal artists such as Bobby McFerrin, Mark Murphy, and Nancy King, as well as a broad array of classes for beginners on up through professionals.

“What makes the Jazzschool so unique is the variety of classes available to students of all levels and interests," notes Antonioli, who returned to the Bay Area last fall after teaching at KUG University in Graz, Austria for four years. “The boundaries of jazz singing are expanding and the school reflects this in its current curriculum.

“First and foremost, however, we are committed to maintaining the art of jazz singing -- the tradition, the integrity, and the craft -- and one of the best ways to do that is by bringing in the Jazz Masters for both workshops and concerts. Seeing and hearing these artists is the ultimate 'lesson'!"

Bobby McFerrin's Vocal Improvisation workshop on January 24 (open to Jazzschool students only) is the first of the year's major events, followed by Kurt Elling's lecture and demonstration on the Craft of Jazz Singing on March 3.

Nancy King, just nominated for a Grammy, will present a workshop and concert on April 14. Mark Murphy is set to give a concert and workshop in May, and Sheila Jordan follows suit in June.

In addition, a new workshop series called “A Week of Sundays" features Ledisi on the Soulful Side of Jazz (January) and Kitty Margolis on Grooves (February). Also during January, Jazzschool artist in residence Madeline Eastman offers consultations on music and the artistic life (January 21).

Ann Dyer will teach an Intro to Indian Singing class, Venezuelan artist Maria Marquez offers a Latin Standards course, and pianist Marcos Silva teaches the popular Brazilian ensembles which give singers an opportunity to learn Portuguese text and perform with a full Brazilian band. Antonioli will be teaching Creative Jazz Singing I & II (with a trio), Intermediate to Advanced; Improv for Singers I & II; Lyric Writing; and a Guitar/Voice Duo class with Mimi Fox.

Antonioli notes that “The singers are also encouraged to participate in the many theory, piano, composition, and history classes available to all Jazzschool students."

Other vocal studies department faculty members include Maye Cavallero, Greg Murai, Juliet Green, Jessica Neighbor, Joyce Pricco, and Gail Dobson. A complete list of voice classes may be found online.

“Laurie is the most talented singer I've ever had the pleasure of working with," says pianist Richie Beirach, with whom Antonioli has recorded two duo albums, one due for release this year. “She is a very important creative voice in jazz music. As a singer of improvised music and jazz, she is a piano player's dream."

“Laurie is a kindred spirit and has brought an incredible breath of fresh air to the Jazzschool Vocal Program," says Founder and Director Susan Muscarella. “I feel our Vocal Program is undergoing a complete transformation and the possibilities are endless. It couldn't be better timing as we approach our tenth-year anniversary this fall."