Whitney Smith's

JAZZ SINGING CLINIC

LEARNING HOW MUSICIANS COMMUNICATE. This series of learning opportunities is designed by a seasoned bandleader to teach singers the basic skills they need to be able to perform onstage with professional musicians and have a good experience. Period. Though this clinic was developed for those who want to sing jazz, the principles can be applied just as easily to any style of popular music — folk, pop, rock, blues, R&B, musical theatre, etc. The clinic is available through private lessons; though a knowledge of musical theory is an asset, it is not required.

FINDING THE SONG THAT COMES NATURALLY. To sing well you need to have a feel for the kind of music you are singing. Another way of putting it is you have to have an ear for how a particular musical dialect is spoken. As a learning singer one of your first goals is to find out what style of music comes naturally to you; once you’ve found that then you can branch out into other idioms. But first you have to learn how to make an impact on an audience with one song. The first step of my method is about finding that one song and learning how to let it sing through you.

FREE! E-Z Song Transposing Chart

The Programs

1. PRIVATE LESSONS Private one-hour lessons are available in the Toronto area covering the same curriculum offered in the clinics. Cost is $225 for 4 sessions. Private lessons are taught in blocks of 4 lessons only; however, if you don't wish to continue after the first lesson you pay only for that one lesson. (Real progress happens with a commitment between teacher and student to a mutual goal.)

2. GETTING COMFORTABLE ONSTAGE is the fundamentals course that provides singers with the practical tools to perform confidently and effectively with professional musicians at jam sessions or rehearsals. Participants study the following curriculum: how to develop self-awareness that leads to confidence and power as a performing artist; developing an emotional connection to a song; finding your best range and best key for each song; transposing and writing your own chord charts; understanding the common rhythmic idioms of popular music; how to communicate effectively with professional players; and, finally, how to go about finding that first song.

3. SHOWCASES put two to three singers together for a club date with an invited audience to present five to six songs each of their repertoire. Band: bass, drums, guitar/piano, saxophone or trumpet. Keep in touch and we'll let you know about our annual event, "Lovin' That Singer!" featuring JSC graduates performing with the Whitney Smith Quartet.

4. DEMO RECORDING SESSIONS. Two singers record three songs each at the same 3-hour recording session. Band: bass, drums, guitar and piano, made up of top level Toronto players.

5. COMMUNITY GROUP COURSES If you would like to have Whitney Smith bring the Singing Clinic to your community, anywhere in North America, please get in touch. Average minimum size for a group is 9, though may be more depending on location.

6. ONLINE COURSES An online version of the fundamentals course of the Singing Clinic, “Getting Comfortable Onstage,” is available. depending on space, with Whitney as your correspondent via email. The online course (WSSC1 Online) presents the full curriculum offered in the private lessons and group courses and is completed in four installments during a 4-week period. Fee is $225 CDN. Again, though a working knowledge of music theory is an asset, it is not required; nor is an audition tape for this course.

An online REPERTOIRE DEVELOPMENT (WSSC2 Online) course is also available. Participants must be able to record digital audio files of their singing, send mp3 files via email, and pass an audition. An mp3 file of the participant singing two jazz standards, in different tempos with simple accompaniment or a capella (however crudely recorded), is all that is required for the audition. Fee is $225 CDN

To register, or more information, click here, or call 416-913-3992.

GIFT CERTIFICATES are available for three programs: 1) a introductory/assessment session; 2) the full fundamentals course, "Getting Comfortable Onstage"; and, 3) the demo recording session. A gift certificate for the single introductory session is $60 and $225 for the fundamentals course (in 4 one-hour private sessions or a 10-hour weekly or weekend group course: both courses employ the same curriculum).

What Graduates Say

Whitney's Jazz Singing Clinic has been very inspiring to me. It has begun the process of sending many of my fears and anxieties out of this solar system. As well, it has created a more solid base for my new relationship with jazz and the process of singing and learning.
— Jennifer Evans

I absolutely recommend Whitney’s Jazz Singing Workshop. Whether you're an enthusiastic shower singer or the trained musician, Whitney’s program has something to offer singers at every level. I’ve taken singing classes and workshops before but what sets this workshop apart
from the others is that Whitney’s goal is to get his students out of the classroom setting and on to the stage! Within two months of my first meeting with Whitney I participated in my first jam session, something that before had seemed nearly impossible. Within four months, I participated in a Jazz Singing Workshop showcase. What a thrill to be performing with some of the city’s finest musicians on a real gig at a cool little jazz club in Toronto. This program gave me the information, the resources, and the encouragement I needed to get up and sing! What an incredible journey!
— Jen Sagar

Having come from the world of opera, I wasn't sure what to expect from jazz and jazz singing. Whitney has been a real inspiration. He has helped me make the transition fun and exciting. Whitney is a true one-stop-shop! With his many talents as musician, songwriter, producer and band leader, and his wealth of knowledge and experience, he can help a variety of jazz lovers, musicians and singers. I have thoroughly enjoyed and continue to enjoy working with Whitney.
— Sepideh Eslahjou

Face all your fears with Whitney Smith and you'll be performing sooner than you might think! Whitney will not only help you get your theory down quick and easy, he will help arrange your first performance with ease and confidence. He has helped me and so many others get started with their music careers, and he is connected to all these great musicians, so whether you’re taking a theory class or a Jazz Singing Clinic, or making your first demo, you won't go wrong with Whitney's positive and inspiring direction. — Linda Carone

Singers With Something to Say

Jazz Singing Clinic Graduate Recordings
Produced by Whitney Smith

Click on the name of the song to play the MP3.

Linda Carone (photo: top right) - email me
- Meglio Stasera (Linda Carone, vocals)

Hunter Williamson email me
You Made Me Love You (Hunter Williamson, vocals)

Scott Marshall, tenor sax; Wes Neal, bass; Joel Haynes, drums; Whitney Smith, guitar.Recorded and mixed by BB/AMT, Toronto, October 2004.

Elizabeth Bettencourt (photo: bottom right) - email me
Makin’ Whoopee(m, Walter Donaldson; w, Gus Kahn)
I’m Your Man(by Leonard Cohen)

Jen Sagar - email me
Embraceable You(m, George Gershwin; w, Ira Gershwin)
Deed I Do (m., Fred Rose; w., Walter Hirsch)
Blue Prelude (m, Gordon Jenkins; w, Joe Bishop)

Shawn Nyqwist, tenor sax; Whitney Smith, guitar; Mark Cashon, bass; Sly Juhas, drums.
Recorded and mixed by John Loach at Loach Studios, Toronto. January 2004.

Kristen Rundle (email me)

Could I Have This Dance, words and music by Wayland Holyfiend and Bob House

Guitar: Whitney Smith. Recorded by Jake Wilkinson.

Long Lost Friend, words and music by Whitney Smith

Guitar: Whitney Smith. (Home recording on a $10 guitar tuned to Bb,

in Sydney, Australia, February 2005. Ten minute rehearsal. Way to go, Kristen!)

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