Scatting Simplified: Short Drills, Big Skills!
[Recent Workshop December 2023]
[RECENT ONLINE WORKSHOP, DECEMBER 2023]
Online Workshop with Michele Weir
Hosted by: The California Jazz Conservatory
2 Saturdays: December 2 and 9, 11:00 - 1:00 PST
$130 total ($145 on the day of)
This immersive workshop is designed to get you scatting in no time, using a simple yet very useful approach: Short Drills! The Short Drills method breaks down the complex art of scatting into simple, easily manageable exercises, transforming your creative ideas into comprehensive scat solos.
Short Drills consist of 1-bar, 2-bar, and 4-bar phrases that are perfect for repetitive practice, acting as the building blocks to construct an entire solo using motivic development. The beauty of the Short Drills method is its simplicity. It’s a non-theoretical approach that provides almost instant access to an art form that may otherwise seem complex and difficult. Regardless of your current level, this workshop is tailored to help you explore your potential and build on it.
This workshop is all about active participation – you’ll be singing most of the time right from the start. There are no prerequisites, the Short Drills method is designed to meet you at your current level of development, and all participants are welcome. Come ready to sing, and if you’re interested in brief in-class coaching, please ensure you have the ability to play a backing track from your side. More details and info will be sent to you the day before the workshop.
WORKSHOP DATES:
SESSION #1: December 2, 2023 / 11:00 - 1:00 pm (PST / Pacific Standard Time)
SESSION #2: December 9, 2023 / 11:00 - 1:00 pm (PST / Pacific Standard Time)
COST: $130 USD Advance (Total for 2 Saturdays / $145 the day of
HOSTED BY: The California Jazz Conservatory
Your Instructor
Michele Weir is a distinguished educator who has made significant contributions to the advancement of vocal jazz education, globally. As an arranger / pianist / vocalist, she is well known for her versatile skill set and ability to inspire. As one student put it, “Thank you again for being such an amazing mentor. You are truly the person I strive to be.”
Michele’s arrangements have been performed by renowned vocal groups such as New York Voices and the Swingle Singers, in addition to orchestral works played by symphonies including the Boston Pops. Michele served as Vocal Producer for the Manhattan Transfer’s 2009 CD release, The Chick Corea Songbook,contributing two arrangements to the project as well. Her numerous educational arrangements are available through various publishers in addition to her online platform, the MichMusic Store.
Currently on faculty at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Michele is an active teacher and clinician. Her expertise has taken her to over 20 countries, presenting at premier music conferences such as the World Choral Symposium, the Jazz Education Network Conference, and the ACDA National Conference. A notable highlight was her invitation to be Keynote Speaker for the inaugural International Jazz Voice Conference in Helsinki, 2015.
Michele’s educational contributions include globally recognized book/CD sets: Vocal Improvisation (Schott Music), Jazz Singer's Handbook, and Jazz Piano Handbook (both from Alfred Publishing). Innovating further, she introduced the first iOS app designed for scat singers, ScatAbility, as well as her online educational resource, MusicHabit, designed for jazz singers, pianists, arrangers, and educators. (www.MusicHabit.com)
Michele is a former member of the Grammy-nominated PM Singers vocal group under Phil Mattson’s direction, and she collaborated with jazz guitarist Bruce Forman on their duo CD, The Sound of Music. As a performer, Michele has headlined as a vocalist for numerous educational events and toured as pianist and background singer for Bobby Vinton, among others. Michele served as Music Supervisor for the DreamWorks film, Prince of Egypt, journeying through Europe and Asia to oversee the music production for the film's international dubs.