SingJazz Workshop

SingJazz is back at Dubrek Studios on Saturday 21 November, the next session in a monthly series of jazz vocal workshops run as part of the Derby Jazz programme. It's led by jazz vocalist and educator Yvonne Barrie, and it's aimed at aspiring jazz singers. Each session is built around a different theme, and you'll have a live accompanist on the keys throughout. When you book, you get the full practice materials sent out in advance, so you can get your head around the songs before you even step through the door.

The workshops cover the fundamentals of jazz singing: choosing the right key, getting the tempo and feel just right, and working through common jazz styles and structures. It's a practical way to pick up the things that usually feel a bit mysterious when you're starting out. Because it's a monthly thing, you can come back session after session and build on what you've learned. If you're joining for the first time, there's no need to worry about having missed anything — all the resources from previous sessions are shared beforehand, so you can catch up on your own time.

Places are capped at ten, which keeps the group small and gives everyone a proper turn. It's open to anyone over 16 with some basic singing experience, and that doesn't have to be in jazz; if you sing in a choir or just around the house, you're welcome. One past participant described the atmosphere as friendly, with a fantastic keys accompanist and a supportive teacher, which is exactly the kind of environment you want when you're getting comfortable with a new style.

The venue is Dubrek Studios at 67 Bridge Street, DE1 3LB — Derby's long-standing recording studio, rehearsal room, gig space and bar, which has recently moved into new, larger premises. The session starts at 11:30am, and it's £21.68 per session, including booking fees, with a reduced rate of £16.26 for those on a low income or unwaged.