Wondering how you bring to the stage the same joy, freedom and expression that you feel while singing in your shower or car? Looking to get back into singing after a hiatus? Curious about “jazz singing” and wanting to try it?Delve into and explore your own unique style in a workshop, performance class or private lesson. Celebrate your individuality (it is your greatest asset) in a safe, supportive environment, and have fun making music. Students of all levels are welcome.See the Calendar page for Current Vocal class recitals. Email me for registration details by pressing the contact link.
NEXT UP: (classes/workshops)
*Jazz Vocal Performance Class
NEXT CLASS SERIES (Winter 2012) DATES : 3 Sundays, one Saturday from 12:30 to 3:30 pm. Class begins January 15th (Sunday), continues Jan. 29th (Sunday), February 11th (Saturday), February 26th (Sunday). Performance date Tuesday, Feb. 28th, 7pm at Egan’s.).
This series explores the fundamentals of jazz singing in a safe and fun setting, with a final public performance of a “set” of 3-4 songs per student while accompanied by a jazz trio. Class meets four times. Great motivational class for singers who want to “go the distance” from choosing songs to performing them onstage. Class is limited to 5 students on a first come, first serve basis, and is open to all levels, ages teen through adult. Registration cost is $225 (includes 4 three hour-long classes with two instructors, piano accompaniment, all handout materials, and performance/recital fees).
Laney Williams singing at Egan's at the Jazz Vocal Class Performance
Other offerings:
Jazz Vocal Workshop (single)
This participatory workshop explores the basic fundamentals of jazz singing in a safe and fun setting, and is a great opportunity for singers who want some basic knowledge and experience. Live piano accompaniment is provided.**Length: 3 hours **Suggested level of expertise: beginner and advanced beginner, ages teen through adult.
NEXT WORKSHOP IS IN THE BAY AREA: Saturday, Feb. 4th, 1 to 4pm, at D. Steinberg’s music studio, 285 Monroe in Mountainview, Ca. 94040. Cost is $35 and includes 2 instructors, all handouts and live piano accompaniment. Open to all levels, teen through adult. Space is limited, and preregistration is required. To reserve a spot, email dinablade@dinablade.com or call 206-861-3764 and leave a message.
Vocal Students Group Sing for an encore on Performance Night
Masterclasses for Choirs, Schools, Communities
We will sing a familiar song or two as a group, learn the difference between swing and straight time “feel”, and sing different harmony parts to a song. Practical elements of working with a band and exploring different “grooves” (i.e. swing, latin, waltz) will also be covered. If time permits, we will work with individual singers. **Length: approx. 1 to 2 hours/class periods (flexible) **residencies are offered for schools and other interested groups
Jazz Band Coaching
This “hands on” approach “inserts” our rhythm section (using the music your band is working on) into the existing band, providing feedback and fielding questions. *Target Groups: middle school, high school, college, community groups, jazz combos *Length: approx. 1 to 2 hours/class periods (flexible)
Dina and Hans co-teach many classes and workshops
Teacher Bios:
Dina Blade is a singer with a relaxed and swinging vocal style who sings at nightclubs, festivals and other events around Seattle, Wa. (her home) and the Pacific Northwest, and has toured and performed in the U.S., Cuba, Brazil, and Canada. She began accompanying herself on guitar at age eleven while singing simple folk songs, and eventually expanded her repertoire to include American jazz and Brazilian bossa nova. Dina has written several themed shows featuring 30s and 40s music, taught singing games to kids in both the USA and Brazil, worked as a studio musician, appeared in commercials and films, and released five recordings, earning international acclaim for her cd “I’m In The Mood For Love” featuring the lyrics of Dorothy Fields. KPLU’S “Jazz Northwest” DJ Jim Wilke praised her voice as “warm and inviting, fresh and original,” and included her cd, “My Romance”, on his “Best of the Northwest” list. She maintains a busy schedule as a performer and educator, and has been called “a one woman celebration of song and dance”.
Hans Brehmer has been performing for more than 25 years in the Pacific Northwest, working as a pianist, vocalist, arranger, musical director and creative force behind countless recordings and concerts. He serves as an accompanist at Cornish College of the Arts in the Jazz Vocal Department, and plays for some of the area’s top vocalists. Hans is in high demand as a solo pianist and ensemble member in both small combos and big bands, and is the musical director of the house band at Bake’s Place Jazz Club. He has performed at Jazz Alley and Benaroya Hall here in Seattle as well as the Metropolitan Room in New York City.
Students/teachers after a Jazz Vocal Class Performance l. to r. Anita, Brandee, Desree, Hans, and Dina
Quotes from Students:
“Now THAT was fun!” -Karen S.
“What a great night. I just watched the video and can’t believe that’s me up there doing all that! You two have created such a wonderful opportunity through these classes. It’s absolutely magical. I can’t thank you enough.” -Donna
“ Thank you, Dina, and thank you for your all your help and kind words. It’s so much appreciated! ” -Jean
“Thank you Dina and Hans! It was so nice to sing and start thinking about getting those creative juices flowing again. Look forward to the next time.” ~ Tina
“Thank you, thank you, thank You Dina! For having this wonderful workshop! It was a great step for me, to get back into singing again! Thanks for all your pointers, tips and those innovative ‘warmups!’” ~ JLynn
“Thank you all. I truly enjoyed jamming and listening to all of you. I learned a lot about music and singing today than ever before! Also, thank you for allowing me to be myself and be comfortable with whatever style & level of singing I’m at at this point.” ~Janet
“I thoroughly enjoyed the whole workshop and hearing everyone sing….it was just great and so much fun! Nice to meet everyone.” ~Karen
“I just wanted to say thank you again to all of you. I had a great time at the workshop and you all did so great with your songs. It was nice to sing before such a supportive audience.” ~ Susan
“So, this has been pivotal for me to say the least. Such a wonderful experience and I will DEFINITELY be trying out for solos in my group..Thanks for the kindness, the stroking and the YOU CAN DO IT chats!” -B. Young
“What a shot in the arm the recital was. I’ve been flying high on the energy hit ever since.” -Steve N.
“Thanks so much for the wonderful experience the class provided. It way exceeded my expectations and Tuesday night was a really special highlight for me. I did better than I ever thought I could have. You guys are the best!” - Donna S.
“Yesterday was such an energizing experience for me as well as the others in the group I am sure. This is what has been missing in my life since I left LA and singing there. Thank you!” – Sandi V.
“I kind of feel like I fell in love (just a tiny bit) with everybody and perhaps it was all due to the welcoming and accessible tone you set.” -Andy F.
“I want to give you a heartfelt thank you. You and Hans have really opened up a new world to me of internal enjoyment, community and many new ways to look at and work on singing. In my quest to learn how to sing I’ve actually found a richer world of interpretation, phrasing, volume, beat, confidence (or lack thereof), composers, presence, memory, appreciation … the list grows with each visit. I look forward to our future work!” -Tamie C.
” I enjoyed every moment of the workshop, and thought you did a super job of making it progressive, gradually building our confidence, and coaching. When I left, my heart was soaring!” -T. Erickson
“Thanks for the great workshop yesterday. It exceeded my expectations! I would love to do a follow-up session, so count me in.” -D. Griffin
“Singing brings me such joy, and I really had never thought of myself as a singer. Your workshop made it both safe and fun to find out.” -M. Butler
“Dina, a big THANK YOU to you and your very talented ensemble. You are all so approachable and comfortable to work with, and sing with. A couple of the girls believe they have some new tools to help them down their musical path…” -Angel Michaels, Choir Director, San Juan HS
“Dina, many thanks! You’re great! Hope we can work together again down the road. You and your guys had a nice rapport with our kids and they learned alot- they were talking about it well into Concert Band and again after school.” -Janet Olsen, Jazz Band Director, San Juan High School
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6W3s03kJ7Y