Vocal Programs and Workshops for All Levels

Whether you are a professional vocalist or a complete beginner, New York Jazz Academy offers an opportunity for you to work with mentors and other like-minded vocalists and take it to the next level. Our teachers are active vocalists on the NYC scene and are leaders in the world of jazz performance and instruction.

Private Lessons
Workshop, Class and Ensemble Options
All NYJA Programs At-A-Glance
Become a Member
More Info

Congrats to X-Factor star Carly Rose Sonenclar, former NYJA student!

New York Jazz Academy Voice Faculty

Kelly Ash | Miles Griffith | Sofia Rei Koutsovitis | Carolyn Leonhart | Tammy Scheffer | Sara Serpa |

Vocal Programs Overview

Check out NYJA in Action!

NYJA Vocal Workshops and Programs bring together vocalists of similar levels and goals, matching them into appropriate workshop placements in an effort to maximize singer satisfaction. Workshops include Vocal Jazz Workshops run by Carolyn Leonhart, Kelly Ash, and Tammy Scheffer, Vocalnomics run by Miles Griffith, and Latin American Vocal Workshop run by Sofia Rei. We are also accepting applications for an exciting new Total Immersion Vocal Jazz Workshop. See below for application details! Other courses include small ensembles, theory and notation classes, improv workshops, and online classes. All NYJA vocalists work with a NYJA mentor and also with other jazz musicians, including world-class piano accompanists and rhythm section players, in an effort to take their music to the next level. NYJA vocalists often find themselves preparing for public performances, too. Singers have performed recently at Smoke Jazz Club, Somethin' Jazz Club, and more.

Calendar/Tuition

Most NYJA programs meet once per week for 1.5 to 2 hours at a time. Participants are welcome to register for more than one program per week. Most evening workshops are held from 7pm-8:50pm. Most afternoon workshops are held 12pm-1:50pm. Summer tuition varies for each program ($360-$720 for 12 weeks, June through August). Tuition for members is generally discounted 20%. Your next step would be to reach out and contact us by filling out the application form below, so we can get to know your interests and availability.

Programs at-a-glance

Vocal Workshop Summaries

Vocal Jazz Workshops

Are you looking for a place to develop your performance skills, increase your repertoire, and learn new songs? Whether you are a beginning soloist who wants to learn how to successfully sit in at a jam session or a seasoned singer preparing for a performance, the NYJA Vocal Jazz Workshop will help you with performance skills such as stage presence, song interpretation, lyric memorization, musicianship skills, and improvisation. Many workshops include pro accompanists and full rhythm sections, with a final showcase performance. Wed 7pm, Thurs 7pm, Sat 12pm sessions, 8 weeks, $240-$480 ($192-$384 Members)
Apply now

Total Immersion Vocal Jazz Workshop

A super-sized version of the NYJA Vocal Jazz Workshops, the NYJA Total Immersion Vocal Jazz Workshop will feature a full semester's of preparation leading to a major showcase for all vocalists involved. In addition to a piano accompanist, many weeks will include full rhythm section trio (piano, bass, drums), and the final performance will include videography and marketing. This total immersion workshop is a premium experience designed to propel the serious vocalist to the next level. The main coach for this workshop will be Carolyn Leonhart. Specific dates and personnel are to be determined. Tuition, covering workshop sessions, accompanists, rhythm section musicians, venue rental, marketing, and videography, is estimated at $995 for a 12-week session.
Apply now

Vocalnomics

Vocalnomics is a vocal boot camp for the serious Vocal Artist. Vocalnomics teaches 5 basic Vocal survival skills:
1. Using your voice properly.
2. Understanding the legacy of vocal jazz, diction, lyrics and writing lyrics.
3. Singing easily in all tempos and rhythmic time signatures.
4. Knowing how to prepare for a show.
5. Learning to sing many vocal styles to develop your own style.
You might not be able to save the world economic crisis, but you can do your part to help the singing world. Brush up on your knowledge of Vocalnomics with Miles Griffith, a true vocal jazz master!
8 weeks, $480 ($384 Members)
Apply now

Latin American Vocal Workshop

Latin American Vocal Workshop is open to vocalists who wish to learn more bout Latin American repertoire. The sessions will focus on the music and rhythms of Brazil, Cuba, Argentina and Peru. Learn how to sing in Spanish and Portuguese while developing your performance skills and your vocal technique. Expand your vision of your own voice and its infinite possibilities. Participants will work on individual song interpretation, collective singing, rhythm and sound exploration and vocal improvisation. This is a weekly workshop that will meet for one hour and a half in each session. Open to vocalists of all levels. Note that this workshop is particularly helpful for English-speaking participants who want to learn how to sing Latin jazz. Singers do not need to speak Spanish to take this workshop.
8 weeks, $480 ($384 Members)
Apply now

Apply Now - All Vocal Workshops:

More Information

Not Sure if NYJA is Right for You?

If you are not sure if NYJA is right for you, let us know. If you are advanced player concerned with getting stuck playing with a bunch of beginners, rest assured that NYJA has as part of its student body a range of talent, including vocalists who are already at a pro or semi-pro level of singing. Of course, vice-versa for beginners. We want you singing with the right bunch of musicians, too.

Note to Adults

Regardless of your level and previous experience in music, NYJA offers private lessons with NYC's finest jazz vocalists. If you are a singer just starting out with jazz, or if you would like to get caught up on essential jazz fundamentals, we offer many beginning-intermediate level programs to suit your needs, including jazz standard vocal workshops and improv ensemble workshops. For more advanced singers, whether you are a hobbyist or working on professional development, our advanced vocal workshops and ensemble programs offer a great way to continue to develop your jazz stylings. These programs range from small ensembles and improv workshops to opportunities to sing with full big band. NYJA also offers you a selection of theory and notation and ear-training classes that can really help you demystify jazz music. We recognize that vocalists come with different strengths and comfort zones. We have successfully helped singers with diverse backgrounds beyond jazz, ranging from those with experience in classical singing, R&B, Rock, Carnatic, and more. For complete program listings, click here.

Performance Opportunities

While our weekly programs are wholly satisfying and productive, we also integrate regular performance opportunities for our students at major venues throughout NYC. NYJA participants have performed for Mayor Bloomberg, at Carnegie Hall, on NBC TV and CNBC, and at major jazz clubs throughout the city. For those who need financial assistance, NYJA frequently offers paid gig opportunities to qualified students. If you are looking for a summer jazz workshop, our Summer Jazz Intensives are now the most popular programs in all of NYC and attract talented players from all over the world.

Become a Member

Do you want discounted tuition rates as listed on NYJA programs? Become a NYJA Member today and save 20% off nearly all NYJA program offerings!

Note to Kids and Teens

If you are a talented kid or teen (age 9-19), you may be interested in our kids' jazz programs, teen programs, or our Summer Jazz Intensives (open to teens and adults). Private lessons are also available for every age. Exceptionally talented teens, ages 14 and older, are also welcome to register for our general programs. The youngest students will love JELLY JAMZ, our early childhood music division, open to infants and toddlers. If you are not certain what may be the best option for you, please contact NYJA for a free assessment.

Note to Tourists and International Students

If you are planning on visiting NYC or Long Island from another city or country, visit our tourists page for more information on custom workshop packages for groups and individuals.

Need More Information?

For more information about our teachers, visit our faculty page or click on a faculty member above. Also, feel free to visit our frequently asked questions (FAQ) page. Finally, if you have any specific questions regarding NYJA, do not hesitate to contact us. You will have the chance to speak with a jazz professional who can help advise you.

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