(This page has been updated as of December 21, 2022)
Registration for the 26th (almost, except for COVID!) Annual UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop is open as of December 21, 2022 at https://app.getacceptd.com/untmusicworkshops
If you have questions, please email: music.camps@unt.edu or call 940-369-6541
The 26th (almost, except for COVID!) annual UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop will be held in the College of Music on the campus of the University of North Texas. The workshop begins with registration on Sunday, June 25 at 3 p.m. and concludes with a final concert on Thursday afternoon, June 29, ending by 3 p.m. Family and friends are invited to the concert! This year's faculty will include UNT Director of Jazz Voice Jennifer Barnes, Principal Lecturer of Jazz Voice Rosana Eckert, and Vocalist/Songwriter/Musician/Educator Alison Wedding.
All experience levels are welcome, from age 14 - 99! For information on costs, travel, and other details, please read the information below carefully, including the "FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)" section, which probably will answer most questions you may have.
For four days, participants are involved in every aspect of vocal jazz, from solo performing skills and voice pedagogy to songwriting and jazz theory, as well as the opportunity to join together and sing in an ensemble.
- Solo coaching sessions prepare singers for their evening solo performances.
- Classes in theory and improvisation for several levels
- Daily jam sessions to try out solo singing and improvisation skills with a live rhythm section
- Daily listening sessions to guide participants to both HOW to listen well and what to listen to for inspiration
- Songwriting classes taught by Rosana Eckert and Alison Wedding
- Everyone will sing in one large ensemble, for which you'll receive your music and recordings to help you prepare in advance
Fees
- Tuition (cost of instruction): $595
- "Early Bird" Tuition if registered and paid by March 15: $545
- Combined tuition for educators who also attend the Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar: $795
- Lodging (includes parking permit) for 4 nights (Sunday, June 25 to checkout on Thursday, June 29; Workshop concludes by 4 p.m. Thursday); 1 additional night (Thurs., 6/29) available for additional cost:
- Youth (under 18) Double (shared room and bath): $140 ($35 for extra night)
- Adult Double (private room with shared bathroom): $200 ($50 for extra night)
- Adult Single (private room with private bathroom): $240 ($60 for extra night)
- Meals (MANDATORY FOR UNDER-18 STUDENTS STAYING IN CAMPUS HOUSING, optional for all others): $108 for 12-meal plan (Sunday dinner through Thursday lunch; additional meals may be purchased at the dining hall for $10/meal
- Under 18 supervision fee: $35
- Commuter parking permit: $15
- Shared airport ride (for under 18 only, adults will arrange their own Uber/Lyft or ride of choice): $25 each way, $50 round trip
- Continuing Education Units Certificate for educators (optional): $15
- Acceptd.com application fee: $20
Notes regarding lodging: Early check-in to the residence halls will be permitted on Sunday, June 25 as early as 10 a.m.; unfortunately we will be unable to offer check-in on Saturday or prior to 10 a.m. Sunday. Also please note that linens are not provided, so attendees must bring their own sheets & towels.
Registration policies
- Full payment is due at the time of registration.
- Full refunds less a 2.9% + $0.30 credit card processing fee and initial Acceptd application fee of $20 will be honored until May 26 when registration closes. After that date, we regret that no refunds will be able to be made.
- The reason for these policies and deadlines is that we must adhere to deadlines related to housing, meals, and staff/faculty hiring, which is determined by the number of participants who commit to the registration process.
For further information about workshop registration, contact the Jazz Studies office at jazzworkshop@unt.edu.
For further information about the workshop content, email Jennifer.Barnes@unt.edu
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
What is the registration deadline?
May 25, 11:59 pm (one month prior to the start of the workshop)
Are there scholarships available?
In order to keep the tuition fees as low as possible, we are not able to offer scholarships. Our tuition is very low compared to similar workshops offered around the country, and we believe the value of what we offer is far more than the tuition we charge....past attendees have agreed (see testimonials below)!
I'm coming from out of town, so into which airport should I fly - DFW or DAL (Love Field)?
You can fly into either DFW or DAL. DFW is the larger airport that most people use, but either one works.
How can I get from the airport to campus?
Most people use Uber or Lyft for the ease of use of those apps. We will also provide a shuttle van service for a fee for those under-18 students who wish to use it from DFW or DAL to campus and back. The shuttle will make a maximum of two trips two and from the airport on the start day and day after the conclusion of the workshop, so you may be required to wait or go earlier to the airport than you would prefer.
Where will I stay while at the workshop?
Some attendees commute each day, some stay in local hotels, but most find that staying on campus is the most convenient and economical option. There is dormitory housing available very close to the music buildings on campus.
Do I have to be there ALL day, EVERY day of the week? What is the daily schedule like?
We request that everyone plan to attend ALL of every day and night, whether you commute or stay in on-campus housing. The daily schedule is quite full and goes from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. with a variety of activities and breaks for meals and solo performance coaching sessions. You will have a specific daily schedule made available to you after registration.
I am a classically-trained singer/educator with very little exposure to jazz so far, but would like to learn more about jazz so I can sing/teach it; is this workshop for me?
Yes! Although some familiarity with jazz is helpful, all that is required is a desire to learn and a willingness to TRY new things! In addition, you would likely find it beneficial to attend the Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar that precedes this workshop. See below for more information.
I heard there's also a shorter seminar you offer just for educators. What's that about and which one should I attend if I'm a teacher?
The 2023 UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop will be preceded by a Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar from Thursday afternoon through Saturday, June 22 - 24. It will be led by UNT Vocal Jazz Director Jennifer Barnes and Heather Nail (Director of Vocal Music, Valley High School, West Des Moines, IA) on the campus of the University of North Texas. The seminar will be packed full of content relevant to current and future teachers who either are already working with students on vocal jazz, are thinking about starting to explore vocal jazz with their students, or any teachers who want to know more about: rhythm sections, repertoire, sound reinforcement, rehearsal techniques, auditions, warm-ups, etc., and everyone will come away with materials to take home with them and use in their teaching immediately. Attendees will also have the option of staying for the Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop at the conclusion of the seminar for even MORE immersion in all things vocal jazz, for a reduced combined tuition rate. You may attend either or both! See this page for more info: UNT Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar
How can I confirm that my payment has been received?
The Acceptd system will automatically keep in touch with you about your payment, and once you receive confirmation from them, you can rest assured that you are all set!
What people are saying about the UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop
Educators say…
“Thank you again for all the training and information you have imparted to us. I said it last year and must say it again, that I have not gained so much knowledge from any other sessions, seminars or workshops as the UNT VJSW. Truly amazing environment and learning!” Sarah S. (High school educator, 2012 & 2013 Workshopper)
“Thanks again and congratulations on a great jazz week, I really enjoyed myself! Good to sing, good to exchange ideas (and ohhh the handouts), good to see old friends and make few new ones too.” Rita S. (High school educator, 2012 Workshopper)
Parents say…
“[My daughter] had so many positive things to say about the camp and I'm certain she'll want to return next year! Being so far (NC), I wasn't able to attend the performances, but with the recordings, I was able to get a feel for the quality of instruction and I am VERY impressed! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!” Sheryl C. (mother of high school-aged Workshopper)
“Thank you and all the instructors for hosting an amazing camp program. [My daughter] can't stop talking about how much fun she had and how much she learned. In the few hours she's been home, I've seen YouTube video of all the instuctors, heard funny stories, seen great pictures and even heard [her] sing! If she had her way, she'd be with you another week. I appreciate the organization and professionalism of your camp. Money well spent!” Mia J. (mother of high school-aged Workshopper)
Adult vocalists say…
“I found the workshop hugely inspiring in so many ways. The piece that [Jennifer] and Rosana created on the spot that brought to mind a pair of songbirds in the woods -- took my breath away. Circle singing. New music to explore, thanks to guided listening. I could go on and on...glad I took the plunge and ever grateful for your encouragement.” Gita M. (adult 2012 Workshopper)
“Just wanted to drop a line and say thanks again for the wonderful workshop…tons of information, terrific faculty, and well worth the money! : ) Very happy camper here (pun intended).” Wendy H. (Educator/Vocalist Workshopper)
“Words cannot express how much I enjoyed the camp. I learned so much and I am excited for the journey of jazz. :) Thanks for everything!” Alyssa R. (Adult Workshopper)
Students say…
“Thank you so much for the great week, I had a fantastic time and I learned so much! It was really helpful to realize how much I don't know. And now that I do, I can improve and learn and be better by the next time I see you. Thanks for all the fun times and new knowledge.” Amy A. (High school-aged Workshopper)
For further information, you may contact Jennifer Barnes: jennifer.barnes@unt.edu
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Alison Wedding began her music career at age two, singing for family and friends in church and at home. But it was not until she walked into a jazz ensemble at her fine arts high school in Dallas, Texas, that she first discovered her love for jazz. The harmonies, chord progressions, and rhythms fascinated her. She listened constantly to horn players, learning their solos, and with the help of her mentor Dave Alexander, Alison began to explore improvisation which now has become one of her greatest skills. Her early influences included vocalists Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan, and horn players Chet Baker, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, and Michael Brecker. She went on to study jazz at the University of North Texas under the guidance of Paris Rutherford and began to sing professionally in the Dallas area. One of her career highlights was singing with the One O'Clock Lab Band with the late Gerry Mulligan. Upon receiving her Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies, Alison moved to Los Angeles to further develop her career. There she spent four years performing professionally, both live and in the studio, as well as teaching voice and piano. Career highlights included touring as a back-up singer with Kevyn Lettau and recording with artists such as Andy Summers (formerly of The Police) on his CD Peggy's Blue Skylight.
After moving to Australia in January 2001, in addition to teaching at major music schools in Melbourne, she was fortunate to play with amazing musicians including Sam Keevers, Jamie Oehlers, Colin Hopkins, Peter Knight, Bob Sedergreen, Joe Chindamo, Kate Ceberano, and Richard Clapton. Alison's first solo CD, The Secret, was released in 2003, on the ABC Jazz label. She toured Australia celebrating this release, and shortly thereafter, The Secret went on to win the 2004 Bell Award for the Best Vocal Jazz Album in Australia. Alison’s second CD , Sometimes I Feel, was released on the label Jazzhead in 2005. Later that same year, Alison was named a semifinalist at the Wangaratta Jazz Competition, and the following year she won the Gibson-May award at the London International Vocal Jazz Competition. It was during this time that Alison met and began studying with master vocal improvisation teacher and singer, Rhiannon. Alison's association and work with Rhiannon changed her approach to her own music, her improvisation, and her teaching.
Alison moved back to the U.S. in 2007, choosing NY as her new base to continue her musical journey. There, as both a solo artist and background singer, she performed at various venues including Rockwood Music Hall, Cornelia St. Cafe, and The 55 Bar. Her 4th album, This Dance, featuring strings and special guests Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke, and Theo Bleckmann, was released on the GroundUP label in May 2012. Also, she toured multiple times as an opening act for the three-time Grammy award-winning group, Snarky Puppy.
In the fall of 2008, Alison joined the faculty of Berklee College of Music as an Assistant Professor in the Voice Department where she taught for the past eleven years. While still in New York, Alison also began studying with Jeanie Lovetri, the creator of Somatic Voicework and eventually became certified in all three levels of this method. Alison relocated to Miami to join the Frost School of Music faculty as a Jazz Lecturer in 2019, teaching Jazz Ear Training, Jazz piano, voice lessons, and small ensembles. Her latest album, On The Brink, was released in November 2019. Alison currently resides in the Dallas area and teaches at The Dallas School of Music as well doing studio work and other diverse musical projects.
To hear Alison's music: