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UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop


Rosana Eckert

 

(This page has been updated as of December 22, 2023)

Registration for the 27th Annual UNT Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar at The University of North Texas is open at https://app.getacceptd.com/untmusicworkshops.

If you have questions, please email: music.camps@unt.edu or call 940-369-6541

The UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop is one of the premier summer workshops of its kind. We will host our 27th (almost, except for COVID!) annual workshop on June 23 - June 27, 2024 on the campus of the University of North Texas. 

  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 the duration of the workshop, 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
  • Everyone will sing in one large ensemble, for which you'll receive your music and recordings to help you prepare in advance


Workshop Director Jennifer Barnes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TUITION & FEES

  • Tuition - $650
  • Lodging* - Participants lodging on campus will arrive Sunday, June 23 and depart Thursday, June 27. The workshop will conclude by 4:00pm on Thursday, June 27.
    • Youth (under 18) Double: Shared room w/ shared bath - $160 for 4 nights (June 23-26)
      • $40 for additional night (June 27)
    • Adult Double: Private room w/ shared bath - $200 for 4 nights (June 23-26)
      • $50 for additional night (June 27)
    • Adult Single: Private room w/ private bath - $240 for 4 nights (June 23-26)
      • $60 for additional night each (June 27)
  • Meals** - $120 for 12-meal plan
    • Meal plan is mandatory for all participants under the age of 18 staying in campus housing.
    • Meal plan includes Sunday dinner through Thursday lunch. Additional meals may be purchased in the dining hall with cash or card.
  • Airport shuttle (under 18 only; adults will arrange their own transportation) - $25 each way/$50 round trip
  • Commuter parking - $15
  • Continuing education units certificate (optional) - $20
  • Non-refundable registration fee - $30

*Linens are not provided. Attendees must bring their own sheets & towels.

**Students under the age of 18 must purchase a meal plan if staying in campus housing.

Registration policies

  • REGISTRATION & REFUND POLICIES

  • Full payment is due at the time of registration.
  • Refunds requested by May 23, 2024 will be honored less a processing fee (2.9% of total paid + $0.30) and the $30 non-refundable application fee.
    • We are unable to process refunds requested after May 23, 2024.
    • No refunds will be made should a participant be dismissed from the workshop for violating UNT policy or workshop rules provided on the first day of the workshop.
  • The reason for these policies and deadlines is that the number of staff who must be hired and trained varies according to the expected enrollment, which is determined by the number of participants who commit to the registration process.
  • Enrollment will be limited. Once that number of completed registrations with full payment is reached, no new applications can be started. Applicants who are at the in-progress stage because full payment has not been made constitute the waiting list. As spots open up, waiting list participants will be contacted in the order of their date of registration.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE

  • May 23, 2024

Additional questions? Please contact music.camps@unt.edu or (940) 369-6541.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

What is the registration deadline?
May 23, 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 students under age 18 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 2024 UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop will be preceded by a Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar from Thursday afternoon through Saturday, June 20 - 22.  It will be led by UNT Vocal Jazz Director Jennifer Barnes and Raymond Roberts (Choral Director, Milwaukee HS of the Arts, Milwaukee, WI) 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)

Additional questions? Please contact music.camps@unt.edu or (940) 369-6541.

 

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