Vocal Intensives Summer 2026 Jazz Workshop with Michelle Walker
About the Vocal Intensive Jazz Program
Discover the transformative power of your voice at “The Vocal Intensive,” an exciting and highly effective summer Jazz workshop series led by the renowned and accomplished instructor, Michelle Walker. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced singer, this workshop is tailored to meet the needs of all levels and abilities.
During this intensive program, you’ll embark on a journey of vocal exploration, honing essential skills that are relevant for singers. Under Michelle Walker’s expert guidance, you will delve into various topics, including vocal styling, phrasing, ear training, rhythmic diversity, improvisation, vocal health, and diction. You’ll also receive a vast selection of vocal exercises and breathing techniques to enhance your tone, flexibility, and range.
The workshop not only empowers you with the tools to sustain and support your singing voice but also encourages you to discover and develop your unique singing style at your own individual pace. Overcoming the fear of singing in front of others will be a natural part of this growth process.
Moreover, “The Vocal Intensive” offers an opportunity to learn new repertoire and explore exciting interpretative possibilities while touching upon fundamental aspects of music theory. This comprehensive approach ensures that you not only strengthen your vocal abilities but also deepen your understanding of music as a whole.
As an added treat, a special guest pianist will join the workshop, enriching the learning experience and providing valuable insights into the collaboration between singers and musicians.
Don’t miss out on this popular and highly effective summer jazz workshop. Register today and unlock the full potential of your singing voice. Join “The Vocal Intensive” and discover why it is a transformative experience for singers of all levels.
Dates:
August 4 – 7 , 2026
TOPICS 1:
-Anatomy overview
-Breathing exercises
-Singing the major scale
-Repertoire
-Learning melodies
-Interpretation, how to make the song ‘yours’
-Intervals and ear training
– and much more…….
TOPICS 2:
–Breath
-Functional Harmony
-Describing a lead-sheet
-Swing feel / Time
-Developing a solo
-Song interpretation
-and much more…..
Prerequisites:
-A willingness to learn
-Must be at least 17 years of age
-Some of our intensives are better suited to intermediate and advanced musicians with a minimum of a few years on their instrument; other summer intensives, such as the beginner vocal and choir, are open to everyone. More details can be discussed during registration.
About the Faculty
Based in New York City, Michelle Walker is a versatile singer blessed with a beautifully distinctive voice. Her arrangements of straight-ahead standards and contemporary pop tunes blend genres effortlessly and with a fresh level of originality that is solidifying her own distinctive sound. Dave Nathan at AllAboutJazz.com says, “Walker demonstrates an extraordinary degree of musicality.” Walker is a charismatic singer who uses an artful blend of blues, bebop, swing and soul that provides a musical playground for her and her band. In her phrasing, Walker reveals her appreciation for her mentor and jazz vocal legend Mark Murphy. Yet, it is in her creative live performances where you hear the influences of one of her favorite singers, Betty Carter. As one of the most revered rising singers on the jazz & blues scene, she is an extraordinary performer that is wowing audiences around the world with a “…. breathtaking voice that leaves listeners hanging on the edge of their seats with every note….”
Tuition and Registration
Tuition:
$585 Early Bird – for registrations and payments received before March 31th
$625 for registrations received from Apri1st
10:00am – 12:00pm: Morning Sessions
1:00pm – 4:00pm: Afternoon Sessions
Registration:
To sign up for this Summer Intensive, fill out this brief registration form.
General Information
For more info regarding our summer program, housing, travel, and more, visit our Summer Workshop General Information page. For a more in-depth experience, inquire about adding a private lesson with someone from the NYJW Faculty during your visit. Learn more about how you can combine Summer Intensives to create a customized Summer Package. Feel free to reach out via email at info@newyorkjazzworkshop.com with any additional questions.
What to expect:
When you join us for one or more of our intensives, you can expect to become a member of our tightly knit community. There will be musicians from all over the world looking to learn, explore and make connections. You will be making connections that last a lifetime. A typical day will be as follows:
10:00am – 12:00pm: Morning Sessions
12:00am – 1:00pm Lunch Break
1:00pm – 4:00pm: Afternoon Sessions
Evenings: Free
Student will normally organize small groups or go check out some concerts. See “Fun Evening Activities” in the General Information page for more details. There will be opportunities for every student to perform outside of the school, more details coming up soon.
