Dee Daniels Vocal Workshop Vocal Clinic's Vocal Masterclasses

Updated winter 2007/2008

DEE DANIELS IAJE VOCAL CLINIC

Dee will be presenting a vocal clinic at the 35th Annual International Association of Jazz Educators' Conference in Toronto, Ontario, January 9 - 12, 2008. Her clinic topic, “Crossing Vocal Bridges - A Seamless Approach” is taken from her 'Total-Self Approach to Music' teaching method. Below is an outline of the clinic:

I. Goal:
To guide participants in accessing their entire vocal range, seamlessly and effortlessly. To accomplish this goal, Dee will focus on two of her innovative vocal techniques:

A. 'The Rose Breath' - a proven and effective way of inhaling just prior to singing each phrase, ensuring the breath will reach the targeted lower abdominal area, the center of vocal support.
B. 'Numbered Activation' - a foolproof method for implementing vocal support based on the note and part of the range (e.g., chest, blended, or head) at which the phrase is initiated.

II. ‘The Rose Breath’ Explanation:
The Rose Breath technique will be explained and demonstrated.

A. Participants will be guided in experiencing the Rose Breath technique resulting in the elimination of the 'gasp' of excess air that singers usually take in preparation to sing. This exercise is the first step in speech level singing, and is crucial as singing is merely an extension of speaking.
B. Participants will discover that this method of natural breathing is an important technique in helping them to cross vocal bridges seamlessly, expand range, increase vocal control and tonal quality, correct intonation problems, and even eliminate nervousness.

III. ‘The Numbered Activation Technique’ Explanation:
The Numbered Activation technique will be explained and demonstrated.

A. Participants will be guided in experiencing the Numbered Activation technique resulting in the recognition of what singing supported feels like, and how to access that support at will.
B. Participants will experience why and how vocal support changes depending on where they are within their range at any point within a song. Vocalists will discover how to effectively execute and maintain that support.

A few locations where this material has been previously presented are: the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival (Idaho); the Port Townsend Jazz Festival & Workshop (Washington); the Amsterdam Conservatory (The Netherlands); and the Cologne Music Conservatory (Germany).

CLINIC QUOTES

“The great Lionel Hampton use to sum up the phenomena of Dee Daniels' artistry by saying, "To know her is to love her." I have had the opportunity of observing Dee's innate ability to inspire and motivate hundreds of vocal and instrumental students in the role of Dee Daniels - the Teacher. I personally know, or have known, most of the great jazz vocalist of our time, and in my opinion, Dee's gift for teaching is the greatest of them all! Furthermore, as someone who has witnessed the captivating vocal style and presence of Dee Daniels at the Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival for sixteen consecutive years, I can surely attest to her marvelous performance ability.”

Dr. Lynn J. Skinner, Executive Director Emeritus, Lionel Hampton
International Jazz Festival, and Jazz Administrator, University of Idaho

“Dee is beyond category, although her influences are apparent. She has the strength and power of someone with classical technique, her gospel influence leaps at you from her soul, her jazz swings, her repertoire and knowledge of the American Songbook is expansive, and, she composes music and lyrics. Her vocal range is seemingly endless, something that many musicians marvel at about her. In concert, she is SCINTILLATING!”

John Clayton, Co-director of the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Clayton Brothers Quintet, Bassist Extraordinaire, Arranger, Composer, Educator, Artistic Director, Grammy Nominee

“We so much appreciated all Dee Daniels' work in helping to conceive and implement the new system of 3 teachers. The singers were without a doubt the happiest they have ever been. Secondly, her contribution as a teacher was top-notch, and was the perfect foil for the approach the other two teachers (Kurt Elling and Nancy King) took. Together they made a strong 3-legged stool. Finally, Dee's strengths as a performer were marvelous! From the 'Faculty Presents to the clubs and main stage, she sounded great each time. We are so grateful to her for being a great addition to the faculty.”

Gregg Miller, Centrum Associate Director, Port Townsend Jazz Festival & Workshop

“Dee Daniels - one of my greatest mentors.”

Lizz Wright, Vocalist, Verve Recording Artist & Former Dee Daniels Student

“You are a marvelous vocalist, a fantastic musician, and a magical human being! Thank you so much for sharing yourself with the world.”

Sara Gazarek, Jazz Vocalist & Recording Artist

“The concert on Wednesday went very well. I remembered to use your 'Rose Breath' and 'Numbered Activation' techniques. I also remembered to focus on my intention prior to the concert - "I'm going to have a conversation with the audience". There were many good comments from the audience and the musicians were happy. One of my friends quoted back some of my lyrics in the context of a conversation. So, I think it worked! Thanks so much for the guidance and encouragement and helping me get to where I want to go musically.”

Deb, Calgary, AB

“I just wanted to say...a big thank you so much. You have such a wonderful way with the students. I will try to reinforce some of your concepts, but I think they get it!”

Bruce Smith, Music Teacher, Gulf Islands Secondary, Salt Springs, BC

“I had a wonderful experience watching Ms. Daniels work with the high school students. She was an absolute delight! The students of Penfield High School had a great time working with her, and their instructor was thrilled that an artist of her calibre would take the time to help young vocalist.”

Adrienne Valencia, Director of Education & Outreach Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

“I attended your vocal workshop several weeks back and appreciated your approach to teaching and getting your ideas through to the attendees. Being a vocal teacher/coach (and singer for many years), I was pleased and thrilled to feel so validated by you ...despite my many years' experience and studying and working with musicians of all calibers. Spending that Saturday with you raised my spirit. I felt such joy and a sense of accomplishment for a litany of reasons. I wish you continued love from your 'benevolent universe'.”

Althea Di Gregorio

“I just wanted to say that I truly enjoyed working with you. You have made such an impact on my singing (rose breath) and I am forever indebted to you. Thanks for everything!”

Mavis Poole, Port Townsend Workshop Participant

“I wanted to let you know what a difference those few hours at the workshop have made in me, my singing, and my abilities. I am so grateful. After seeing and listening to you, my thinking changed. At a recent concert, I no longer felt I needed to "prove" myself to the audience, but rather I was there to connect with them through the music. I had never been that calm in front of such a big crowd when the time came. (My hands didn't sweat at all either which is a miracle!). Vocally, I used your "rose breath" and "numbered activation" philosophy and technique and experienced proper vocal support. Your techniques have definitely helped me tremendously. I have never felt more confident.”

D'arcy, Vancouver Workshop Participant