Verona Chard Establishes A New Vocal School

 

BIVJA – promoting personal empowerment to perform,

championing jazz

Scholarship:

One full scholarship and a limited number of half scholarships will be awarded per term, please advise us if you would like to be considered.

 

The first British and International Vocal (Jazz) Academy workshop course will take place from Sunday 7 April 2013 with rolling enrolment thereafter.

Where:           West London

 

When:             Generally fortnightly on Sundays

 

Who for:         Around 12 individuals who are serious about developing their knowledge and   skills with a view to creating successful jazz performance, (all styles).

 

Why:               BIVJA is keen to encourage mature students as well as young people at the start of their careers.

There are very few bespoke courses for vocalists who wish to empower themselves with a greater understanding of the rhythm section, band leading and performance confidence.

 

Is it for me? Call for an informal chat on 020 8992 1571 (leave message and we’ll call you back).

 

This is a high quality enterprise implementing the skills and experience of a full rhythm section. A course for those who wish to acquire a greater understanding of the working of that rhythm section plus harmony, aural, jazz music theory and jazz style through practical sessions integrating performance, history, vocal technique and all ‘tools of the trade’.

 

BIVJA promotes a safe but challenging environment.

Prior theory knowledge is helpful but not essential. Applicants will be considered on merit and ‘track record’ then invited to attend if suitable, (e.g. someone who has actively trained or taken classes, sung in jam sessions, plays an instrument and wishes to sing, works professionally in another genre and seeks to better their jazz performance).

This is very much a 'hands on' approach so ideally as the course develops ALL students will acquire an understanding of piano, bass, kit and percussion and band leading skills their application and execution.

 

The programme content and schedule are yet to be finalised. We are keen to have participants input to consider / incorporate.

 

Sessions will be followed by a de-brief, student feedback, career support and Q+A - maybe just with Verona and / or tutors - we'll play this by ear

 

Specialist workshops:

Participants will have access to workshops on specific skills such as PA set up and mixing and workshops with visiting professional singers and mentors. Some may require a fee supplement.

 

The support group created by this enterprise will assist students in self-promotion and performance opportunities. It is hoped that management opportunities under the umbrella of Vamp Jazz will eventually co-exist.

 

To keep costs as low as possible BIVJA will have humble beginnings starting in one small room. The future plan is to run consecutive classes, rotating to cover all levels of student expertise. 

 

The first BIVJA course is at:

Ealing House 33, Hanger Lane, London W5 3HJ  - Room 24 – this room is accessible from street level. There is one step into the front of the building and we will help wheelchair users to access the building as requested.

Parking available in adjacent streets and there is good public transport – North Ealing, Ealing Common and Ealing Broadway.

 

Dates: SUNDAYS – dates subject to change

7, 21               April

5, 19               May

2, 16               June

22 (Sat) or 23  June session 7

4 July             session 8 public performance

 

Interview is by application and where necessary individual interview.

Schedule:

The course runs for 7 x 6-hour sessions plus one performance session per term. The participant is required to sign up for the whole term. The structure below is designed to accommodate working musicians and freelancers and students well as those in regular employment.

 

Fees:

£75.00 per session if paid fortnightly in advance (£600.00 total) or

£60.00 per session when paid in a block of 4 in advance (240.00 x 2 = £480.00 total) or

£58.50 per session when paid advance in full (£468.00)

There is a one off registration / admin fee of £15.00.

When signing up to the course you agree to complete the full 8 sessions, fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. You can choose to assist with the performance session if not ready to perform.

 

Tutors will vary to maximise learning opportunity starting with Gareth Williams – piano; Peter Ind – bass and Les Cirkel – drums.

Course founder:

Verona Chard LRAM, Dip Ram studied at Trinity Laban and the Royal Academy of Music and is a jazz / classical / MT crossover singer, actor and vocal coach. She is an MU committee member - Jazz Section; Equity member and visiting coach on X Factor, Poland and at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, London.

Past and current students include Claire Martin OBE, Kate Dimbleby, Gill Manly, Ray Gelato; Katriona Taylor; Barb Jungr; Melissa James; Janet Penfold; Gill Cook; Fiona Coffey; Bill Travers; Chiaki Yamauchi.

Hannah John-Kaman (Viva Forever); Kadiff Kirwan (Jesus Christ Superstar and NT); Julian Hoult (Jesus Christ Superstar, Soho Cinders); Rhidian Marc and Daryl Armstrong (Les Miserables); Reeda Ouzerdine  (The Globe); Anna Clarke (Oliver); Emily O’Keefe (Dreamcoats and Petticoats); Steffan Lloyd-Evans (Joseph); Luke Taylor Striffler (Avenue Q).

Grace Rowe (Great Expectations); Ben Jones (Judas Kiss); Daniel Fraser (Chariots of Fire); Adam Ficek (Babyshambles and singer songwriter) Tatiana Okupnik.

 

Thank you for your interest.

If you wish to continue please complete the attached application form.

Best Wishes,

Verona – 020 8992 1571 – leave message, and contact details

07985 440902

www.veronachard.com       E: verona@veronachard.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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