In Newpark Festival 2027, join Stella Bass in a Vocal Workshop for Jazz to engage with Festival 2027 Beyond the Competition!

Ever felt like vocal jazz has a secret rulebook nobody handed you? The Great American Songbook is home to some of the most iconic songs ever written, but as a singer stepping into this genre, it's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed or unsure where to start…never mind how to talk to your musicians without feeling like you're speaking a different language!

You're not alone. In this hands-on, 60-minute workshop, jazz vocalist Stella Bass will show you how to change that.

Whether you're already in the scene or would like to be, but just don't really know where to start, this workshop is for you. Designed for singers of any vocal genre background (or none!) - it breaks down the biggest barriers that keep capable singers on the outside of jazz looking in. Through live demonstration and real-world examples, Stella will guide you through the essentials you need to know to get started, including: how to identify and count swing rhythm, understanding different song forms, adding personal interpretation, telling the story of the lyric, stagecraft, how to professionally communicate with jazz musicians including some all-important terms and language you should know, what’s expected of you when you work with different combos ranging from a duo to a full big band. Getting an inside track on all of this will have you ready to start singing this beautiful material in no time.

No prior jazz experience required - just a willingness to show up, listen and try something new. You'll leave with a clear, practical starting point for exploring vocal jazz and The Great American Songbook with real confidence.

What singers have said about learning with Stella:

“I already feel less insecure about jazz”

“You name the very problems I thought only I had: it's reassuring to know I'm not alone”

Description supplied by the event organiser.