ELLEN JOHNSON - ARTIST / EDUCATOR / CLINICAN
• TEACHING BACKGROUND AND CREDENTIALS
• CALENDAR
• PAY FOR LESSONS OR WORKSHOPS ONLINE...
• CONTACT
ELLEN’S MISSION AS AN EDUCATOR
Ellen is a well-respected singing teacher, vocal coach and clinician that has the knowledge and flexibility to teach a variety of genres. Her mission is to educate and inspire people about the beauty and joy of vocal artistry in all styles of music. She sustains a strong commitment to training professionals to have excellence in their craft and creativity in their approach. On a humanistic level she feels that the function of singing and studying music provides a healing experience and hopes to encourage a greater awareness of this fact to the public.
TEACHING BACKGROUND AND CREDENTIALS
• MM (Masters of Music) in Vocal Performance, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA
• BM (Bachelors of Music) in Vocal Performance, American Conservatory of Music, Chicago, IL
• Currently on the music faculty at California Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA
• Private Studio lessons in Long Beach
• Jazz Vocal Workshops in Los Angeles
• Outstanding Service to Jazz Education, IAJE Certificate of Appreciation, 31st Annual IAJE International Convention, New York, NY 2004
• “Who’s Who of Teachers in America 2002”
• Expressive Arts Therapy Certificate, 1997
• President and founding member, Jazz Vocal Coalition
• President, NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing, San Diego Chapter
Previous Teaching Experience:
• 25+ years private vocal instruction
• Studied with Mary Mackenzie, Roland Wyatt, Marni Nixon, Bobby McFerrin, Sheila Jordan, Gene Aiken, John Clayton, Willie Pickens, John Collins, Harold J. Jones, Rick Helzer, Kim Richmond, Irma Cooper, George Shirley, Nico Castel, Mignon Dunn, Wima Osheim. Master Classes with: Betty Carter, Art Blakey, Mark Murphy and Jay Clayton
• Adjunct Music Faculty at University of San Diego, Old Globe Theater MFA program (USD), Southwestern College, Long Beach City College, Portland Community College, (full time assistant professor) Cerritos College, Jefferson School of Performing Arts
• Clinics / Master Classes / Workshops / Panels at University of Southern California, San Diego State University, California State University Northridge, Bradley University, Portland State University, Point Loma Nazarene College, Clackamas Community College, California State University Los Angeles, California State University Long Beach, IAJE (International Association of Jazz Educators Conference), NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing conferences), and more. List available upon request
To download teaching vitae, click here (PDF)
LESSONS/CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
• Private vocal lessons and career consultation
• Demo and Recording Production and Coaching
PRIVATE VOCAL LESSONS
Ellen teaches the basics of healthy singing technique and vocal production. She has intensive training in classical, musical theater, pop and jazz styles along with speech techniques. Being a trained actor as well as a singer she can assist her students in interpretation skills and “telling the story” of a song. Ellen brings an awareness of the physiological aspects of vocal success through her training and experiences in bodywork and therapies including Alexander Technique, Yoga, Tai Chi, and other forms. Whether you are on the professional track or singing for enjoyment you will most certainly experience improvement and confidence in your singing abilities.
During a lesson a student may learn:
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Breath management and support
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Use of correct muscle coordination
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Proper body alignment
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Phonation exercises (for vocal clarity and strength)
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Resonation exercises (for projection and focus of sound)
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Articulation exercises (to enhance lyrics)
Elements of ear training
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Expression and emotional connection to lyrics
DEMO AND RECORDING PRODUCTION AND COACHING
Ellen will provide onsite recording coaching and consultation for your project. Through her own company, Vocal Visions Media Group, she can guide professional recording projects and assist with distribution, promotion and other business aspects. Rates are based on the requirements of each project.
JAZZ VOCAL WORKSHOPS
Ellen teaches continuous classes and workshops on jazz technique, ear training, improvisation, communication with a rhythm section, building a jazz repertoire and set list, jazz swing and rhythms, finding your own sound, transposing and creating your charts, making a demo, creativity and spontaneity and more. Her students showcase at professional venues in the Los Angeles area.
As a professional jazz artist herself, Ellen has been a featured clinician and master class educator. Her topics have included:
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“An Instrumental and Intuitive Approach To Singing Jazz”
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“Exploring the Art and Soul of Jazz”
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“Duets with the Bass and Voice”
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“Sax and the Solo Singer” with Don Braden & Ellen Johnson
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“What the Rhythm Section Doesn’t Tell You That You Should Know!”
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“The Art Song of Jazz”
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“Finding Your Own Voice”
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“Building A Career in the Performing Arts”
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“Finding the Groove: Performance in Popular Styles”
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“Singing Pop and Jazz”
Current workshops in Glendale, CA and Long Beach, CA
Fees are $45 for classes includes pianist
Please check current calendar for schedule
COMMERCIAL MUSIC WORKSHOPS
Currently teaching a commercial music class at California Polytechnic University, Pomona
MUSICAL THEATER WORKSHOPS
Contact for schedule
SHOWCASES
Check calendar below for future showcases
GUEST EDUCATORS
Vocal Visions Studios presents and helps sponsor a variety of great educational events and workshops.
Past workshops and events have included:
Jay Clayton
Sheila Jordan
Marni Nixon
Roland Wyatt
Jeffrey Weber
Derek Sivers
Alan Paul
Roy McCurdy
John Stowell
Kim Richmond
Suzanne Pittson
BrasilBrazil (Sonia Santos and Ana Gazzola)
Rick Helzer
Darek Oles
Jamie Findlay
Mark Massey
CALENDAR
Click here for list of workshops and events
BOOKS/ARTICLES/PRODUCTS
The Vocal Warm Up and Ear Training CD
• Jazz Improv Magazine – Interview with Ellen Johnson
• “The Basics of Vocal Jazz Improvisation” – Singer Magazine
• “Expanding Vocal Repertoire” - IAJE California Newsletter 1994
• “Singing Jazz” by Bruce Crowther – listed and mentioned in book
Recommended Books:
It Had to Be You - Vol 107
Standards in Singers Keys with rhythm section
Embraceable You - Vol 113
Ballads for Singers with rhythm section
Jazz Singers Handbook
by Michele Weir
Jazz Conception For Scat Vocals
by Jim Snidero
Scat! Vocal Improv Techs
by Bob Stoloff
Vocal Improvisation
by Michele Weir
Vocal Warm Up CD
by Ellen Johnson
Singer's Book of Jazz Standards
arr by Steve Rawlins
Jazz Vocal Practice Series
by Jay Clayton
All books above available at:
www.jazzbooks.com
Hear It and Sing It!
by Judy Niemack
www.judyniemack.com
www.advancemusic.com
www.ejazzlines.com
Charts for Jazz Workshops/Classes
from Bill Harrison Music
Click here for list of charts available or to submit your chart
TESTIMONIALS
Outstanding Service to Jazz Education, IAJE Certificate of Appreciation, 31st Annual IAJE International Convention, New York, NY 2004
“Who’s Who of Teachers in America 2002”
“The fact that Ellen Johnson is also a teacher helps ensure the continuation of the art of jazz singing, an art form to which she has made many distinguished contributions as a performer.” - Bruce Crowther, author Singing Jazz and jazz critic
“Her boundless and unwavering devotion and dedication to assisting, nurturing, and educating others is inspirational.” - Gerald C. Bryant Esq.
“Ellen Johnson brings many years of experience and dedication to her craft, whether she’s performing or teaching. She has great intonation and time, and is always looking for new creative challenges”. John Stowell, internationally acclaimed guitarist
“I highly recommend Ellen as a musician, singer, and teacher. She has the skill and knowledge to teach many different styles of singing to students of all ages and levels. She understands proper vocal technique, and is able to translate her knowledge of vocal pedagogy to all styles of singing. She has wonderful energy and her teaching is positive, encouraging, and constructive.” - Christine Guter (Helferich), Vocal Chair, Jazz Studies Department California State University Long Beach
PHOTO GALLERY
At the Jazz Vocal Jubilee - Cal State Long Beach - 9/06
FEES & POLICY
- • One hour or 45 minute lessons available
- • $85 per hour, $75 per 45 minutes (Discounts for advance payments - see fee/policy pdf for more details).
- • Special Rates on 8 lessons or more...
Attention New & Returning Students:
Please Download this PDF, Print, Sign and return to Ellen Johnson before the start of your next lesson.
• PAY FOR LESSONS OR WORKSHOPS ONLINE •CLIENT LIST
(coming soon)
CONTACT