Trudy Kerr and Anita Wardell of Jazz Singing School

TRUDY KERR and ANITA WARDELL are about to run another of their popular Summer Jazz Singing Schools. Trudy Kerr explained the background to Sebastian:

LondonJazz News: You have been running courses for a while. How did it all start?

Trudy Kerr: Anita and I met many years ago in a singing competition in Australia. We both moved to London to pursue careers as jazz singers and have performed extensively in the UK and around the world. Teaching has always been a big part of what we do and 3 years ago we set up Jazzsingingschool.com. Currently we are running a summer course and a Christmas Boot Camp. In the future we are looking to deliver online courses in jazz singing.

LJN: What gave you the idea of doing them in the first place?

TK: Both of us have been teaching for many years and we have similar views on how to teach jazz singing but different teaching styles so we thought it would be of great benefit to our students to work together. Also most importantly we are great friends and enjoy each others company, so its fun!

LJN: Are there entry audition requirements?

TK: There are no entry requirements for the course. We can cater for all levels from complete beginners to students with jazz singing experience or perhaps you are experienced in other genres and would like a taster in jazz.

LJN: What does a day on the course consist of?

TK: Every day the timetable is different but during the week we’ll cover vocal technique and warm ups, learning new repertoire, implementing song phrasing ideas, improvisation techniques and working with a rhythm section.

LJN: Who else is involved / faculty?

TK: Anita and I will be teaching and we will be joined by pianist Robin Aspland on two afternoons so students can gain experience working with one of the best jazz accompanists in the country.

LJN: Tell us about the venue LCCM?

TK: LCCM is an amazing music college that runs degree courses during the academic year. During the summer holidays we are lucky enough to have the use of their excellent facilities.

LCCM is located at 50-52 Union Street SE1 just 10 minutes walk from London Bridge station.

LJN:  When is it?

TK: The course runs from Monday 31st July to 4th August from 10 – 5.30 pm and on the Friday evening there is a student concert.

LJN: And how do prospective participants get in touch? 

TK: If you are interested in joining us or getting more information go to www.jazzsingingschool.com or contact us – trudyannkerr@mac.com or anita@anitawardell.com