Laura
Stilwell
- WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
Laura is all around amazing! She is so kind, a beautiful dancer and an excellent instructor. I have learned so much from her both in the studio and via Zoom.”
—Kathleen Proudfoot
Workshops & Classes
Join Laura for fun, productive classes, workshops & jams in both voice and dance. Learn new techniques or simply test out your material in a supportive circle of fellow performers. Keep your skills fine-tuned and up-to-date. Browse the offerings below. Use the contact form for any inquiries. Class sizes are limited.
VOICE
Vocal Jams
Laura offers fun Vocal Jams once or twice a month on Sundays either in-person or on Zoom. Join Laura, a top accompanist, and a supportive intimate group of fellow performers in in a beautiful cozy setting. For each session, select two songs, bring a one- or two-page lead sheet for each song. If the session is an online over Zoom, email Laura a PDF copy of your charts in advance. Know the lyrics if you’d like to work on more advanced performance skills during the Vocal Jam, or take a brand new song on a virgin flight with your lyric sheet in hand. Pianists Joe Millward and Tommy James and guitarist, Mike Doolin are extraordinary accompanists who have a wealth of information to share with singers. Laura creates a safe environment for singers to practice their tunes, seek suggestions, and learn from other singers. There is no pressure to sing a tune at performance level, unless singers wish to do so. Most singers choose jazz standards, however, singers are welcome to sing blues, rock, folk, etc. These gifted pianists can play anything. It’s always a fun afternoon at Laura’s vocal jams! Make sure you join the mailing list below to receive invites to Laura’s Vocal Jams. Use the contact form for any inquiries. Class sizes are limited. Promptly RSVP to your session invite in order to reserve your spot.
THE NEXT SESSION DATE, TIME & PRICING WILL BE ANNOUNCED HERE. CHECK BACK SOON.
Vocal Jams
Vocal Coaching
Vocal Jazz Workshop
LAURA STILWELL
LAURA STILWELL
Vocal Jazz Workshop & SHOWCASE: TOMMY JAMES
Dance Class: Jazz
Dance Class: Ballet
Vocal Jams
VOICE
Vocal Jams
Laura offers fun Vocal Jams once or twice a month on Sundays either in-person or on Zoom. Join Laura, a top accompanist, and a supportive intimate group of fellow performers in in a beautiful cozy setting. For each session, select two songs, bring a one- or two-page lead sheet for each song. If the session is an online over Zoom, email Laura a PDF copy of your charts in advance. Know the lyrics if you’d like to work on more advanced performance skills during the Vocal Jam, or take a brand new song on a virgin flight with your lyric sheet in hand. Pianists Joe Millward and Tommy James and guitarist, Mike Doolin are extraordinary accompanists who have a wealth of information to share with singers. Laura creates a safe environment for singers to practice their tunes, seek suggestions, and learn from other singers. There is no pressure to sing a tune at performance level, unless singers wish to do so. Most singers choose jazz standards, however, singers are welcome to sing blues, rock, folk, etc. These gifted pianists can play anything. It’s always a fun afternoon at Laura’s vocal jams! Make sure you join the mailing list below to receive invites to Laura’s Vocal Jams. Use the contact form for any inquiries. Class sizes are limited. Consider reserving your spot by paying for the session in advance.
THE NEXT SESSION DATE, TIME & PRICING WILL BE ANNOUNCED HERE. CHECK BACK SOON.
Vocal Coaching
VOICE
Vocal Coaching
Laura offers fun VocaLaura offers a fresh and unique approach to her vocal coaching sessions with an emphasis on breathing and technique exercises, phrasing, storytelling techniques and stage presence. Her one-on-one coaching sessions focus on the interest and needs of the individual, instilling confidence and ease, as every voice is unique. Choose the convenience of an online or schedule an in-person session. “Stage presence is the result of discovering the truth in your song through storytelling. It’s the ability to make the audience connect with the performer and envelop the audience into the story being told, and in turn express what the audience feels.” — Laura Stilwell Use the email form on the contact page to schedule your one-on-one coaching session now.Vocal Jazz Workshop
LAURA STILWELL
LAURA STILWELL
VOICE
Vocal Jazz Workshop with Laura Stilwell
Laura utilizes her dance and theater background, to instill confidence and ease, with an emphasis on stage presence, subtle movement, visualization and storytelling techniques. Topics Covered- Stage Presence: Singers’ relationship with the tune; The audience and the band.
- Basics for Professional Vocalist: Finding the correct key; Lead sheets vs. charts; Song form (A, A, B, A, etc.); Intros & Outros; How to make a set list and make it interesting.
- Foundations of Live Performance: Counting off the tune, Conducting the band, How to come back in after solos, Styles & tempos; Breathing exercises; Phrasing; Storytelling techniques and exercises
- Advanced Techniques: Scatting, Evolved soloing; Re-writing the tune
Vocal Jazz Workshop & SHOWCASE: TOMMY JAMES
VOICE
Vocal Jazz Workshop & Showcase with Tommy James
This is a RARE opportunity for both professional and aspiring jazz vocalists to be coached by Tommy James—former Musical Director/Arranger and pianist for The Duke Ellington Orchestra. Tommy James has performed and/or recorded with Jazz vocal greats: Cleo Laine, Betty Carter, Eartha Kitt, Norah Jones, Melba Moore, Joe Williams, Macy Gray, and many others. The Tommy James Jazz Vocal Workshop will encompass all aspects of vocal performance including phrasing, tempos, basic theory, improvisation, repertoire development, how to explain what you need so you can get what you want, stage presence, how to create an interesting set list, and everything you need to know about performing at a gig. During the workshop, singers will have an opportunity to sing with The Tommy James Trio. Each student will work on one up tempo Swing tune and one ballad (or Blues, Bossa Nova, etc.). Vocalists will have the opportunity to perform in the Vocal Showcase with the Tommy James Trio, and the showcase will be videotaped. Meet other vocalists, and explore and develop your creativity! Feel free to contact Laura Stilwell and get more information regarding the Tommy James Jazz Vocal Workshop. Be alerted for the next Vocal Jazz Workshop by joining Laura’s Email List below.Dance Class: Jazz
DANCE
Vocal Jams
Laura offers fun Vocal Jams once or twice a month on Sundays either in-person or on Zoom. Join Laura, a top accompanist, and a supportive intimate group of fellow performers in in a beautiful cozy setting. For each session, select two songs, bring a one- or two-page lead sheet for each song. If the session is an online over Zoom, email Laura a PDF copy of your charts in advance. Know the lyrics if you’d like to work on more advanced performance skills during the Vocal Jam, or take a brand new song on a virgin flight with your lyric sheet in hand. Pianists Joe Millward and Tommy James and guitarist, Mike Doolin are extraordinary accompanists who have a wealth of information to share with singers. Laura creates a safe environment for singers to practice their tunes, seek suggestions, and learn from other singers. There is no pressure to sing a tune at performance level, unless singers wish to do so. Most singers choose jazz standards, however, singers are welcome to sing blues, rock, folk, etc. These gifted pianists can play anything. It’s always a fun afternoon at Laura’s vocal jams! Make sure you join the mailing list below to receive invites to Laura’s Vocal Jams. Use the contact form for any inquiries. Class sizes are limited. Consider reserving your spot by paying for the session in advance.
THE NEXT SESSION DATE, TIME & PRICING WILL BE ANNOUNCED HERE. CHECK BACK SOON.
Dance Class: Ballet
DANCE
Vocal Jams
Laura offers fun Vocal Jams once or twice a month on Sundays either in-person or on Zoom. Join Laura, a top accompanist, and a supportive intimate group of fellow performers in in a beautiful cozy setting. For each session, select two songs, bring a one- or two-page lead sheet for each song. If the session is an online over Zoom, email Laura a PDF copy of your charts in advance. Know the lyrics if you’d like to work on more advanced performance skills during the Vocal Jam, or take a brand new song on a virgin flight with your lyric sheet in hand. Pianists Joe Millward and Tommy James and guitarist, Mike Doolin are extraordinary accompanists who have a wealth of information to share with singers. Laura creates a safe environment for singers to practice their tunes, seek suggestions, and learn from other singers. There is no pressure to sing a tune at performance level, unless singers wish to do so. Most singers choose jazz standards, however, singers are welcome to sing blues, rock, folk, etc. These gifted pianists can play anything. It’s always a fun afternoon at Laura’s vocal jams! Make sure you join the mailing list below to receive invites to Laura’s Vocal Jams. Use the contact form for any inquiries. Class sizes are limited. Consider reserving your spot by paying for the session in advance.
THE NEXT SESSION DATE, TIME & PRICING WILL BE ANNOUNCED HERE. CHECK BACK SOON.