Jill Knapp - Vocal Coach

Jill Knapp: Vocal Coach

Jill Knapp, a familiar face in the Wilmington theater and music scene, is now accepting new students (ages 15 +) for her vocal studio in North Wilmington; just moments away from The New Candlelight Dinner Theater and The Wilmington Drama League. A veteran music director, vocal coach and teacher, Jill has over 65 theatrical productions to her credit. She regularly tours the US and Europe with Los Angeles' big band The Industrial Jazz Group, and she performs locally with Joe Trainor's musician collective The.Company and with her duo Hot Breakfast! Leverage Jill's experience and knowledge, and hear what a difference just a few lessons can make.

Audition Assistance
Have a big audition coming up for theater or college?
I can help you select a piece that best fits your vocal range, type and character. I can also help polish a piece you've been using for years, giving new interpretations and ideas to help keep your audition fresh and convincing. College applicants will benefit from diction pointers for singing in foreign languages, too.

Choose vocal selections directors want to hear

Sing with conviction and confidence

Look comfortable even if you’re not

Pronounce your words clearly without sounding stuffy or rigid

Choose interesting pieces which show off your best range

Survive an audition when have a cold

Private Voice Lessons
Want to brush up your vocal technique?

Free your singing voice to smooth over vocal breaks

Learn and utilize effective warm up techniques that cater to your vocal needs

Work up new repertoire

Understand the body/mind connection and sing with intention

Learn to belt with minimal strain to your voice

Ensemble Work
Belong to a vocal ensemble, and need help learning that tricky harmony?

Understand how your part fits in with the other voice parts of a piece

Blend with other voices with ease

Hone your listening skills

Learn to sing in tune and correct pitch issues on the fly

Attention Directors and Music Directors!
Whether you need an extra set of ears or someone to bang out some obscure alto parts for your chorus rehearsals, I can be the dependable help you need during the rehearsal process. Let me:

Work with actors one-on-one to become more comfortable singing on stage

Make your chorus sound like an ensemble (and drill obscure alto parts into their heads)

Teach your belters to blend, and teach your blenders to sing out

Help that tenor who just can’t quite get that one high note

Opening night is always hectic, and you invariably need to be in 3 places at once. On the night of the show, hire me to:

Focus, center and psyche up your cast before a performance

Warm up your cast so you can warm up the pit orchestra

Warm up your orchestra so you can warm up the cast

Be the extra set of ears to assist in your sound check.

Coming to a Lesson: What to Expect
First off, it's important to state this up front: Teaching voice is a very personal thing, and not all teachers fit well with their students. I want to make sure my teaching style matches your learning style, and that you are as comfortable as you can be. There are never any hard feelings between teachers, and if a different instructor works out better for you, that is a positive thing! I'm always happy to recommend other voice teachers in the area if I think they can serve your needs better; and they also give students to me as well-- this is one of the benefits to working with a teacher who is part of a network of other music teachers. There is never any pressure to stay affiliated with a voice studio. The only expectation is that you will work hard, try new things, and practice on your own.

Assuming your goal is to have ongoing lessons, your first lesson will be mostly discussion, to understand and document your musical/vocal goals. A short, non-written musical test will be given to gauge your current level of musical knowledge. Your range will be tested, and we will agree upon a schedule. I'll ask some questions:

How often do you want to come in?

Is there an end-date you have in mind (an audition or voice jury, for example), or will these be continuous?

Do you have a certain vocal style you like?

Who are your favorite singers?

Have you ever had lessons before?

If you are accepted as a student, and if I pass your audition to be your teacher, we can begin to pick out music together and get started.

Subsequent lessons are divided roughly in half. The first half is spent on technique-- through discussion and exercises. The last 20 minutes of the lesson is typically spent on repertoire-- this is where we apply what we've learned to actual pieces of music we've selected.

Lessons are 50 minutes in length. Please make every attempt to be on time, and call ahead if you are running behind.

All lesson end-times are firm, even if it started late. (Other artists use the studio space, and we must be respectful of their schedules.)

Refunds will not be given if the student is late, and lesson times may not be extended to make up lost time.

Rates

Initial Lessons (evaluations) / single lessons are $60.

Subsequent lessons are 50 minutes in length, and cost $50. (Monthly rates are available for students signing up for weekly lessons.)

Sheet music can be purchased through me, or you can purchase it from your favorite sheet music store. Students are responsible for paying for their own sheet music.

Payment is due at the start of each lesson. I accept checks, cash, and PayPal. Credit/debit card payments coming soon!

Please Keep In Mind...

I'm a working musician, and staying healthy is important to me being able to perform and earn a living. Please don't come to a lesson if you're sick, or if you think you're coming down with something. I promise to give you the same courtesy if I'm feeling under the weather.

All lessons begin on the hour, and end at the :50 minute mark. If you arrive late, your lesson will still end at the regular time so I can prepare for my next student.

I will do my best to give you a regular lesson schedule, but sometimes we'll have to juggle days to accomodate my travel schedule with my bands.

Contact Information
So how do we get started?

Email me at jillknapp attt gmail dottt com (use normal email format for that, of course... we must protect ourselves from spammers!); or

Call 302-475-6414.