Jill Knapp: Vocal Coach

Jill Knapp, a familiar face in the Wilmington theater and music scene, is now accepting new students (ages 13 +) for her vocal studio in North Wilmington; just moments away from The New Canldelight Dinner Theater and The Wilmington Drama League.   A veteran music director, vocal coach and teacher, Jill has over 65 theatrical productions to her credit. Leverage her experience and knowledge, and hear what a difference just a few lessons can make.
Audition Assistance | Private Voice Lessons | Ensemble Work | Attention Directors and Music Directors | What to Expect | Rates | Contact Information

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 this winter?

  •  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 good news! There is never any pressure to stay affiliated with a studio. The only expectation is that when you are part of a studio, 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 $50.
  •   Subsequent lessons are 50 minutes in length, and cost $40. (Monthly rates are available for students signing up for weekly lessons.)
  •   Payment is due at the end of each lesson. I accept checks, cash and PayPal.


    Contact Information
    So how do we get started?

  •   Email me at the address shown in the yellow box below (sorry for the garbling, but we must protect ourselves from spammers!); or
  •   Call 302-475-6414