Donna Canale

Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Coach

jazz singing class

EVER WANTED TO LEARN THE ART OF JAZZ SINGING?

Explore Your Voice. Discover Your Style. Perform with Confidence. Welcome to an exciting and inspiring course designed for singers eager to dive into the world of vocal jazz! Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your skills, this class offers a supportive and fun environment to grow as a jazz vocalist.

The Jazz Singing Class was founded in 2007, born from the passion and vision of vocalist Donna Canale, who set out to create a nurturing, inspiring space where singers of all levels could come together to explore, experiment, and express themselves through jazz.

What began as a small, close-knit group of jazz lovers soon blossomed into a vibrant and dynamic program. With Donna’s guidance and infectious enthusiasm, the class became known not only for its emphasis on live performance but also for its highly personalised and supportive teaching approach. Whether students arrived with formal training or were stepping into a singing class for the very first time, they were welcomed with warmth, encouragement, and the joy of shared music-making.

Over time, the course evolved into a rich learning journey, offering structured lessons in jazz improvisation, song interpretation, vocal technique, and stage confidence. Each term culminates in a celebratory live performance accompanied by a professional jazz trio—an experience that inspires, empowers, and brings the classroom to life.

aims & objectives

  • Master breath control and vocal technique
  • Learn songs by ear quickly and effectively
  • Strengthen your musicianship
  • Enhance your performance presence
  • Refine your microphone technique
  • Experiment with interpreting songs your way
  • Explore the art of Jazz improvisation
  • Perform live with professional support
  • Build confidence on and off the stage
  • TECHNIQUE
    Learn diaphragmatic breathing to support your sound, develop a forward tone, and reduce vocal tension.

  • Basic Musicianship
    Understand key signatures, practice transposition, and navigate simple and compound time.

  • Performance Technique
    Master the art of counting in, entering/exiting songs smoothly, adapting to tempo changes, and engaging your audience.

  • Amplification
    Get comfortable with microphones and learn how to make your voice shine through the speakers.

  • Song Interpretation
    Put your stamp on classic jazz standards—experiment with style, tempo, time signatures, and grooves like Latin, swing, and funk.

  • Jazz Improvisation
    Discover the fun of scat singing, creating simple riffs, and improvising over 12 Bar Blues and AABA forms.

  • Live Performance Experience
    Build confidence performing in front of peers, get real-time coaching, and showcase your growth in a final performance with a live jazz trio.

Course
outline

Join us and find your jazz voice!


Whether you're looking to perform, create, or simply explore, this class is your next step into the vibrant world of vocal jazz.

the Musicians

Neil Angilley - Piano

Neil has worked with Vanessa-Mae (EMI Records) since the world tour of ‘Storm on Tour’ in 1998. He has also been Vanessa-Mae’s Musical Director for the last 8 years.

In 2006 Neil joined ‘The Black Smoke Band’ to tour with Jeff Waynes live production of ‘The War of the Worlds‘, derived from the multi-platinum selling album released in 1978. During the 2006 U.K. tour a live DVD was filmed during the Wembley gig. It was released for sale in late 2006 and by January 2007 had been number 1 in the UK music DVD chart for 5 weeks.

Neil has recorded 2 solo albums ‘Havana Club‘& ‘Chango‘, and has worked extensively in the music business, recording and performing with:

Dame Shirley Bassey
Ben “E” King, (Motown)
Sister Sledge, (Atlantic Records)
The Pasadenas, (Sony Music)
US3 – An Ordinary Day in an Unusual Place (Universal)
Lisa Stansfield (The Line )
James Galway – 2 albums (RCA Victor )

http://www.angilley.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/neilangilley

http://www.neilangilley.blogspot.co.uk

Steve Rose - Piano & Bass

Steve has played piano & bass with many leading jazz musicians such as Joe Lovano, Benny Golson, Gwlym Simcock, Tim Garland, Julian Joseph, Norma Winstone, Victoria Newton, Jacqui Dankworth, Michele Drees, Eddie Parker, Iain Ballamy, Robbyn Ford, Dave Samuels – the list is too long to mention them all.

He is also the founder of Chipperfield Jazz, an intimate jazz venue hidden in the heart of West Hertfordshire which has welcomed the likes of Tina May, Lily Dior and Polly Gibbons.

He also composes music for film & TV and has worked for some of the best known Contemporary Dance and Theatre companies in his 35 years as a professional musician.

http://www.steverose.co.uk

testimonial spotlight

Donna’s jazz singing class is an absolute joy. She creates such a warm, supportive atmosphere while also pushing us just beyond our comfort zones, helping us grow as singers in ways we might not have thought possible. Her exercises are fun and engaging, yet always rooted in solid technique, and she encourages us to develop our own natural singing styles rather than imitating others.One of the most incredible aspects of the class is the end-of-term concert, where we get the chance to perform a solo with a truly world-class jazz band—musicians who regularly play with top-level artists. The fact that Donna has brought them together for us is an extraordinary gift and a testament to her dedication and reputation in the industry.Because of the way Donna leads the class, we’ve formed a wonderfully supportive group, with no competitiveness—just genuine encouragement for each other’s progress. Week by week, almost imperceptibly, I find myself improving, gaining confidence, and deepening my understanding of jazz. It’s an experience I’d recommend to any singer looking to explore jazz in a nurturing yet inspiring environment."
Jude Bentley
St Leonards Jazz Singing Class
Jan 2025

Join us and find your jazz voice!

Whether you're looking to perform, create, or simply explore,
this class is your next step into the vibrant world of vocal jazz.