<p>My daughter, who has always been interested in classical (opera) music, is expressing an interest in possible studying vocal jazz music in college. Can anyone give me any suggestions for outstanding vocal jazz colleges or conservatories? Also, are there any vocal jazz competitions for high school students that would allow her to get her feet wet in this area? She has competed in many classical competitions but I don't know anything about the jazz world. Any assistance would be appreciated.</p>
<p>Berklee might fit. I attended one of their vocal showcases at their theater which featured an impressive range of pop, jazz, blues vocals, etc., and some of the kids even seemed to be majoring as "backup" singers.</p>
<p>The only competitions I know of are the T. Monk and Betty Carter competitions, but they may not be for HS age. References you can check out include the October issue of Downbeat and the Association for Jazz Education: WWW.IAJE.Org</p>
<p>UNT (NORTH TEXAS) has a very good vocal jazz program, as well as a good
classical voice program.</p>
<p>A few programs:</p>
<p>Berklee offers a five week summer program for jazz students that includes vocalists. From what I can tell, Berklee seems to be the place that most of the top student jazz vocalists gravitate toward.</p>
<p>The Grammy Ensemble features a jazz choir. It is highly competitive, taking two spots for each voice category. Students nationwide audition by submission of videotapes and selections are announced sometime in December. The students are flown out to California in January or early February for a week of practicing and performances leading up to the Grammy Awards telecast where they perform at the pre and post shows and actually get to attend the telecast! Pretty exciting. Check the grammy foundation website for more details.</p>
<p>The NFAA program for high school seniors and freshman college students (under age 19, I believe) also has a category for jazz vocalists. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. Good luck.</p>
<p>NEC also houses some excellent jazz vocalists.</p>
<p>I forgot to mention two other programs: DownBeat Magazine sponsors an annual competition for student jazz perfomers junior high school age through college, including vocalists. Submissions are due in December and the results are announced in the June issue. I know Berklee and the New School offer scholarships to selected finalists in various categories. </p>
<p>I believe the Brubeck Institute, run by the University of the Pacific, also takes vocalists.</p>