Singing with Freedom

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Freedom in jazz singing doesn’t start with solos—it starts with language. In this clinic, Kate Skinner explores how melodic interpretation and improvisation are deeply connected, and why every jazz singer, whether they plan to improvise or not, benefits from learning the language of jazz. Through discussion and musical examples, Kate demonstrates how studying and transcribing improvised solos can transform phrasing, time feel, articulation, and melodic choice—bringing greater depth and authenticity to sung melodies. This class is especially valuable for singers and educators looking to move beyond surface-level interpretation and toward a more conversational, informed, and flexible approach to jazz repertoire. The focus is not on “taking a solo,” but on using improvisational language to make melodies feel alive, intentional, and free. Kate Skinner is a jazz pianist, vocalist, composer, and educator whose musical voice draws from jazz, bluegrass, classical, R&B, funk, and hip hop influences. She has received multiple honors, including a DownBeat Award for Outstanding Vocal Performance and a Jazz Education Network award for composition, and remains in demand as both a performer and teacher. Kate is currently Associate Professor of Jazz Piano at the University of Idaho, where she directs Jazz Band II and teaches courses in jazz studies. She holds M.M. and D.A. degrees in Jazz Studies from the University of Northern Colorado. This clinic offers practical inspiration for singers who want to sound more fluent, more grounded—and more free.