The Singer's Breath

Details & Information

At the core of great singing is the ability to breathe with ease. In this workshop, JazzVoice founder Alexis Cole shares a simple, relaxed approach to breath that helps singers look and feel more confident on stage. Rather than “doing more,” Alexis teaches that singing should feel natural and free — without the extra tension and anxious gestures that often come from overthinking breath. By shifting your approach, you’ll not only improve your sound but also calm your nervous system and project a sense of ease to your audience. Together, we’ll explore: The silent breath and effortless inhalation Rib cage expansion and natural support Letting go of tension to gain control Fun drills like panting and lip trilling This session will leave you with tools to breathe calmly, sing powerfully, and perform with greater relaxation and authenticity. About Alexis: Called "one of the great voices of today," by Jonathan Schwartz, and praised for her “Impeccable control and style” by Michael Feinstein, Alexis Cole has been compared to classic jazz singers such as Sarah Vaughan and Anita O'Day. A Top Winner of the Jazzmobile Vocal Competition judged by jazz icons TS Monk, Catherine Russell, Grady Tate and Dr. Billy Taylor, 3rd prize winner in the Montreux Jazz Vocal Competition, and a finalist in the Sarah Vaughan Competition, and American Traditions Competition, Alexis has a dozen albums to her credit on Motéma, Chesky, Venus Records and Zoho. She has performed with such artists as Fred Hersch, Bucky Pizzarelli, and Don Braden. She’s been a soloist with the Boston Pops, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and has headlined at clubs around the US and Asia. As an educator, Alexis was the head of vocal jazz at the conservatory at SUNY Purchase and William Paterson University, and counts multiple Grammy Award winning Samara Joy and rising star Anaïs Reno as her students. She is the founder and director of JazzVoice.com, an online educational community featuring singing classes, professional development sessions and private lessons from a roster of renowned jazz vocalists and educators. And she is artistic director of the Virginia Beach Vocal Jazz Summit. Her most recent release “Sky Blossom” features original arrangements for big band from her time as a Staff Sergeant in the West Point Band’s Jazz Knights. www.alexiscole.com