(This page has been updated as of November 29, 2018)

Registration will open on December 4, 2018 at https://app.getacceptd.com/untmusicworkshops

The 25th annual UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop will be held on the campus of the University of North Texas from June 23-28, 2019.  The workshop begins with registration on Sunday, June 23 at 3 p.m. and concludes with a final concert on Friday night, June 28, ending at 9 p.m.  Watch this video for an 8-minute preview of what you can expect during a week at the workshop!

All experience levels are welcome, from age 14 - 99! For information on costs, travel, scholarships and other details, please read the information below carefully, including the "FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)" section, which probably will answer most questions you may have. Also, feel free to visit and "Like" our Facebook page!

If you have questions about your Registration during or after the process is complete, please contact the Jazz Studies office at jazz@unt.edu.

For one intense week, participants are involved in every aspect of vocal jazz, from solo and ensemble performance to improvisation, pedagogy, songwriting and jazz theory. Educators may attend a daily class devoted to vocal jazz directing, programming, and rhythm section.

• Everyone is placed in ensembles according to their age and experience. (Middle school through educators and other music professionals. You'll receive your music and recordings to prepare in advance!)
• Ensembles rehearse daily, preparing for the Friday evening public concert.
• Classes in theory and improvisation begin with the basics--everyone solos.
• Solo coaching sessions prepare singers for their evening solo performances.
• Music educators will have a session each day with Jennifer Barnes that will focus on topics including repertoire, performance aesthetics, rhythm section and sound reinforcement equipment.
• Jam session at the end of the week to try out improvisation skills with a rhythm section in a "real world" setting.
• Daily listening sessions to guide participants to both HOW to listen well and what to listen to for inspiration!
• Songwriting class offered to those with some proficiency in music theory (tested at registration for the week), taught by Rosana Eckert. ​

Workshop faculty for 2019 will include:

• Jennifer Barnes (Director of Vocal Jazz at UNT, professional singer/arranger/clinician)
• Rosana Eckert (UNT vocal jazz faculty, professional singer/composer/arranger/clinician)
• Greg Jasperse (Director of Vocal Jazz at Western Michigan University, professional singer/pianist/composer/arranger/clinician)

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

How much does it cost to attend the workshop? (NOTE: See the Acceptd website for the most up-to-date information on all fees associated with attending the workshop.)

• Tuition: $595
• Visit the Educator Seminar webpage OR the Acceptd website for tuition info for the combined Seminar PLUS Workshop
• Housing (including linens):
  • Double occupancy (available to participants under age 18) with shared bath: $140 for 5 nights (checking in Sunday, checking out Friday).
  • Single occupancy with shared bath (available to all participants): $175 for 5 nights (checking in Sunday, checking out Friday).   
  • Additional nights for early arrival (checking in Saturday) and/or late departure (checking out Saturday) will be charged at $32 for double rooms and $38 for single rooms for each night.
• Meals: $120 (3 meals a day for 5 days, Monday through Friday)
• Under 18 supervision fee: $35
• Continuing Education Units Certificate for educators (optional): $15
• T-shirt:  $12
• Airport ride: $25 each way, $50 round trip
• On-campus parking permit for the week: $10

PLEASE NOTE - Full refunds less a 2.9% + $0.30 credit card processing fee and initial Acceptd application fee of $20 will be honored until May 23 when registration closes.  After that date, no refunds will be made.  No refunds will be made if a participant is dismissed from the workshop for violating UNT policy or workshop rules explained on the first day of the workshop.

I'm coming from out of town, so into which airport should I fly - DFW or DAL (Love Field)?
You can fly into either DFW or DAL.  DFW is the larger airport that most people use, but either one works.

How can I get from the airport to campus?
We provide a UNT shuttle van service for a fee that is less expensive than the "Super Shuttle" or comparable services to bring you directly from either airport (DFW or DAL) to campus.  The shuttle will make a maximum of two trips two and from the airport on the start day and day after the conclusion of the workshop, so you may be required to wait or go earlier to the airport than you would prefer.  For this reason, some people prefer to Uber or Lyft to have more convenience.

Where will I stay while at the workshop?
Some attendees commute each day, some stay in local hotels, but most find that staying on campus is the most convenient and economical option. There is dormitory housing available very close to the music buildings on campus.

Do I have to be there ALL day, EVERY day of the week? What is the daily schedule like?
We request that everyone plan to attend all of every day and night, whether you commute or stay in on-campus housing.  The daily schedule is quite full and goes from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. with a variety of activities and breaks for meals and solo performance coaching sessions. You will have a specific daily schedule made available to you after registration.

I am a parent of a student under age 18, and have concerns about the safety of my child while at the workshop.  Can you tell me a bit about how they will be supervised? 
We hire workshop staff (called a “Dorm Counselor”) whose specific job it is to supervise the students under 18 who are attending.  Usually this role is filled by a current student fro within the College of Music at UNT, who is often a Jazz major vocalist who has previously attended the workshop themselves as a high schooler.  That person (or persons, if need be) lives in the dormitory among the students during the workshop, and their job includes escorting them to and from meals and the music building, making sure that everyone is where they’re supposed to be at all times by having check-ins at the start and conclusion of each block of time where moving from one place to another occurs, and then engaging in fun activities, touring the campus, and generally being available to the students in the event that they have any problems, need help of any kind, etc.  There is a constant stream of communication between the students and this Dorm Counselor via text, and parents can reach the Dorm Counselor 24/7 by phone or text if they need to (in case of emergency).  There will be multiple e-mails specifically directed to parents and under-18 students prior to the workshop to help guide through questions and concerns specific to these students.  Each staff person goes through an extensive criminal background check as well as Sexual Abuse Prevention Training protocol so that they have sufficient knowledge and expertise to know the proper chain of command for reporting any problems and how to spot any potential problems with the students.  I am thankful that to date, we have had zero issues or problems of this sort during our workshop.  We take the responsibility of having students under age 18 at the workshop very seriously and are committed to doing everything within our power to guarantee that each child will feel safe and protected during their time here, so they can focus on learning, growing, and HAVING FUN!

I am a classically-trained singer/educator with very little exposure to jazz so far, but would like to learn more about jazz so I can sing/teach it; is this workshop for me?
Yes!  Although some familiarity with jazz is helpful, all that is required is a desire to learn and a willingness to TRY new things!  In addition, you may find it beneficial to attend the Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar that precedes this workshop.  See below for more information.

I heard there's also a shorter seminar you offer just for educators. What's that about and which one should I attend if I'm a teacher?
The 2019 UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop will be preceded by a Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar from Thursday afternoon through Saturday, June 20 - 22.  It will be led by UNT Vocal Jazz Director Jennifer Barnes and phenomenal award-winning high school educator, Janice Vlachos (Fairview High School, Fairview, CO) on the campus of the University of North Texas. The seminar will be packed full of content relevant to high school and college-level teachers who either are already working with students on vocal jazz, are thinking about starting to explore vocal jazz with their students, or any current or future teachers who want to know more about: rhythm sections, repertoire, sound reinforcement, rehearsal techniques, auditions, warm-ups, etc., and everyone will come away with materials to take home with them and use in their teaching immediately. Attendees will also have the option of staying for the Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop at the conclusion of the seminar for even MORE immersion in all things vocal jazz, for a reduced combined tuition rate. You may attend either or both! See this page for more info: UNT Vocal Jazz Educator Seminar

I've heard that everyone is required to sing solo songs on two evenings of the workshop. I've never done that before and don't think I want do it...can I come anyway and NOT sing on the evening concerts?
We encourage everyone to keep an open mind about this aspect of the workshop...of course, we don't MAKE anyone do something they absolutely refuse to do, but let's just say that once at the workshop, we've never had anyone NOT change their mind and decide they wanted to sing yet! We really strive to make the experience as non-threatening as possible and encourage people to take risks and be willing to try to do the uncomfortable things that invariably end up being anywhere from "not as scary as I expected" to "that was a BLAST and I can't wait to do it again!"

What if I register and then have to cancel?
Full refunds less a 2.9% + $0.30 credit card processing fee and initial Acceptd application fee of $20 will be honored until May 23 when registration closes. After that date, no refunds will be made. No refunds will be made if a participant is dismissed from the workshop for violating UNT policy or workshop rules explained on the first day of the workshop.

Are there scholarships available?
In order to keep the tuition fees as low as possible, we are not able to offer scholarships. Our tuition is very low compared to similar workshops offered around the country, and we believe the value of what we offer is far more than the tuition we charge....past attendees have agreed (see testimonials below)!

How can I confirm that my payment has been received?
The Acceptd system will automatically keep in touch with you about your payment, and once you receive confirmation from them, you can rest assured that you are all set!

What people are saying about the UNT Vocal Jazz Summer Workshop

Educators say…

“Thank you again for all the training and information you, Greg and Rosana have imparted to us. I said it last year and must say it again, that I have not gained so much knowledge from any other sessions, seminars or workshops as the UNT VJSW. Truly amazing environment and learning!” Sarah S. (High school educator, 2012 & 2013 Workshopper)

“Thanks again and congratulations on a great jazz week, I really enjoyed myself! Good to sing, good to exchange ideas (and ohhh the handouts), good to see old friends and make few new ones too.” Rita S. (High school educator, 2012 Workshopper)

Parents say…

“[My daughter] had so many positive things to say about the camp and I'm certain she'll want to return next year! Being so far (NC), I wasn't able to attend the performances, but with the recordings, I was able to get a feel for the quality of instruction and I am VERY impressed! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!” Sheryl C. (mother of high school-aged Workshopper)

“Thank you and all the instructors for hosting an amazing camp program. [My daughter] can't stop talking about how much fun she had and how much she learned. In the few hours she's been home, I've seen YouTube video of all the instuctors, heard funny stories, seen great pictures and even heard [her] sing! If she had her way, she'd be with you another week. I appreciate the organization and professionalism of your camp. Money well spent!” Mia J. (mother of high school-aged Workshopper)

Adult vocalists say…

“I found the workshop hugely inspiring in so many ways. The piece that [Jennifer] and Rosana created on the spot that brought to mind a pair of songbirds in the woods -- took my breath away. Circle singing. New music to explore, thanks to guided listening. I could go on and on...glad I took the plunge and ever grateful for your encouragement.” Gita M. (adult 2012 Workshopper)

“Just wanted to drop a line and say thanks again for the wonderful workshop…tons of information, terrific faculty, and well worth the money! : ) Very happy camper here (pun intended).” Wendy H. (Educator/Vocalist Workshopper)

“Words cannot express how much I enjoyed the camp. I learned so much and I am excited for the journey of jazz. :) Thanks for everything!” Alyssa R. (Adult Workshopper)

Students say…

“Thank you so much for the great week, I had a fantastic time and I learned so much! It was really helpful to realize how much I don't know.  And now that I do, I can improve and learn and be better by the next time I see you.  Thanks for all the fun times and new knowledge.” Amy A. (High school-aged Workshopper)

For further information, contact Jennifer Barnes by e-mail: jennifer.barnes@unt.edu