Weekend Workshops

FALL Weekend Workshops
with Marianne Solivan

Saturdays or Sundays · September, October & November 2026 · Manhattan
Two days per workshop · $250–300/person · Maximum 8–10 singers per workshop

Focused, intensive weekends for jazz singers who want deep work without the long-term commitment — one workshop at a time, or the full fall season.

Program Description

Not every singer can commit to a 10-week series — but every singer deserves consistent, focused time with the music. These weekend workshops are designed to give you exactly that: a complete, immersive experience in two days, built around a single theme, with real teaching, real singing, and real results.

Each workshop stands entirely on its own. Come to one and walk away with something specific and useful. Come to all three and build a full fall of intentional practice across three of the most important areas in jazz singing — bebop language, improvisation, and working with a rhythm section.

The Three Workshops

September 19 & 20 — BeBop
A deep dive into the language of bebop — the vocabulary, the phrasing, the feel that defines the jazz tradition. We'll work on internalizing bebop lines, understanding the musical ideas behind them, and getting that language into your own singing. With piano accompaniment.

October 17 & 18 — Improvisation
Improvisation demystified. This workshop is about breaking down the wall between "singing the melody" and "improvising" — because the distance between them is smaller than you think. We'll work on tools and approaches you can use immediately, in real musical situations. With piano accompaniment.

November 21 & 22 — Rhythm Section
The full band experience. This workshop features a complete rhythm section — piano, bass, and drums — and focuses on what it means to really sing with a band. How to listen, how to lead, how to communicate, and how to make musical decisions in the moment. Capped at 8 singers for maximum playing time.

Key Details

SEPTEMBER WORKSHOP
BeBop · September 19 & 20, 2026 · Saturday & Sunday, 10:00am–3:00pm · Manhattan · $250/person · Maximum 10 singers

OCTOBER WORKSHOP
Improvisation · October 17 & 18, 2026 · Saturday & Sunday, 10:00am–3:00pm · Manhattan · $250/person · Maximum 10 singers

NOVEMBER WORKSHOP
Rhythm Section · November 21 & 22, 2026 · Saturday & Sunday, 10:00am–3:00pm · Manhattan · $300/person · Maximum 8 singers

What You'll Work On

• Jazz vocabulary and bebop language
• Improvisation tools and approaches you can use immediately
• Phrasing, time feel, and rhythmic placement
• Working with a rhythm section — listening, leading, communicating
• Lyric interpretation and personal style
• Performance confidence and presence in the moment

Who This Is For

These workshops are open to singers at a range of experience levels — from those just finding their way into jazz to singers with years of experience looking to deepen their practice. If you can sing through a jazz standard and have a genuine interest in jazz singing, you belong in this room. What matters most is curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to dig in. This is not the place for complete beginners, but it is absolutely a place for singers who are new to jazz and ready to take it seriously.

Format 

Each workshop runs over two days — Saturday and Sunday, 10:00am–3:00pm with a lunch break. Sessions are accompanied by piano. The November Rhythm Section workshop features a full trio — piano, bass, and drums. Small group format — maximum 10 singers (8 for the November workshop). Attending both days is strongly preferred and gives you the full experience. Single day options are available upon request — reach out to discuss.

Commitment

Each workshop is a separate enrollment. Payment is due in full upon registration. No refunds after the first session, except in special circumstances. Missed days are not prorated or refunded.

Tuition & Billing 

September BeBop: $250 for both days, paid in full upon enrollment.
October Improvisation: $250 for both days, paid in full upon enrollment.
November Rhythm Section: $300 for both days, paid in full upon enrollment.
Single day pricing available upon request. Payment plans are available upon request — reach out before enrolling to discuss. Because these workshops are small and space is limited, refunds are not available within 72 hours of the workshop start date. Cancellations made before that window will receive a full refund. If you need to cancel, please reach out as soon as possible so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.

Fall Weekend Workshop Series Bundle

Commit to all three workshops and pay $700 — that's $100 off the individual price of $800. Reply to this email or reach out directly to grab the bundle before spots fill.

Masterclasses

Individual singer coaching in front of a group

Ideal for

• universities and jazz programs
• choirs and camps
• festivals and presenting venues
• private studio events

Format options

• 90 minutes, 2 hours, or half-day
• with pianist or rhythm section
• audience observation welcome

Content may include

• song interpretation and storytelling
• phrasing and groove
• vocal technique and breath use
• improvisation concepts
• band communication and arranging choices

Booking notes

• fee varies based on length, instrumentation, and travel
• piano or keyboard required
• institutions may request an additional Q&A session

Clinics & Educational Residencies

Longer institutional visits can include:

• jazz voice clinics
• vocal jazz ensemble coaching
• improvisation and scat workshops
• one-on-one student lessons
• lectures on touring life, recording, and artistic identity

Available for

• colleges and universities
• high schools and arts programs
• jazz festivals
• vocal jazz ensembles and combos

General Policies for Workshops & Classes

• enrollment is confirmed only after payment
• events may have limited capacity
• participation requires respectful conduct toward faculty and peers
• recording is allowed for personal study only
• illness policy mirrors private-lesson policy — please do not attend if you are sick