In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Bob Stoloff

Vocal Coach

Bob Stoloff

"Scat singing is an experience that frees the soul. It's more about a spiritual release than about the style. People need an outlet to let go, and in my classes I provide a safe environment to do that. Afterwards, students often come up and tell me, 'I can't believe how free I feel.'

"There's a point in my classes at which I put on a record and say, 'Okay, we're just going around. Everyone should sing.' Students at first stiffen up, but it's unbelievable what people can do intuitively. I hear them taking risks and really feeling good about what they're doing, and I love to see the expressions on their faces. They giggle, or they get really goofy-they're having so much fun.

"I play a lot of different instruments: flute, trumpet, bass.... I used to think it was a bad thing to have some knowledge of so many instruments and be 'master of none.' Now I'm thankful I've done so many different things because it gives me a wide perspective and it allows me to diversify-for example, to do more scholarship auditions.

"I bring my spiritual enlightenment into the classroom in a somewhat Zen way, so I feel more open, more sincere, more honest. Or maybe it's having an eight-year-old daughter that makes the difference. I can be serious and very straightforward, but I'm not afraid to tell jokes."

Arrangements (See list of Arrangements.)

Displaying 1-2 of 2 items.

Bob Stoloff : Blues Scatitudes

Review: This awesome follow-up to the popular book Scat!, Blues Scatitudes is packed full of vocal improvisation techniques on the Blues. Focuses on blues solos in variety of contemporary grooves, while also covering syllable articulation, accents and ties, Blues etudes, and more.

Chapters: Musical Terms, Scat Syllables, Using Accents, Major and Pentatonic Scales, The Blues Scale, Eight Blues Scatitudes

Bob Stoloff : Scat! Vocal Improvisation Techniques

Review: Bob Stoloff is an Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music. This book is a comprehensive how-to on vocal jazz scat technique. Beginning with an introduction to the history of scat and its evolution, it contains a virtual library of scales and exercises. Rhythmic, melodic and harmonic concepts, including modes, are discussed, with recommended methods for practice given. Also, vocal bass and percussion routines are explained. The accompanying CD allows the student to listen to examples, and then work on the exercises with rhythm-section accompaniment. "Scat!" is an intensive program, based upon application, not dry theory. Fundamental sight-reading ability is required to do the exercises. This book is an excellent resource for the jazz vocalist seeking to develop their style.

Chapters: Rhythmic Considerations, Melodic Considerations, Melodic Solos, Vocal Bass Lines, Vocal Drum Articulations, Solo A Cappella Technique, Sing Along Patterns, Vocal Drum Grooves