Mama Foundation School

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Vy Higginsen and "Gospel for Teens" Performance

Executive Director Vy Higginsen and Gospel for Teens Choir in performance at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Harlem, New York City, 2006. Photo credit: G.N. Miller.

Professional Development The School of Gospel, Jazz and R&B Arts trains talented singers, musicians and arrangers. We help develop singers’ vocal power and stage presence as well as teach a substantial musical repertoire. Participants have the opportunity to develop the habits and attitudes that create success in any endeavor.

Everyone wants to sing! Whether you desire to sing professionally, express yourself in a worship service, or sing in the shower, singing provides an emotional and spiritual release. The School for Gospel, Jazz and R&B Arts supports the beginner, seasoned singer, those who sing for joy or those who want to professionally to fine-tune their vocal instrument.

Instructor Ulysses Slaughter in performance.

Instructor Ulysses Slaughter in performance. Photo credit: G.N. Miller.

Ulysses Slaughter served as our vocal instructor from 2001-2008. He expressed his musical talent in the church, jazz clubs, the theater and the concert hall with equal dignity and ease. Although we miss him, his legacy enriches us still. This scholarship fund was started by a fellow musician. If you would like to donate online to the scholarship fund, please use the button below.

Sing Harlem Sing! Spring 2009

Private Instructor Alana Alexander performs in Sing Harlem Sing! Spring, 2009. Photo credit: G.N. Miller.

Mama Foundation for the Arts
Vy Higginsen's School of Gospel, Jazz and R&B Arts
149 West 126th Street
New York, NY 10027
(212) 280-1045

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Photo of Harold O'Neal

Harold O'Neal at the Mama Foundation. Photo credit: Anaiis Cisco.

Everyone has music inside. Drawing from the traditions of gospel, jazz, and R&B, we will tap into and raise up the inner musician. We will improvise, communicate, and express our authentic musical selves. The benefits of this workshop are fun, strengthening the vocals, relaxation, stress reduction, and building community.

Join us every Wednesday at The Mama Foundation for the Arts. You can stop in for just one class or for all sessions!

Instructor Harold O'Neal's career took off when he started touring with Jazz Saxophonist Bobby Watson in 2001. Since then Harold has established a name for himself in the international jazz scene performing with jazz greats such as Wynton Marsalis, Elvin Jones, Kenny Garrett, Roy Hargrove, Jeff Tain Watts, and Clark Terry. 2003 marked his major label recording debut on Greg Osby's St. Louis Shoes for Blue Note Records. This fall, Harold can be seen on HBO in Martin Scorsese's Boardwalk Empire portraying a character based on the legendary James P. Johnson.

Wednesdays, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2010
7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Mama Foundation for the Arts
149 West 126th Street
Harlem, New York, NY 10027

$20 per session

			For June 2 session
			For June 9 session
			For June 16 session
			For June 23 session
			For June 30 session

I loved it! Ulysses [the instructor] is gifted and a lot of fun."
—Wanda, Bronx, NY

Although I was a little nervous about singing with other people, I felt welcomed and encouraged to express myself."
—Trevor, Forest Hills, NY

Singing with others is different from singing alone in the shower, but now I’m considering joining my church choir."
—Sammie, Brooklyn, NY

I consider myself a fairly good singer, but I learned that I had a very bad habit of singing on my throat. I was delighted to hear the difference in my voice after changing my technique."
—Andre, Harlem, NY

The most valuable lesson I learned involved proper breathing. I always thought I was an alto and was shocked to discover that I could actually sing soprano!"
—LaShonda, Harlem. NY

Jazz Singer

Singer from Let Me Off in Harlem. Photo credit: G.N. Miller.

For Individuals or Groups

• Improve vocal range
• Expand vocal dynamics
• Develop confidence
• Sing without damage to vocal chords
• Refine interpretation and style
• Step out of the choir or group and
sing solo
• Preparation for auditions and
performances

Hands writing music

Photo credit: G.N. Miller.

Appointments

Call for an appointment: 212-280-1045

You will be matched with the vocal coach who most suits your needs. Payment for private lessons is by cash only, due at the beginning of each lesson.

Photo of Alana Alexander Private Instruction
Alana Alexander
Vocal Coach
$30 for 30 minute session
$45 for 45 minute session

Alana Alexander’s musical background reflects her early exposure to musical influences such as gospel, soul, Latin, calypso and classical. Her first album, I Feel Misty, introduced her to audiences in the United States, Canada, Panama, Spain, France, Japan, and the Caribbean. Alana’s performance credits include Carnegie Hall, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and the International Association for Jazz Educators Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. Alana earned her music degree at the Manhattan School of Music in New York City and possesses a natural gift for lyrical interpretation.

Photo of Knoelle Higginson Private Instruction
Knoelle Higginson
Vocal Coach
$30 for 30 minute session

Knoelle Higginson has toured all over the world with Mama, I Want to Sing, and performed the leading role in Bermuda, Japan, and New York. She has worked consistently in New York theater and is a recent graduate of The American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) and Manhattan School of Music. She also serves as an instructor and music director for Mama's Gospel for Teens art education program. Find more information on Knoelle on her personal site.

Jazz Singer

Jazz singer. Photo credit: Jon Gorr, iStockphoto

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