The Joy of Vintage Jazz Vocals

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The Joy of Vintage Jazz Vocals *

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6-week Online Intensive for Singers at All Stages

BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!
More coaching, more feedback, more practice tools. You’re going to love Round 4 of JVJV 🧡🎙️

~ Kimberly

📣 Attention all jazz singers, songbook enthusiasts, and aspiring entertainers!

⬇️

Step behind the curtain for a transformative six-week masterclass with American Songbook expert, Kimberly Hawkey. Open to active performers and emerging artists alike, this intimate program focuses on hands-on growth and backstage connection.

Ready to refine your vocal skills, expand your songbook knowledge, grow your repertoire, and leave with the confidence and poise of a pro?

WEEKLY COHORT:
TUESDAYS AT 6:00PM ET (90MIN)
FEBRUARY 3RD - MARCH 10TH

ENROLLMENT CLOSED

Questions? Email kimberly@visionaryvocalist.com

Sing like you —

— Sing like you

Sing like

Sing like YOU!

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Over six weeks you’ll:

  • Discover the tricks, techniques and secrets behind the greatest jazz vocals of all time

  • Learn to replicate vintage phrasing, tone, vibrato, rhythm, and feel in your own singing

  • Master 5 jazz standards in their original version from the top-down - with pro guidance

  • Study historic recordings, as well as lesser-known issues, by vocal legends

  • Practice counting off tunes, choosing your key, and creating your own arrangements

  • Break down the lyrics, structure, chords and verses for each song, as well as common intros, endings, and customs!

Joy of Jazz

Joy of Jazz

Develop your own, vintage-style interpretations of popular jazz standards!

ENROLLMENT CLOSED

DEVELOP
YOUR OWN
STYLE

Grow your jazz repertoire with handpicked standards and personalized guidance to make you shine!

What’s included:

  • Lifetime access to weekly recordings, resources, and more

  • 8 live group classes with voice coach, music director and songbook expert, Kimberly Hawkey

  • Playbacks and Leadsheets in multiple keys for 4 handpicked jazz standards

  • Weekly singing exercises and homework to support your learning

  • Private Online Community for video feedback, connection and inspiration

  • Curated YouTube Playlist with recommended listening

  • Virtual performance opportunity at the end of the course to showcase your favorite song!

BONUS: 1:1 Repertoire Call with Kimberly to identify your range, voice type and preferred keys

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Sample Vintage Jazz Vocal Set List

**Songs, Format and Weekly Themes Subject to Change

WARM-UP

Orientation

Let’s set the stage for “The Joy of Vintage Jazz Vocals!” Your instructor, Kimberly Hawkey, will guide you through the course portal ensuring you’re comfortable accessing all the resources you’ll need for a successful learning experience. This includes playbacks, lead sheets, and recordings for practice and reference. Kimberly will also introduce the core vocal tools you’ll be refining throughout the course, which will help you capture the essence of vintage jazz vocal style. This orientation, like all classes, will be recorded if you can’t join us live.

WEEK 1: BROADWAY

What Is This Thing Called Love? (1929)

Cole Porter

Refine the art of learning a song! In week one, we’ll demystify written music with a “leadsheet cheatsheet”. You’ll be shown the secrets of memorization, aural skills, and notation. Already a leadsheet pro? Walk away with tips for creating your own arrangement.


+ Q&A
+ Homework & Listening Guides

WEEK 2: NYC JAZZ CLUB

Misty (1954)

Erroll Garner / Johnny Burke

Great singing requires more than just the right notes. Week three is all about delivering a heartfelt ballad with energy, connection & intention.


+ Q&A
+ Homework & Listening Guides

WEEK 3: HOLLYWOOD

That Old Feeling (1937)

Sammy Fain / Lew Brown

Celebrate the greatest crooners of all time by breaking down this iconic song. Use their versions to inspire rhythm, phrasing & feel in your own singing.


+ Q&A
+ Homework & Listening Guides

WEEK 4: TRAD & BLUES

St. Louis Blues (1914)

W.C. Handy

This early tune is a cornerstone of the American Songbook and a rite of passage for many musicians. Learn to sing a blues with improvisation, individuality, and lyricism as timeless as the song itself.


+ Q&A
+ Homework & Listening Guides

WEEK 5

Singer’s Choice

New for 2026! Bring in a Songbook selection of your choice or choose from Kimberly’s list of hundreds of “must-learn” tunes. This week is all about your individual style. Apply the “9 Steps for Learning Songs” formula to your own practice and get feedback to keep you growing your repertoire and performing like a pro!


+ Q&A
+ Homework & Listening Guides

WEEK 6

Performance Masterclass

Step into the spotlight and refine your signature sound. Choose a standard from our sessions or another you’ve been itching to master. We’ll work together to polish your arrangements and practice making sophisticated style choices in real time. This is your dedicated space to ask burning questions, experiment with new techniques, and receive the expert feedback needed to sing with true confidence.

BONUS

Songbook Studio Performer Pass (VIP)

Enjoy a three-month pass to the VIP tier of Visionary Vocalist’s signature community ($400+ value). Here, you’ll receive regular prompts and weekly asynchronous feedback from Kimberly on your practice recordings as well as support and applause from your songbook singer peers.

POST-SESSION (TBA)

The Joyful Jazz Club (Optional)

Celebrate your progress with a pressure-free virtual concert where you can share your version of a song from class and/or listen to other singers test out their new skills. This final showcase will be followed by reflections and a wrap-up ritual so you can take what you learned to the next stage!

Bonus

Book your 30-minute Private Repertoire Call with Kimberly ($90 value) to discuss your goals for the course, receive customized practice suggestions and choose your keys for the song selections. You’ll feel ready to master any song!

SIGN ME UP!

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Each week we will deconstruct an entire song, discussing:

You'll learn

You'll learn

  • Melody

  • Lyrics

  • Song Form

  • Chords

  • Tempo

  • Rhythm

  • Feel

  • Style

  • Key

  • Context

  • Songwriters

  • Iconic Version & Vocalists

  • Instrumental Versions

  • Improvisation / Variations

  • Commonly mis-learned lyrics and melodies

  • Common Practices

  • Arrangement Suggestions

SMALL CLASS SIZE

Limited to 10 singers for personalized attention

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By the end of this course you will:

  • Have everything you need to sing 5 songs with a jazz band

  • Feel more confident in a jazz style

  • Know how to break down jazz standards

  • Learn timeless standards to add to your repertoire

  • Have an excuse to practice new songs and have FUN

  • Develop a more personal relationship with your voice

  • Understand how to read a leadsheet

  • Have the tools to make any song feel like your own

  • Be able to sing more authentically in a vintage jazz style

  • Gain a better understanding of vintage jazz music and history

  • Expand your capacity for self-expression and joy

SIGN ME UP!

LIVE CLASS DATES & TIMES:

Tuesdays at 6:00pm ET

Classes are 90 minutes long. All sessions are recorded.
Drop-In Reviews are scheduled for Thursdays at 1pm ET
Asynchronous feedback available weekly in the course hub.

Looking for other class times? Email support@visionaryvocalist.com to submit a request.

Class 1:
Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026 at 6pm ET

Class 2:
Tuesday, February 10th, 2026 at 6pm ET

Class 3:
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026 at 6pm ET

Drop-In Review:
Thursday, February 19th, 2026 at 1pm ET

Class 4:
Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 at 6pm ET

Class 5:
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 at 6pm ET

Drop-In Review:
Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at 1pm ET

Performance Masterclass:
Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 at 6:00pm ET

“Joyful Jazz Club” Virtual Recital:
TBA

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Experience the joy of vintage jazz vocals

INCLUDES:

  • 1:1 call with Kimberly

  • 8 live group classes with replay access

  • Playbacks and leadsheets for 4 handpicked standards

  • Weekly singing exercises and homework

  • Personalized feedback from Kimberly

  • Course portal

  • Group chat

  • Curated playlists

  • Review sessions

  • Performance opportunity

3 payments of

$400

Sign Me Up!

OR

One-Time Payment

$1200

Sign Me Up!

USE CODE: ELLINGTON FOR $250 OFF THROUGH SUNDAY 2/1 ON EITHER PLAN

More payment plans available through Affirm and Klarna during checkout. For questions, contact support@visionaryvocalist.com

The Complete Visionary Vocalist Experience:

Book the Golden Age Performance Retreat (March 12th through March 15th) and get the course for half-price.

email support@visionaryvocalist.com to reserve

Testimonials

  • "I enrolled in The Joy of Vintage Jazz Vocals hoping to explore the fundamentals of jazz singing and gain a deeper understanding of phrasing, improvisation, and authentic delivery. Not only did I achieve those goals, but I also discovered a newfound freedom in my melodic variations and rhythmic choices.

    Kim's expert guidance and the supportive atmosphere created by the class members helped me build my confidence and develop my skills. I especially appreciated the opportunity to listen to Kim's interpretations of the songs and learn from the insights of the other singers.

    I'm grateful for the valuable experience I gained in this class. The combination of informative content, a fun and engaging atmosphere, and the encouragement from Kim made it a truly enjoyable learning experience."

    Michelle

  • “My confidence skyrocketed 100% after taking Kimberly’s class. I was blown away by the depth of knowledge she shared about each song's history and the singers who made it famous. I also loved the supportive and encouraging atmosphere created by the other students.

    The weekly recording deadlines provided a sense of accountability and helped me stay motivated. Kimberly even provided me with the perfect key for each song and even included a track in that key so I could sing along and add the sheet music to my repertoire. This was a huge help and made the learning process so much easier.

    Creatively, this course was one of the best things I've ever done for myself. Thank you, Kimberly, for putting this together. I had a blast and can't wait for the next one!"

    Susan

  • "Kim's Vintage Jazz Vocal course was a game-changer. My singing became more nuanced and creative, with a wider range of sounds and timbres at my disposal. I gained greater confidence in my voice and my ability to express myself authentically.

    I loved the carefully curated playlists, rehearsal tracks, and live sessions that allowed us to dive deep into each song. The community of talented singers was incredibly inspiring and supportive."

    Nancy

  • "I felt like I was in a college music course. I loved that it was a pure learning environment that felt safe. Kimberly and her guest teachers are super professionals and do-ers in their field. I have more confidence in my ability to really understand new songs and build intimate connections with them. The class helped me uncover more of my jazz sound!"

    DeAnna

  • I loved this course and recommend it to anyone at any level! Kimberly makes everyone feel seen and her love for vintage jazz is contagious. The weekly listening helped broaden my jazz vocabulary and learn the styles of so many more vocalists. It was so fun learning alongside the same familiar faces each week. It felt like a real community!

    Riley

  • — Susan Berkley, Owner, Greatvoice.com

    “Kimberly has changed my musical life. I love how supported and comfortable I feel working with her. When we started, I was struggling mostly with confidence. Now I'm now preparing a set list for live performances and auditioning for masterclasses. It's thrilling for both my personal and spiritual development.”

  • — Ruby Bolaria Shifrin, Social Justice Leader & Music Salon Organizer

    “Kimberly is an amazing intuitive teacher who makes you feel comfortable and meets you where you're at. She made me feel great and made our sessions fun as well as informative. Whether you're a professional singer or just looking to do something for yourself Kimberly's mentoring will help you improve. Her sessions are a great way to escape and unlock a more creative side.”

HELLO VINTAGE SONG LOVER,

I’m Kimberly Hawkey, time-traveling jazz singer, vocal coach, and Founder of Visionary Vocalist.

Confession: jazz wasn’t always on my radar.

Musical theater and classical piano filled my childhood, with the comfort of pre-written melodies. But landing in New York City, the energy of jazz was impossible to ignore. The freedom it offered was exhilarating, yet daunting. Where do I even begin? Picking the "right" tunes and"sitting in" with bands felt like a whole new language. I could sight-read a Mozart sonata, but being spontaneous while singing a constantly morphing jazz standard? Talk about terrifying!

But the songs were so rich and magnetic that I couldn’t stay away. So, armed with determination (and some really bad charts!), I dove head first into the American Songbook. Countless nights were spent listening to brilliant musicians and adapting to the freedom and flexibility of improv. Gigs became my training ground. Every shaky performance, every missed note, a lesson learned. But amidst the stumbles, there were moments of pure magic - a scat solo that landed perfectly, a soulful ballad that suspended the whole room. Showbiz bliss!

Building my career wasn't about chasing a spotlight.

It was about the sheer, unadulterated joy of singing jazz.

Sharing the stage with incredible musicians and re-interpreting the most-loved songs of the century is where I truly discovered my voice.

Gold Medal
American Traditions Vocal Competition

2X
Cabaret Showdown Champion

Winner
Johnny Mercer Award

Performer
Birdland Jazz Club, Zinc Bar, Plaza Hotel, Iridium, Jazz Festivals

15 Years
Leading jazz ensembles, crafting live shows, singing with world-famous big bands

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Crafting stories in the moment and connecting with audiences through the timeless language of improvisation is a joy that every singer should know!

SIGN ME UP!

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Some of the artists we’ll celebrate and explore

IN THE ART OF VINTAGE JAZZ VOCALS

  • Fats Waller

  • Billie Holiday

  • Billy Eckstine

  • Vera Lynn

  • Bing Crosby

  • Doris Day

  • Helen Forrest

  • Sarah Vaughn

  • Mel Torme

  • Nat King Cole

  • Ella Fitzgerald

  • Julie London

  • Steve Lawrence

  • Johnny Hartman

  • Dean Martin

  • Al Bowlly

  • Louis Prima

  • Keely Smith

  • June Christy

  • Johnny Mercer

  • Cole Porter

  • Nelson Riddle

  • Sammy Davis Jr.

  • Anita O’Day

  • Dinah Shore

  • Tony Bennett

  • Frank Sinatra

  • Louis Armstrong

  • Peggy Lee

  • Rosemary Clooney

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FAQ's

FAQ's

FAQ

  • I designed this course for singers of all levels interested in vintage jazz vocals as well as enthusiasts who want to deepen their appreciation of jazz singing.

    Due to the nature of this virtual course, you may choose to participate as much or as little as you like during the feedback sessions, Q&As, and final performance.

    Some participants may be pursuing performance careers and some may be exploring a new style to broaden their horizons.

    We also welcome those who want to learn a new skill but don’t plan to sing for others. The final performance is optional.

    Because of the intimate class size, additional prompts may be given for advanced students.

  • The 1:1 call with Kimberly is 30-minutes and scheduled by mutual availability. Kimberly will reach out to you to schedule.

    Weekly sessions are 90-minutes. Drop-in Reviews are 60-minutes and you are welcome to come and go as you please when you need the support.

  • Classes meet once per week on Tuesdays at 6:00pm EST. Drop-In Reviews are Thursdays at 1:00pm EST

    After enrollment, you’ll receive a link to schedule your 1:1 call with Kimberly.

  • Not to worry! All classes will be recorded and uploaded into the course portal, which you’ll have full, on-demand access to.

    You can visit the portal and catch up whenever you want.

  • The Joy of Vintage Jazz Vocals is a one-time payment of $1200 or three monthly payments of $400.

    The cost includes:

    • 8 live classes

    • Showcase opportunity

    • Access to the course portal

    • Session replay recordings

    • Leadsheets

    • Playback tracks

    • Resources

    • A 1:1 session with Kimberly ($90 value)

  • Refunds are allowed within 7 days of payment.

    Email support@visionaryvocalist.com with any concerns. We’ll be happy to do what we can to help.

  • For this course, it is recommended that you have access to both a personal computer and a smartphone, both with internet access, camera, and microphone . We'll be using the following programs, which are designed to be user-friendly for all levels of tech savviness:

    • Google Meet Video Conference (works in a computer browser or in an app for iOS/Android)

    • Circle Community (works in a computer browser or in an app for iOS/Android) for

    Kimberly will demonstrate each program during Orientation and provide tech support (limited) throughout the duration of the course. Please email support@visionaryvocalist.com if you require additional accommodations or have further questions.

  • Still want to know more? Not sure this is the right program for you? Email me at kimberly@visionaryvocalist.com.

    I’d love to hear from you and give you my recommendations!

Historical photos taken by William P. Gottlieb between 1938-1948 - the "Golden Age of Jazz". Courtesy of the Library of Congress.