Masterclasses and Workshops by Jeffrey Allen

Jeffrey Allen conducts workshops as a guest instructor at university programs, colleges, conservatories, and retreats. Workshop topics include vocal performance, mock auditions, video technique analysis, song arc and story telling, mic technique, effective practice strategies, rehearsal tips, and more.

Performance Workshop

This workshop offers singers the opportunity to perform in a group setting with their peers. It emphasizes the importance of producing vocal tones enhanced by imagination and emotion to effectively convey a song’s story to the audience. Special attention is given to incorporating each singer’s personality and unique life experiences into their performance. The workshop also covers elements of style and stage presence through the analysis of each participant’s song selection.

Topics of discussion often include:

  • Integrating hands and general body movement

  • Mic technique

  • Relaxation strategies

  • Understanding song arc and storytelling

The sessions focus on recognizing tension, addressing it, and systematically alleviating performance nerves through proper preparation. Emphasis is placed on song shaping to achieve an overall expressive performance. This masterclass is designed for skilled intermediate and advanced singers.

Video Technique Analysis

This class involves examining each student’s singing technique through video recording and playback, focusing on mechanics, acoustics, and physiology. It is a technique-oriented class where singers manage technical issues during live performances. Immediate playback and group critiques allow all participants to benefit from peer problem-solving.

Key elements include:

• Breath control and support

• Tone initiation

• Placement

• Vowel modifications

• Blending tonal colors

• Advanced high voice techniques

• Proper mic techniques

Special song selections may be assigned to introduce appropriate levels of difficulty. Vocalists learn to resolve technical issues on the fly and apply proven techniques from the Jeffrey Allen Method to enhance vocal stamina, emotional commitment, consistency, and power.

Practice Clinic

These sessions aim to develop and improve rehearsal procedures for singers preparing for rehearsals, recordings, or live performances. Problem-solving skills are suggested for solo vocalists and ensembles, focusing on both private practice and live rehearsal settings.

Topics covered include:

• Effective use of rehearsal time

• Resolving individual vocal issues

• Improving tonal qualities and blend in ensemble rehearsals or backup vocals

Mock Auditions

This training focuses on effectively handling live audition situations. Being able to audition successfully is crucial for entry into school and university programs, as well as for landing stage roles. Successfully auditioning for band openings and opportunities to sing for film, TV, and commercials is also covered. Special attention is given to maximizing emotional expression in a short amount of time.

In these sessions, singers learn to:

• Manage audition nerves

• Sing, act, and move confidently

• Thrive under high pressure

Specific tips include:

• Effective body language

• Bold storytelling

• Prepping for technical consistency in a compressed timeframe.