This bachelor thesis concerns an analysis of the concept of lyric improvisation, meaning improvising over the melody and lyrics of a jazz standard within the classic vocal jazz tradition. In order to explore this concept, I have studied the use of melody alteration in the song “Mean to Me” as performed by the renowned jazz vocalists; Sarah Vaughan, Betty Carter, and Ella Fitzgerald. After transcribing one chorus each from the three singers, where they improvised melodically and rhythmically while maintaining the lyric, I discovered specific vocal improvisational tools they all used, which I then formulated into a list. The list divided the tools into three categories; melodic, rhythmic, and lyric-related tools. Then I practiced applying these tools to my craft as a jazz vocalist and later presented my adaption of the concept of lyric improvisation in a concert at the Royal College of Music in Stockholm. In conclusion, studying vocal tools for lyrical improvisation made me discover that it’s not merely the selection of tools but how one uses and combines the tools that define a jazz vocalist’s individualistic, improvisational style. / <p>Repertoar:</p><p>Mean to Me (Fred E. Ahlert/Roy Turk)</p><p>Medley: I Love You/What is This Thing Called Love (Cole Porter)</p><p>The Month of May (Emmalisa Hallander)</p><p>Leaving or Arriving (Emmalisa Hallander)</p><p>But Not for Me (George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin)</p><p>Lush Life (Billy Strayhorn)</p><p></p><p>Medverkande musiker:</p><p>Emmalisa Hallander - sång</p><p>Milos Lindegren - piano</p><p>Jakob Ulmestrand - kontrabas</p><p>Henrik Jäderberg - trummor</p>

While the concept of teaching jazz style to vocal students is not a new one, previous materials written on the subject have not addressed two important aspects of this process. One is the concept of selecting jazz vocal solo repertoire that is both musically and vocally purposeful and appropriate for the student. The other is how to teach stylistic concepts that will apply to both current repertoire as well as songs the student will learn in the future. This doctoral essay provides both a categorized list of solo jazz vocal repertoire as well as strategies for introducing stylistic elements of jazz into the private-lesson setting. Through a systematic analysis of jazz vocal standards, a list of repertoire selections was categorized by rhythmic style, melodic range, melodic harmony, melodic rhythm, and harmonic content. In addition, the stylistic need to add syncopations to swing songs with non-syncopated melodies was addressed. Suggestions are included on how to implement this categorized list in the music selection process for students. Furthermore, this essay provides jazz voice teachers with strategies to efficiently incorporate important aspects of jazz styles such as rhythmic feel, song form, improvisation, and harmony into the lesson setting. By showing connections between these concepts and the literature that is being taught, students can become more competent and confident within the vocal and stylistic elements of the jazz idiom.