The dissertation researches the contemporary jazz vocalist Kurt Elling. His background, performing career and successes are explored before his artistry as a performer and pedagogue are examined in detail. A personal Skype lesson and a personal interview form part of the research material. Elling’s improvisatory art and his relationship with and opinions on scatting, and especially jazz vocalese are portrayed. To this end the author’s transcription of Elling’s vocalese based on Downtown (by Russel Ferrante) is included. Elling’s influence, creativity, spirituality and infusion of poetry into jazz are also investigated in order to show how he inspires audiences and students alike. The history of, and general descriptions of various jazz vocal styles are traced, whereafter the situation regarding the jazz vocal scene in South Africa is outlined. Local jazz vocal teaching in particular, and associated problems are discussed, and recommendations made. The author utilises her background as an accomplished performer and teacher to infuse these discussions with personal insights. Elling’s opinions on how cultural and ethnic differences can inspire South African jazz vocalists are also delineated. / Dissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / lmchunu2014 / Music / unrestricted

The purpose of my research was to develop and strengthen my personality in music as a vocalist, so I would be able to freely let it out during any musical encounter. My base for the research was a duet with guitarist Mikael Máni Ásmundsson, but it was during a rehearsal with him that I realised for the first time I even had a musical personality – that I liked. Before, I had often felt uncomfortable and tense when playing music and not sure who I was as an artist. I limited myself to working with West Coast jazz, jazz standards, and lyrical improvisation, and I used various methods such as transcribing, ear-training in multiple forms, and improvisation exercises, to develop my musical personality. The research resulted in a nine-song album that Mikael Máni and I created in 2020 under the artist-name Tendra. That album is my examination project. I learned a great deal from the experience. I gained self-confidence, independence trust and calmness during this journey, and at last I feel comfortable with who I am as an artist – my musical personality has finally moved in.

5 ABSTRACT Romani folk song is not generally known among Czech population, which is a reason why this thesis in its theoretical part tries to familiarize with its origin, describe historical development of Romani music and divide songs according to functions and close geographical areas of its occurrence, so that a comprehensive picture can be created for the readers. The following part brings analysis of five Romani dance songs, which are described musically, textually and semantically. This section is based on various songbooks and audio recordings to create as authentic a version of a song as possible. The songs are enriched of sheet music together with lyrics and harmonisation for better possibilities of their application. The thesis continues with a suggestion of eventual means of application of Romani folk songs in vocal, musical and physical education. Moreover, there are described analysed songs with Romani scatting suggestions, typical features of expression, dance steps and rhythmical moves, which are typically observed in Romani culture. The dance steps are added in a form of textual description as well as short video recordings to become easily comprehensible. The main aim of the work is to point out the vibrant and energetic character of Romani songs, to unite Roma with majority population and...